March 18, 2018

3 Big Ideas When You Are Stuck in a Rut

March 18, 2018/ Patricia Rawson

It’s the end of a long, grey winter. The blue skies erase my memory of rain and the sense of clouds on the top of my head.

Winter is finally making its exit.

There is a reason 2 million Canadians go to Cuba every year. Winter here is harsh. Even in Victoria, the Miami of Canada.

At the end of long dark days, the motivation to go out once I am cuddled warm at home plummets.

This winter I became keenly aware of how much of my daily life is routines. Maintenance. Taking care of my body, earning money, going and spending that money for things to take care of my body.

Round and round.

In the midst of all of that, I am working with people on finding work that gets them excited to get up in the morning. I wasn’t feeling very lively.

If I was only like my friend Sharon who plans a trip every 4 months so she always has something to inspired her.

If I was only a person who loved routines.

If only….

I was feeling some big disconnect between advocating for a life that matters but the dailyness of my life didn’t feel like it mattered much.

I started asking a question. Mostly to myself. How do I create a sense of excitement and purpose in the midst of having so many repetitive tasks in a given day?

Step out of the rut

My immediate answer was to change the routines. Change the breakfast menu, open the door with my other hand, take a different route to work.

Here’s my reasoning. What was key was creating some sort of change so I wasn’t on autopilot.

Have you ever felt like you are going through the motions and not really noticing what is going on? Have you ever looked up after spending time on Facebook and wondering where that hour went?

I am astonished at how quickly we form routines. Have you noticed when attending a two-day workshop that attendees go back to the same seat they chose on the first day?

There is a lot comforting in the familiar.

The rub is that familiarity is also deadening.

I see how easily it is to be caught in a job that sucks. It happens while one day is unfolding into another. Rinse and repeat.

We get comfortable with the predictability of tasks.

To make a change on out of a job that is comfortable requires a good momentum. I see it as what happens when we are on a swing. It takes a lot of energy to get moving. If someone comes along and gives us a good push, that gets things going in towards where we want to be.

Often it is a big event that gets us into the momentum.

It doesn’t have to be that way. We can lead a life of choice. How do you get out of the automatic responses?

The magic of slowing down

Some of moving out of autopilot for me was nature grabbing my attention. We had a late snowfall which was such a novelty. I was captivated by how my world had suddenly changed. The snow hugged trees. I had to pay extra attention as I drove (without winter tires).

I was curious too about the cherry blossoms and what they would say if they could talk. (“What the heck?”)

Life slowed down. Naturally.

While I was noticing the world around me, I started noticing what was happening inside too. The gift of winter is reflection.

I started taking stock of how I was spending my time but more precisely how I wanted to spend my time.

Often when we want to solve a problem such as work that is no longer serving us, we comb the job ads or university programs. We are ready to gallop. When what we need to is slow down.

When all of our senses tell us to get moving, the real answer is in doing the opposite.

Going back to the basics

The clues are all inside of us.

When I was developing the curriculum for Finding Work That Matters, one of the premises that formed the basis of the program was this question:

What if I paid attention to what makes me feel alive and do more of that?

To do that, I needed the space and time to listen.

It was imperative that I listen to myself. Not to those voices inside of me that were telling me that I needed to do more.

I needed to listen to what was calling me.

When I started paying attention to what makes me feel alive, I saw immediately why my routines were overwhelming me. I like to start new things. I love playing with ideas. And I love doing that with other people.

I started checking out some new books that had crossed my path that I didn’t think I had time to read. I found some cool Meetups. There are some interesting ideas that I look forward to sharing with you.

Over to you….

What do you do when you find yourself in a rut?

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How to be outstanding - 5 lessons on work from the Olympics

February 25, 2018/ Patricia Rawson

What a whirlwind of talent and determination we have seen over the last couple weeks of the Winter Olympics.

As I watched the performance, I thought about what athletes can teach us about the world of work.

One of the most poignant moments was from the Men’s Freestyle Ski Half Pipe.

