I just finished another of Daniel Pink’s bestsellers: “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing”. Excellent piece of work. I would highly recommend.
Towards the end of the book he touches upon a very interesting subject: When is the right time to leave your job?
With my focus on hiring A-Player and getting the most out of them – I found his findings very timely and relevant.
Whilst leaving a job may sound like a big and risky move, staying in the job that isn’t right for you – is even worse.
If you are not 100% sure whether the current job is right for you – here are three questions to help you decide.
If you answered more than one with a ‘no’ – it might be time to craft an end.
1) Is your current job both demanding and in your control?
The most fulfilling jobs share the common trait – they prod us to work at our highest level, but in the way that we – and not someone else – are in control.
Jobs that are demanding, but don’t offer autonomy burn us out.
Jobs that offer autonomy, but little challenge, bore us.
And jobs that are neither demanding nor in our control are the worst of all. Avoid them like a plague.
If your job doesn’t provide both challenge and autonomy – and there is nothing you can do to make things better – consider a move.
2) Does your boss allow you to do your best work?
If your boss has your back, takes responsibility instead of blaming others, encourages your best efforts, but also gets out of your way and displays a sense of humor rather than a raging temper – you are probably in a good place.
If your boss is the opposite – watch out and maybe get out.
3) Does your daily work align with your long term goals?
When your individual goals align with those of your organization – you’re happier and more productive.
So take a moment and list your TOP 2 or 3 goals for the next 5 years and 10 years. If your current employer can help you reach them – great, if not – think about an ending.
Dear Splento Team, if your answer to even one of them is a “no”, please come and talk to me urgently.
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