After writing my post last week, Winners and Windmills, I asked my friend, the lovely and talented Tiffany Miley-Parks if she would be willing to write a follow-up piece that addresses what happens when “passion and skill” are not longer aligned with the “opportunity and circumstance” that make a work environment exciting. She graciously complied (and much faster than I ever imagined) with this post.
– Alora
It truly is important to know when that unique blend of “passion and skill with opportunity and circumstance” is souring and becoming toxic for both the individual and the organization.
I would agree that most accomplishment-oriented people have difficulty separating from the very environment that is fueling their dissatisfaction. Young professionals are programmed early in our careers to exhibit patience, long-suffering, flexibility, optimism and a can-do attitude. These are the building block traits for the Change Managers of the 21st century. As the saying goes, “Our greatest strengths can also be our greatest weaknesses.”
So when is the right time to move on? Does the realization happen gradually or suddenly in an “ah-ha” moment? I believe, as with so many other learning opportunities in life, recognizing the signs comes with experience.
I have witnessed colleagues burn themselves out trying to change an environment that is changing outside their sphere of influence. I have observed extremely talented, productive, results-oriented individuals drained of their fire and enthusiasm – feebly attempting to force themselves to engage in meetings, focus on work or even answer the Blackberry.
It’s almost tortuous to watch a fellow employee in that career “death spiral”. Drop by drop, the puddle grows and hopefully we realize we are sinking before the water is over our heads. Once the realization occurs that one is no longer able/empowered to make a significant contribution – either through their own disillusionment or as a result of a changing organizational culture – it is time to search out other opportunities to feed those results-oriented, accomplishment-fueled highs, either through special projects or in another organization. Unfortunately, most of the time it is within another organization.
Personally, I am going to have to put my career ambitions on simmer for a while due to the challenging economic conditions. I realize my puddle is currently about waist-deep at this point and on the rise. Staying nimble, and seeking small opportunities to feed my achievement addiction will keep my head above water at this point, but will not suffice long-term. Treading water drains energy and doesn’t get you anywhere.
However, with rising water levels, I have to remind myself to keep on the lookout for the boat that will take me to my ultimate destination, not merely the closest life raft.
Tiffany Miley-Parks is an MBA and a Sr. IT Project/Program Manager in Salt Lake City, who has spent her career helping improve technology and operations in Contact Center/Customer Service environments. In addition to being a strong leader with an amazing attitude, Tiffany is one of the best, most nurturing and disciplined managers I’ve ever met. So, if you’re in SLC and are interested…
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