Jen FrankBeing fired is not the same thing as being a failure.
Before I started my own business, I worked in jobs with bosses for more than 20 years. I was the employee that management wanted to retain whenever I moved on; my colleagues liked to work with me because I was dependable, collaborative and kind. And I’ve been fired twice.
Earlier in my career, I lacked political savvy. I would give a quick “no” if I thought we shouldn’t do something. And I had a very strict ethical code and could be stubborn, even rigid, if I perceived someone violated my ethics.
What did this point to? Honestly, it pointed to a little inexperience and immaturity. But also to a lack of fit.
I tell my clients that if you and your manager are consistently at odds over their direction, it doesn’t really matter who’s right or wrong. What matters is the lack of fit and alignment.
That lack of fit is painful from the manager’s perspective (more on that next month) as well as from the employee’s perspective. Without fit, the employee may feel misunderstood, anxious and like they are under-performing. This can come out as second-guessing decisions, dreading meetings, being bewildered by feedback, and dwindling confidence in one’s ability to do the job. If you are feeling these things, check on:
– Am I aligned with the organization’s mission and culture?
– Am I aligned with my manager’s direction and their team culture?
– Am I working in my strengths and able to express my values?
If the answer to these questions is “no,” it’s time to consider why you remain in your current job. You certainly don’t have to quit tomorrow, but use this opportunity to get more clarity about what fit looks like for you, and keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities you believe to be in better alignment.
If you don’t move on from a job or organization where you don’t fit, eventually something will give, and you may get fired. For me, it was a relief and blessing. I was released from trying to care-take organizations and colleagues – released from spending too much energy on work that wasn’t valued – all while I should have taken care of myself and found a healthier environment for me. One that aligned with my values and strengths.
Listen, no job or manager is perfect, but the clearer you are about what is most important to you in the workplace, the easier it will be for you to find your fit. If you need help, this is the work I do with career coaching clients: finding work that fits and feels purposeful. You can check it out here: https://jenfrankcoaching.com/career-coaching/
I’d love to hear what fits at your job! Please share on this post at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenfrankcoaching/