Joy – at work!
Last week three of my clients talked about how important joy, fun and laughter were to them. At work!
Sometimes we have old beliefs like “work is serious” or “laughter isn’t productive” or “if it was supposed to be fun, they wouldn’t call it work.” Those beliefs are often in the way of us experiencing joy in our work.
I love to hear my clients recognizing – and dare I say, expecting – that work can be joyful! What gives each of my clients joy? It varies widely. For one it is laughter and being authentic as well as helping people. For another client, joy is engagement and creativity. And for my third client it could be managing employees or being strategic. Joy is definitely in the eye of the beholder!
At one client’s request, I reviewed the part of her performance review that she had drafted; she used the words “joy” and “joyful” a number of times. She also kindly thanked her employer for providing executive coaching for her and noted that coaching had “been one of the most beneficial investments I’ve had the pleasure to be involved in during my career.” But here’s the part she said about the coaching that I love:
“My biggest takeaway has been clarifying my professional tagline: “I love delivering impactful, beautiful data products.” This clarity has energized me, rooted me, and reminded me why I love data work, both the technical craft and the strategic human impact it creates.”
This client is a data scientist. What bring her joy? “Delivering impactful, beautiful data products.” I’ve seen her dashboards; they are surprisingly beautiful!
What does joy look like for you at work – and what might be keeping you from it? Perhaps a mismatch in values or culture? A lack of clarity? Or old, limiting beliefs? (If you are saying yes to any or all of those, coaching may be able to help you get unstuck and on track.)
During this season of joy, how might you find more joy and fun in your work?
I hope your holidays are joyful!
p.s. Your comments are welcome on this post at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenfrankcoaching/