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Are you the Captain of your Ship or your Iceberg in your Ocean? The Art of Self-Sabotage


Self-Sabotage. What is it? Why does it happen? What is really going on? So many questions- so few answers.   This post is all about that. This post is not just about job seekers. This is about all people- job seekers, workforce development professionals, friends, family- anyone that you know that engages in this.

 

So let’s look at a scenario:

John is hard worker. He is always willing to assist and help his coworkers when necessary. John is also intelligent and understands his job and how to be successful in it. John is also kind of person to learn on his own. He seeks out resources to grow his knowledge in his field. He reads professional development books and takes online courses and certifications. John has a college degree and has worked for his current company for almost 5 years.  John’s one issue is that sometimes he makes jokes that are in appropriate. They do not violate any policy of the company or employment law, but are not in professional taste and have poor timing. His coworkers respect his knowledge, but see him as a goof ball that puts his foot in his mouth. The opportunity to be promoted to another position in the company opens up. This position seems extremely interesting to John and the salary is more substantial than the salary he has now. It is an extremely visible position with a major portion dealing with high profile customers. John interviews for the position, but does not receive it.


Let’s look at John. At first glance John seems to have all the skills, education, and work ethic to do the job, but what is getting in his way?  John’s inability to put a filter on his comments could have been a key decision on why he was not chosen for the higher pay and extremely visible position.  So why do people seem to do this? Why would anyone not want to succeed? If a trusted mentor or supervisor spoke with John about his comments and he did not improve, is he sabotaging himself? The answer is “YES!”

 

Could it be that some people are afraid of being successful?  Could it be easier to be stuck in your everyday rut than progress and move towards something better? Could it be easier to be a victim of your circumstances rather than the captain of your ship?

 

Are you John? Are there things that you are doing that are preventing you from getting to the next level in your career?

 

I am proposing that you find someone. Someone you trust. Someone that is familiar with your work. I am proposing that each person have a personal accountability partner. This person may or may not be a formal mentor to you.  This is someone that keeps you in check and says to you “Stop. What are you doing?” This should not be your “partner in crime,” but rather someone that will help you progress.

 

Now what if you are not opening your big mouth and putting your foot in it? There could be other things you are doing.

 

Have you….

 

·         Missed an opportunity to your performance?

 

·         Ever not received a raise or bonus and you did not understand why?

 

·         Made poor decisions that lead to your termination from employment?

 

·         Not given 100% everyday?

 

This week I leave you with a challenge!

 

·         Examine yourself. Find the behaviors or actions you want to change and that will make you more successful.

·         Find your person. Find your personal accountability partner. Find that one person that you will trust to hold you accountable for your actions.

 

 

Thanks for reading! Summer is here. Enjoy Feel free to leave a comment below. You can email me at kcirincione@gmail.com. ~Karen Cirincione

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