What's Holding You Back? Maybe Its You.

A redwood tree can live thousands of years and grow to be 400 feet tall.   It is particularly resistant to things that most trees can't withstand -- insect infestation, fungal rot, and even fire. Like us, redwoods are thought to get even stronger when they face adversity.  They grow wider root systems with each storm.  Their bark become thicker when burned.  New trees can grow from living root systems, even if the tree is cut down.  But, these mighty giants can be destroyed... by poison.  In business, there may be behaviors, habits and even thoughts that are poisoning your progress.

Beware of those mental destroyers that might turn you into a victim and destroy your likelihood of achieving everything you want to achieve:  

• "I inherited this dysfunctional team."
  • Well of course you inherited them.  Unless you are starting a business from the ground up, what's the likelihood that you will get to hand pick the team? 
  • As the leader, it's your job to coach, give feedback, correct, praise, engage, give clear direction and more. 
  • Make sure people know your expectations because they may differ from those of their last boss.  You don't get off the hook just because you didn't recruit and hire the team yourself.  
• "My boss doesn't like me."
  • This is an unfortunate position to be in, but not an unusual one.  Research shows that most workers have had a boss who they felt didn't like them.  It's possible to do well in your role despite your boss's disposition towards you.  It may be tougher, but it's possible.  
  • Find a mentor who you can leverage as a sounding board, network with others in the organization, and build relationships outside your organization as well.  These actions can help fill in the gaps you are experiencing with your boss.
  • Schedule monthly or biweekly 1-on-1 meeting with your manager and be sure to state your agenda.  This is the time to tell your leader what you've accomplished lately, and warn him/her about any thing that might not be going according to plan (over-budget, behind schedule, unhappy customers, quality control issues, etc.)  
  • Ask your leader what you can do to assist her.  Ask if there is something she can delegate to you that would help reduce her stress or make her day go better.
• "They don't listen to me or value me."
  • Keep sharing your ideas and keep offering your solutions.
  • Value your own contributions.  Make a list of your accomplishments each month - if no one else is recognizing them; you still can.
  • Remember: It's never the wrong time to do the right thing.   Even if it seems no body is watching.
• "They are trying to get rid of me or sabotage me."          
  • Don't give them a way or a reason.  If your work is impeccable and consistent, this is less likely to happen. 
  • There are few jobs that are free from risk of termination, but your own performance will be the number one factor in whether you are asked to leave or welcomed to stay.

Most of the destroyers we experience in the workplace involve other people.  And, some of the solutions in the workplace involve  other people as well.  This demonstrates how important relationships are.  Just like the redwood, which intertwines its roots with those of neighboring trees to grow stronger;  we have stronger careers when we have stronger relationships.  No matter how resilient you are, networking with the right people will help you to thrive.