As I watched the athlete pick himself up after his disastrous fall and wind his way down the mountain, I got a glimpse into his life.

I have no doubt he was earned the privilege of being at the Olympics, that he had worked very hard, that he had studied his strengths, weaknesses, skills, mindset, fears, commitment, internal resolve and that he was very invested in winning.

I wondered what his coach would say to him at the bottom of the hill. To me the experience was so immense that it would be hard to capture it in words.

There was nothing that could alleviate that moment of disappointment.

All of the work, all of the dreams, wrapped up on that hill.

What I also recognized was that he was upright. He was moving forward into his life. With all the pain he was experiencing, he was more than this experience of failure.

Even though he was trained for making mistakes.

This I believe is true for all the athletes. The gold medal winners and the ones who never made it onto the podium.

I can see through my own career that I share some of the struggles and wins of those athletes.

Here’s what I took away from this week that might help you think of how to shift your career:

Find yourself a team

From the start gate to the finish line, we get to see the coaches that have been there every step of the way. From the sidelines we see the parents, family and friends waving flags and signs. Back home, there is a whole contingent of people who impacted that athlete’s ability to be there – sponsors, health care practitioners, mental performance coaches, personal trainers, nutritionists, etc.

Behind each athlete is a team of professionals. They are all invested in helping the athlete be their best.

If I look back at my own life, I can see the team that was behind me. Friends, family, co-workers and mentors helped me in my career in a myriad of ways. Encouraging, helping me stretch beyond my ideas of what I could be.

What I do differently now is seek out my helpers. Deliberately. When I am struggling with an issue, I try to find someone who does it best. My mentors I meet through books and webinars and in person.

My challenge is to get clear about exactly what it is that I need. Then when I go out there and ask, I am more likely to get closer to my goals.

You will make mistakes

What I hope for is that through all of my practice, when the time comes, I will be ready to do my best performance. In whatever I do.

What I noticed from watching the Olympics is that mistakes are made. Injuries abound. I notice that where they can, the athletes pick themselves up and continue their program. That is how they are trained.

Mistakes are a big part of the training.

I am not very good at making mistakes. I don’t easily take on the attitude that the best way to learn something is by making a mistake.

I see the flaw in my thinking. Because mistakes are a part of life. And they need to go into the equation of growing and learning.

I see that when I stumble for words during a presentation or talk about my struggles, this where the audience often connects. It is through our humanness, especially our mistakes, that galvanizes us to others.

As for me making mistakes, I still have a lot to learn.

Practice, practice, practice

This is how we get to Carnegie Hall. This is how we get to be at the top of our game.

As an Extravert, I am reluctant to write out the responses to possible interview questions even though it is what I tell others. I get energized by thinking on my feet.

But that doesn’t always work. And in fact, not practicing has got me into plenty of trouble.

Olympic athletes get to win their medals because they invest a lot of hours into their sport, not just engaged in it but also strength building and visualizing and working out the kinks with their coaches.

When I think of my career now, I know that to be my best I need to change what I am doing. I ponder. What really works? Is there a more effective way of doing something?

Envision what you want

Athletes often use visualization techniques as a regular part of their training. Whether it is through guided imagery or mental rehearsal or to create a sense of calm, this enhances skills learned through physical practice.

I have a sign on my wall that says, “We are who we are, because we have first imagined it.”

This is the beginning. The idea. (And then we practice.)

When I did my first solo trip to Mexico, I went to a region where I had been previously. I could imagine navigating the entire transportation system of bus, taxi and ferry. I knew where there would be the trouble spots and I imagined what I needed to do.

How this would help with our work! Imagining how we would deliver a presentation, what it takes internally to feel competent and clear, and how we want to engage with our audience.

I can use this tool when I consider a future career. What am I doing on a day-to-day basis? How would I like my work to be constructed?

What makes you different?

When I watched the two top contenders in the Ice Dancing competition, their performances were vastly different.

They got to where they are because of their uniqueness.

