Do You Know Yourself?

"There are three Things extremely hard, Steel, a Diamond, and to know one's self."
– Benjamin Franklin

As you go on day to day, from one year to another, what is it that you are working towards? Is what you’re doing taking you closer to where you want to be, or is it taking you further and further? Look at your superiors (boss, parents, pastor, mentor, etc.), and think of whether you would want to be like them someday, or do you get excited envisioning yourself as somebody else? Some of you may have wonderful leaders in your life whom you aspire to, but some of you do not. If you hate the job of your manager, but are working towards that position yourself, chances are, you are probably not heading in the direction you want.

Many people expend most of their energy into serving the demands of family, community and society, and never take the time to ponder on the unique person they are, and what their unique purpose in life is. Perhaps, because these questions often do not give us straightforward answers is why we shy away from them. However, do the questions actually tell us more than simple answers could? Are we working so hard to please the (sometimes unspoken) expectations of our family, community & society that we are feeling listless and sometimes wonder what the meaning of life is?

Of course, having a sense of belonging is an important motivator in our lives. We all want to be part of community, and that desire is not a bad one. But, have you pretended to like something just because everyone in the group likes that? Are you in a job or studying a degree that you would have never picked for yourself, outside the influence of friends, family or society? Are you doing something just because it seems like the “Australian” (or Asian or Hispanic, etc.) thing to do?

Sometimes, it is our responsibilities (children, house, etc.) which have got us to pursue a career path we are not the least excited about. And since we’ve been stuck in it for such a long time, is it realistic to think we could ever get out of the rut? “I’ve got bills to pay and mouths to feed, you know!”

Yet, you do owe it to yourself, and to those around you, to get to know yourself, so you can live authentically and passionately. Knowing yourself does not always mean throwing away your career, family & community, but it does mean thinking of things in a different way and perhaps, doing things in a different way. Work out what you are passionate about and gifted in, and you could approach your current job with a whole different angle. If serving others is a passion of yours, think of your work as you contributing to others’ lives or to the order of things, and fuel your passion for work with the thoughts and attitudes that align better with your philosophy of life. That would affect greatly how you treat others and improve your sense of satisfaction from what you are doing.

For those of you who do not yet have a whole lot of responsibilities, rethinking your life and making the choices towards getting where you truly want to get is something you would want to consider. You are unique, and only you can fill the role that you are supposed to fill. If you do not, others who need you are missing out on that! Do yourself and others a favour and get to know yourself today.

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Lainey Weiss, General Counsellor (on Student Placement)
BEng (Hons), GDipTheol, GDipCouns(c)
T. 9639 3875; 0423 387 182; E. lainey@counselcc.net.au

http://appointment.counselcc.net.au.

Take Action Over Stress

By Paul Kelly, a Principal of The Channel Group, a leadership and coaching practice An excerpt of an article that appeared in THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW on 24 April 2012. Reproduced with permission. With thanks to Mr Paul Kelly. 

In more than a quarter of a century of advising management and boards, I don’t believe I have ever seen the levels of stress among employees higher than it is today. 

It’s a confluence of events that has its origin in the global financial crisis that, inexorably, has rippled to every corner of business and commerce in the Western world. 

Company leaders themselves are under pressure to manage costs (read, reduce costs) and, by whatever it takes, to maintain cost-income ratios. 

This pressure, exerted from above, pushes down relentlessly on workforces and many Individuals struggle to cope. 

One of my clients recently explained she was responsible for four functions, she had 17 direct reports and no time to manage, let alone to lead … 

The impact of stress on staff is demonstrable and manifests itself in a number of ways. One option for leaders is to ignore the stress their people are under and put up with the consequences, one of which is unintended staff turnover of perhaps as much as 40 per cent a year. Another, better, option is to sharpen their focus in actively engaging stressed team members. 

Sadly, many leaders have little idea how to engage a valued, yet stressed, employee more deeply. Some things leaders may need to consider include: Scheduling agenda-free meetings with their people. Yes, I’m serious – agenda free. Pay attention and listen. You may be surprised at what you learn. Show interest in the person, as well as in the business. Accept there are times to seek professional help in whatever form that may take. In my experience, the new leaders need to increase their focus on high-value team members, offer both emotional and practical support to help them cope and be prepared to seek independent assistance in keeping their leaders accountable for these softer yet critical issues. 

 http:\\appointment.counselcc.net.au  (03) 9639 3875

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