Estienne De Beer asked: I am one of those people who has always sought to understand the purpose of things, to understand why they were originally created. There is no use in approaching something and asking what its purpose is, one needs to go to the original creator to understand fully. This article was written by Rachel van Doorene, Founder and Editor of Women Inc. Magazine as a contribution to Estienne’s book "Boosting Your Career – Tips from Top Executives".
The key to my development in the workplace has been to understand clearly the purpose of work. I needed to deal with my preconceived ideas about work, some of which were… – Work is a necessary evil, a burden we have to carry till retirement. – Work is something I have to do to please my parents / spouse / peers. – Work happens between the hours of 8am and 5pm,Monday to Friday. – The terms ‘work’ and ‘fun’ are mutually exclusive. – One day I will retire and never have to work again.
Do any of these sound familiar?
I had to understand that work was integral to our lives. That we were created to work. That our lives are better because of the work we do. That our work is to take up time and thought. That our work will and should be tested. That my work doesn’t define me, but is an outlet for who I am and that I need to rest from my work. These lessons have not come easily but have come through challenges, obstacles, successes and opportunities.
When did it happen that work became synonymous with tiredness? I have had many occasions where work has exhilarated me; it has brought a twinkle to my eye and a lightness to my step. I have also had occasions where work became labour, toil, frustrating and full of anxiety. What was the difference?
Well, the positive emotions linked to the work occurred when I was doing what came naturally to me. It utilised my natural skills and abilities, as well as tapped into my passions, and in the end I believe, I was fulfilling my purpose. Some of these occasions were within an entrepreneurial environment, but many of these occasions were within corporate and NGO environments. I believe that our purposes can be fulfilled within any environment. We just need to know ourselves and our abilities and to find work that provides expression for these things.
It was in the environments where I was trying to be someone else, constantly comparing myself to others and their abilities, that I struggled. When I realised that I could determine my own working environment and responsibilities through an excellence and commitment to the objectives of the organisation, that I was free to be me.
Better Because We Work
There is no doubt in my mind that work brings a sense of fulfillment. I love the feeling of a job well done, of a task completed. I love the sense of seeing a product on a shelf, or a service objective achieved. I love learning and understanding new things.
In 2005 I undertook a five month sabbatical – not entirely voluntary, but very necessary. These five months were a critical time of rest and re-evaluation. One unwavering fact is that I am better when I work! The focus it gives to each day, the opportunity for creativity and the sense of accomplishment is huge.
Our Work is to Take Up Time and Thought
This is fascinating to me. I know so many people who step into autopilot as they go to work. I know that I have been a challenge to numerous managers over the years because of my innovation and love of change. I am constantly looking for ways to be more effective, to add more hours to my day, to impact the bottom line. I believe that the minute we stop thinking and taking time with our work, we start moving back-wards. Soon work will feel like a black hole with little to no inspiration or enjoyment.
Testing Your Work
It is true that all work must be tested. The quality and excellence of our work will make place for us in the workplace. When our work ethic starts slipping and we allow for small indiscretions, we start losing ground. In the workplace, our ability to handle criticism and our responses affect our future.
When I respond aggressively to criticism, looking for another to blame, there is no way forward. However, when I take responsibility, considering and presenting an alternative or replacement for the work, I have found favour with my superiors and opportunities for the future.
Most of Us Have Difficulty Knowing Who We Are
There is a common mantra: I do, I have, I am. I don’t believe this is true. I believe that who we are should define what we do and this results in what we have. This is tough. Most of us have difficulty knowing who we are. We feel safe defining ourselves by our work. "Hi, I am Sally, an engineer", "Nomsa, the doctor", "Pieter, the consultant." I believe that if we take the time to get to know ourselves a little better, to know our passions, our strengths and weaknesses, we would be better equipped to steer ourselves into the work we should be doing.
Secondly, our ability to produce does not define our value. There are seasons in one’s life where we are unable to produce in the same way as before. We may experience changes in our health, aging, life stages and personal or family crises that result in our inability to produce as much at work. When I operate from the prior understanding about work, I get desperate, fearful and anxious. However, when I operate from the under-standing that I am valuable, no matter what, I give my-self space to redirect and establish my time and thoughts so as to ensure that I ultimately become effective again – either in a new working environment or within my current context.
Take Time To Rest
This is my weakest area. I love to innovate! I love to strategise! New ideas and change are life blood to me! However, this make-up can very soon become a recipe for burnout. I have learnt the hard way that if you fail to rest, you will ultimately fail (or fall).
When overly tired, I become unable to make wise and prudent decisions, missing the full implications of the process or impact to the system. I lose perspective and the anxiety levels heighten until work holds no pleasure and I feel like I need to run away. I make silly mistakes! It is amazing to me how a little rest can bring wisdom, clarity and understanding. Our bodies are incredibly designed to sustain work and to produce – but I have learnt that it is critical to take care of our bodies through rest, nutrition and exercise.
In this article I have tried to stir in you the awareness of three primary things. Firstly, that work is not something out of your control, but rather that you have the opportunity to define your working environment and responsibilities. Secondly, that success in the workplace comes with excellence, a strong work ethic and a commitment of time and thought. Finally, but most importantly, I would hope that you recognise the importance of knowing yourself. In knowing yourself, you set your direction and create the support systems for effectiveness.
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