Where was the magic? Each performance was distinctive to that pair. Their signature was throughout each movement. They had crafted out their own music and movements even though they had to follow specific requirements.

When I think of my own work, I have been exposed to the same career theories, assessments and studied a variety of approaches as other colleagues.

What makes me different?

It begins with a question. What makes me feel alive?

At the root of the question is where my strengths lie.

I look at what sparks me the most and I will naturally want to go in that direction. I will be inspired to read the books and talk to influencers who spark me. I will be motivated to learn more. The result is doing and being my best.

Can MBTI really help you pick a good career?

February 14, 2018/ Patricia Rawson

Honestly, no. When it comes to a good fit, only you can be the one to determine that. What the personality assessment, and any career assessment for that matter, can do is give you some ideas.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is often used in the career exploration process. The tool has been translated into 21 languages and is used all over the world to help people better understand themselves.

I have used MBTI for over 15 years with individuals and groups. Part of the delight in doing MBTI-based groups is getting to see people like you. The aha moments are inspiring and highly entertaining.

Finding your personality type can be a validating process. Responses I hear from people is relief in recognizing themselves and how they move through the world.

MBTI is based on the work of Carl Jung, the Swiss psychologist who wrote Psychological Types, published in 1921. Katherine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Myers developed the tool after reading the book and wanting to make it accessible to more people.

Indeed Jung’s work is heady material. Not for the feint of mind.

Even today, Jung's observations on the brain are impressive.

The result of doing the assessment is a 4-letter “type.” There are a total of 16 personality types.

When I first knew about the types, I questioned how 16 types could encapsulate everyone on the planet.

But there was much more than I had first seen.

The model is dynamic. There is a constant interplay between our dominant and non-dominant functions. The dominant functions are where we excel. The non-dominant functions are the least developed parts of ourselves.

This is all fascinating, dives deep into our outer and inner world, and slides into Jung’s work on the unconscious and our shadow side.

As for careers it is when we are working in our dominant function where we will do and be our best.

When we are using our non-dominant functions, we will struggle. For example, I can now see that when I was working in that factory, it was all about my non-dominant functions – focussing on details and doing repetitive work. The result was one disengaged, unhappy and unsatisfied worker.

Since 1940 when the first assessment was used, researchers have studied people and their types. They looked at people who experience the most satisfaction in their jobs. From that they developed listings of careers that might be a good fit.

Out of the four-letters that comprise each type, what researchers found is that the middle two letters are the ones that are most related to careers and fit.

What are the middle two letters? Here is a description of each of the letters:

There are a total of 4 combinations of the middle letters. In the table below, you can see where each of the combinations like to focus their energy and how they do that.

What does this mean for careers?

Below are some examples of careers that would fit each of the types above.

What kinds of careers work best for NT?

In the choice of careers, technical types of occupations appeal to NTs. This could include Information Technology, Engineering, and Law.

What kinds of careers work well for a NF?

Any type of career that involves encouraging people would appeal to a NF. They have interests in psychology and human resources.

What type of work would make a ST shine?

The practical and analytic parts of ST types would draw them to business, administration and law enforcement.

What are some careers for people with SF preferences?

Because they like working with people, careers that would interest this type include community services and specific kinds of health care.

A word of caution.

Looking at careers and personality type does not mean you can’t do an occupation that is not in your preference. It is a matter of how you might approach the situation.

For example, I can see that a teacher could be in each of the 4 types.

A NT would do well in a role where they are teaching technical skills, focussing on concepts.
A teacher with a NF preference would do well in assisting people in practicum placements where they would encourage others.
ST teachers would do well in practical situations such as teaching esthetics or accounting skills.
A teacher with a SF preference would do well in environments such as healthcare where they would teach practical skills focussing on helping people.

The people who really enjoy the aspect of teaching would probably have a Feeling preference as they are fascinated with people and are energized by appreciating and supporting others.

Mostly it is a matter of what you are actually doing in your job.

For example, nurses can have positions where they primarily do desk work.

