Job Satisfaction

Good Monday Morning!  Are you excited to face Monday Morning?  If so, you more than likely find great enjoyment and satisfaction in your work.  The more fulfillment you feel, the greater your energy and enthusiasm and probability of success!

The unfortunate thing is that you are in the minority.  According to recent research only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their work.  This percentage is surprising considering the economy and large percentage of people out of work. This is the lowest level of job satisfaction in the past twenty years.  Why is this happening?  What can we do to increase our job approval and satisfaction?  I have only two words for you…”Have Fun”!

Those two words brought many smiles to my face over the years.  Here is a brief background.  I once had the pleasure of working for a leader who had a number of the traits that the elite leaders in the 20^th century possessed.  (See “Qualities of Leadership ~ March 3, 2012 blog)  “Have Fun” was the sign off that this manager finished off with all communications.  Whether it was "In person", on the phone or written communications it always ended with the same two words…”Have Fun”.  I am not sure if this manager ever realized how important those two words impacted my job satisfaction, enjoyment and passion for my career over the years.  In this blog, I just want to personally thank this mentor with a following audience that is now over 2,000 people strong.  Those two words has meant a lot to me over the years and although I have had some "less than ideal" days, I feel truly blessed  that my overwhelming experience has been simply sensational!

The takeaway for job satisfaction, at least for me, is to make sure that you enjoy what you are doing.  When you do what you truly love in your job, team and company, your odds of success are much greater.  You have endless energy, enjoyment and a special “passion for success”. A side effect of your personal enjoyment is that the people around you also benefit.  It is contagious, they get along better as teammates and they look forward to learning from you and following your example.  When you find satisfaction in what you are doing, it helps you make sound decisions and be stress-free.

 

Beyond those two words that I have been fortunate to have heard countless times, I offer the following as ways for you to find job enrichment and enjoyment!

Keep a Franklin List ~ Write down both the positives and the “needs improvement” parts of the job that you are doing.  It is generally after a decision is made about employment when we realize the many things that we truly appreciated.  By listing these positives down and reflecting on them from time to time you will keep yourself focused on the many good things that we often take for granted.

Get to know your Colleagues and Teammates ~ Particularly in sales where you do not have an office environment, relationship building offers significant challenges in getting to know your colleagues.   Take full advantage of sales meetings and conferences to mingle and socialize with your peers.  This can offer a wealth of support in challenging times and also “friendly ear” that we all need from time to time.  This grouping can also have profound impact as far as sharing ‘best practices”.

Lose the “Intensity” ~ There is a difference between working hard and working intensely.  Have fun and enjoy the moment.  The more “loose” you are the better then environment for all to prosper.

Don’t ever forget where you came from ~ “take a walk in their shoes” and always empathize with your people. Take time to think about positions that you had that you were not very passionate about.  (More than likely something that you did to help pay the bills when you were in school).  Keep those thoughts about the initial jobs in your mind.  How was your manager?  What were you required to do?  Remind yourself about your present position and the many positives that you wrote down on your Franklin List.  These moments of positive reinforcement will help you realize how fortunate you are and keep your mind from focusing on negative aspects of your position. 

              Have Fun!