Many talented leaders report feeling overworked and underappreciated—and are seriously thinking about changing jobs. If this sounds like you, be sure to watch Bobbie LaPorte’s July 18 “Your Best Next Move” video for a few simple questions to ask yourself before you say, “I’m outta here!”
Transcript of Your Best Next Move: Talented Leaders – Are You Contemplating a Move?
Hi everyone, Bobbie LaPorte here again with my weekly leadership tip for your Best Next Move, where I help you see continuing curveballs as an opportunity. This year, I will help you actively use your personal agency to accelerate what you want to accomplish in 2022.
Last week I wrote about ways to use “strength-spotting” to help your team members tap into skills that could provide new career options in your company. This week…I want to take another perspective on changing jobs in this market.
Have you ever been so angry and disappointed with your manager, or other leadership in the company, that you just said: “That’s it – I’m outta here!”?
It seems I am having a lot of conversations recently with talented leaders who are so frustrated with situations in their companies that they are finding it untenable….and seriously contemplating a move.
I’m guessing most of us have felt that way one time or another. Maybe we were passed over for a promotion that we felt we had earned, or we worked for a micromanager who wanted to be involved in every little detail of our work, or our company implemented a policy we were very strongly opposed to.
It could be any number of things that rile us up to the point where we say “Enough” – particularly now when many of us are re-evaluating what work means to us, we are still under a heavy cognitive load, and we see greener pastures elsewhere.
The question you may be asking yourself is: “Is this really where I want to be?”
No one can answer that question but you; and there are many factors involved in a major decision like this.
Here is some guidance for you before you jump ship.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is your work making an impact – however you define that for yourself?
- Is your work valued in the organization?
- Are you learning and progressing – to the point where taking on new things actually feels uncomfortable?
- MOST IMPORTANTLY: are the organization’s values aligned with yours? More and more this is becoming a determining factor for many executives.
It is important to continually monitor your progress vs. your goals; and also to consider the time investment you will need to make, and the learning curve you will have starting a role in a different company.
So, here are my additional tips:
Ask yourself these questions when you are not upset or in an emotionally charged situation. And make sure you get advice and guidance from an objective third party who can challenge your assumptions and biases, and help you see what options you have.
You have – and must use – your personal agency to determine what’s your “best next move.” Just make sure you take unhelpful emotions out of the decision-making process.
That’s my tip for this week. Please also check out my “Summer Slowdown” tips on LinkedIn each Thursday…to help you make the most of this summer.
Have a great week; I’ll see you next Monday.