It’s all good news. In a world where specialization is becoming the norm and the number of careers is dizzying, knowing your preferences can help target your choices.

Delving into what makes you tick also leans you towards greater work satisfaction. Couldn’t our workplaces need more of that??

Interested in exploring your world through MBTI? As a certified MBTI practitioner, I can help you. Check it out here.

What you may not know about Introverts

January 07, 2018/ Patricia Rawson

The Introverts sat in a row, poised for the question. On the other side of the table, the Extraverts were ready.

“What do you think of Extraverts?”

The Extraverts laughed.

Each of the Introverts was quiet, looking around or at the table in front of them. The pause was lengthy. An Extravert said, “you don’t have to answer.”

One of the Introverts spoke up, “I can answer. I was thinking.”

This exchange is classic between the two personality types. Extraverts wanting to fill in the conversation lapse and Introverts at ease with the lull.

During the quiet, plenty happening for Introverts. When I watch the Introverts closely, I can see they are deep in thought.

Over the years in facilitating Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) workshops, the highlight for me is how the opposite preferences engage with one another. It has helped me to understand people in my life and how my impressions have been inaccurate and sometimes totally mistaken.

In my previous blog posting, I highlighted 9 things you may not know about Extraverts and the definition of both.

The question behind the preferences of Extraversion and Introversion is: Where do you get your energy from?

Extraverts get their energy from being outer directed while Introverts are inner directed.

As an Extravert, I am aware of how Introverts have enriched my life. Here’s what I have learned from Introverts:

1. Thinking before talking is a hallmark of an Introvert.

Their preference is to go inward first.

This can be unsettling for Extraverts who are dealing with the outer realm as their first go-to. Extraverts may want an answer quicker than an Introvert is providing.

Introverts can be perceived as not caring or not wanting to talk about an issue.

When you get to know Introverts, those perceptions are far from the truth.

2. Introverts offer a good deal to conversations.

I was once in a relationship with an Introvert. We were having “the” conversation. When I asked him where he thought the relationship was going, he said he didn’t know. Then I asked him where he wanted the relationship to go, and he said he didn’t know.

Later I remembered he identified himself as an Introvert. I had a listing of 30 great questions for couples to help understand each other. I emailed them to him.

He began writing a response to the questions and ended up writing 13 pages in response.

When we got back to the conversation, he had a lot to say on the matter.

Which helped me to understand:

3. Introverts talk just as much as Extraverts.

They just like to think first.

Often Introverts have a lot to say on a matter because of their preference of going deeper into a topic.

I have heard Introverts say they appreciate Extraverts to keep a conversation going.

What is intriguing to many is that:

4. Introverts make great stand-up comedians.

Or anything else where they are doing an activity on their own. This may surprise people as they see Introverts as quiet or wanting to be alone. Introverts have told me that they enjoy doing presentations, where they are in front of a group sharing information. They would prefer not to have interactive components.

One of the key things to remember about Introversion is that it is about how a person gets their energy. Introverts get their energy from being inner directed.

Another way to look at it is:

5. Introverts are not shy.

Shyness is a quality that both Extraverts and Introverts have. Shyness is a response to our environment.

Because Introverts go inside to get energy, I have heard people (probably Extroverts) say that Introverts don’t like doing activities with people but…

6. Introverts are quite fine with doing Extraverted activity.

To a certain degree. Depending on their energy level combined with the Extraverted activity, Introverts can feel energized. They may prefer to put a cap on the amount of socializing time or be with a smaller group.

Typically:

7. Introverts prefer one-on-one interactions or emailing or texting.

This allows them time to consider what the person is saying and how they want to reply. Writing can also be a preferred choice for Introverts.

8. Introverts make great leaders

Because Introverts go inside first, when they speak they have many of their ideas worked out already, allowing them to articulate in deliberate ways. It works well with their ability to think deeply on an issue.

Introverted leaders include: Barack Obama, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi.

