Each of us has a unique work process – the way in which we approach our work, and get things done. Your “mojo” is the creative power behind your success – an internal factor that shines through your outside structure. It is your mojo that makes you magnetic, attracting people to you who want what you offer. For most of us, our work process is a mix of the “curation” and the “creation” mode.
Of late we have talked plenty on company culture- what it means to create one, how can we hire right to match, and most importantly how do we create the right, creative mix. Taking a step back, I thought through the question that was most pertinent before we began the real analysis- how do you experience work place culture?
Reigniting the creativity spark in management jobs is not an esoteric or academic topic. Think of a scenario where instead of doing your usual job to the best of your ability you are asked to test the way things are done, innovate on new ideas or new method of doing processes, challenging the status-quo as it is at present. Does this seem like an ideal scenario to you – of working at a challenging but interesting job that makes you feel as an creatively and professionally fulfilled.
Post a recent HR seminar in Germany, a few excited HR bloggers shared their insights and someone Tweeted the new HR mantra. It said, “Wir müssen Charaktere rekrutieren, nicht Lebensläufe”. Loosely translated it meant, we must recruit for ‘characteristics/ culture-fits’ and not resumes. The immediate question that sparked up my imagination was- how? Today, I spoke with Christoph Skrobol, founder and CEO of a unique new recruitment service- Careerdate
Are leaders born or made?
Leadership is a complex and sophisticated social role. The eternal question of whether leaders are born or made has been around since time without beginning. Although certain qualities do predispose some people to attain leadership positions and be better at leading, effective leaders actually hone their skills through experience, conscious self-development, education, and training.
Richard Branson said “Many millions of people proudly claim the title “entrepreneur.” On the other hand, a title that hasn’t gotten nearly the amount of attention it deserves is entrepreneur’s little brother, the “intrapreneur in your organization”: “an employee who is given freedom and financial support to create new products, services and systems, who does not have to follow the company’s usual routines or protocols.”
When I quit my day job and took up independent writing as a career, I was terrified. The reason was when I weighed against what I was earning at the day job versus what would give me individual satisfaction, I realized that the rewards that are more intrinsic in nature mattered more to me than the a very welcome salary packet. I followed through on sage advice by a mentor who said: Do the work you would do for free. What do you work for?
Do you have a job or do you have a career? If research is to be believed, the situation seems bleak. According to Deloitte’s Shift Index survey, 80% of people are dissatisfied with their jobs.
Have you received a call for an interview? Do you visualize sitting in an interview, answering questions posed by a stranger feeling as if you are walking on a tightrope blindfolded? Are you thinking “What is it precisely that they want?
As senior professionals move to the next level in their careers, people responsibilities gain importance and usually if these ‘softer’ skills are not taken care of, even project success can be challenging. On the onset, it is critical to note that, giving feedback or “constructive criticism” as it is popularly known as does not mean criticizing another person.