Each of these leaders demonstrates the Introverted quality of:

9. Ability to focus

Rather than get involved in chit chat, Introverts prefer to focus on a topic. That ability helps them in preparing for presentations or conversations. They prefer to be purposeful when engaging with others.

Any other thoughts on being Introverted? What do Extraverts need to know about you?

What you may not know about Extraverts

December 11, 2017/ Patricia Rawson

The world is comprised of 50% Introverts and 50% Extraverts. Thankfully.

Because each type can find the other exhausting.

Extraversion and Introversion are the key “attitudes” for personality type. What we know as Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or MBTI.

The MBTI assessment is used all over the world as a tool to help people understand themselves better.

For over 20 years, I have used personality type to help people find the work that will fit best. Where they will shine in the work world. And I have lived my life as an Extravert.

There are lots of misconceptions about Extraverts and Introverts. In this article, we will look at life from an Extravert’s perspective. In the next posting, we will look at Introverts.

In 1921, Carl Jung, Swiss psychologist wrote Psychological Types and introduced us to the idea of dominant functions.

The premise is this: when you are using your dominant function, you are working in your strengths.

Your personality type is at the core of who you are and though individuation (moving towards wholeness by using all aspects of yourself) is the goal of humans, your dominant function is part of that fundamental part that doesn’t change in your lifetime.

What happens is that as you age, you become more and more of who you really are.

As you get to know yourself, your functions as defined by Carl Jung, become clearer.

The question around Extraversion and Introversion is: What energizes you?

Another way to consider this is:

When you are drained or exhausted, what do you do to recharge?

Extraverts get their energy from being outer directed. They prefer to interact with the outer world; this includes being with others or doing outward activities.

Introverts get their energy from being inner directed. They prefer turn their attention inward; this may include doing things alone or one-to-one.

You perhaps are thinking that you have both tendencies. Or you may notice that you have one more dominant than the other. We all have the ability to do both.

But we prefer one over another. It’s a function of how our brain works.

Over the my years of delivering MBTI, I have seen some awe-inspiring interactions between Extraverts and Introverts.

One of the activities I facilitate is dividing the groups into their types and then ask them to interview each other. What would they like to know to help them understand the other type?

Here is what Extraverts revealed:

1. Sometimes what comes out of an Extravert’s mouth is the first time they heard it.

Because Extraverts prefer to work out their ideas by talking them through, they are energized by playing around with ideas. Introverts find this surprising because they will always have thought through an issue first.

2. Extraverts put their foot in their mouth.

Because Extraverts prefer to talk before they think, they can say things that may unintentionally offend others.

3. They can be shy.

Shyness is a response to an environmental situation. It is not a characteristic associated with either Introverts or Extraverts. Extraverts are also not necessarily confident.

4. They are good initiators

Extraverts like the outer world of doing things, accomplishing and interacting with others. They like starting conversations or suggesting activities.

5. They are expected to keep the conversation going.

Though Extraverts love to talk things through and start conversations, they find that they are often depended on to keep the party going. Extraverts appreciate being introduced to new ideas. And they can usually run with a new topic.

6. They have a broad range of interests.

Extraverts preference is to skim the surface; they enjoy talking with a variety of people and are energized by many topics.

7. Solitary activities are draining.

Going on retreats or spending a weekend alone can make a Extravert wilt. They might have a response like, “too much of a good thing.” Extraverts do not need to be with another person all the time but they prefer not to have extended periods of time alone.

8. They like meeting strangers.

Going on solo trips is a great activity for the Extravert who is okay with travelling alone. This way they will meet new people and be introduced to new activities. An Extrovert will shine in work where they exposed to new people.

9. Extraverts can find Introverts exhausting.

And vice versa. Extraverts like a fast-paced conversation. Around an Introvert who like to think first, Extraverts can perceive Introverts as having nothing to say on the matter if they don’t answer right away.

In the gap, an Extravert will want to fill in the space. So before an Introvert has answered a question, an Extravert is on to the next question. As you can see, this would be exhausting for both parties.

Any other thoughts on being Extraverted? What do Introverts need to know about you?

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