"Working on Monday" a Practical Perspective
I have learned about the workplace from the School of Hard Knocks. My parents were not top business executives and never shared tips about being successful at work. Their philosophy was get a 'good' job and go to work. It seemed simple to them because they lived during a time of blue color heaven, but that utopia has gone straight to hell. I did not have a mentor groom me for corporate success and show me how to move up the ladder. I only had an inkling in my stomach that kindled a determination inside of me. I always knew I was capable of more, but I was continually being knocked around like an inexpensive golf ball. I had to make a decision that those days were over!
The action plans thus far have been fact finding and information gathering exercises. Now it is time to develop real steps to make your dreams a reality.
Action Plan 7:
Reflect on the information that you compiled in action plans one to six. What have your mistakes taught you? What are your goals and work history telling you about yourself?
Here are some great definitions of Strategic planning, we are going to be working with this one: Strategic planning "determines the general direction and goals of the Society (in our case personal career) both the short and long term. Strategic planning considers the resources of the Society, the likely behavior of competitors, the direction and pace of technological change, and the projected demands of the marketplace (American Chemistry Society (c))."
This definition can be very overwhelming but we are going to attack this one step at a time. I have found that preparation leads to opportunity and "Working on Monday" is not just about returning to work, but living your dreams. One step at a time you can be living your dreams.
Action Plan 8:
Create actual steps to get to your goals. For example if one of your goals is being promoted in a year, what would you have to do to achieve this? Take training classes, move to another company, get licensing or certification, memorize your future job description, actually plan how you are going to reach your goals.
Action Plan 9:
Think about your competition. Let's go back to the promotion example. How many people are competing for the job? How will your co-workers react to your new position? How do you make yourself necessary? How will you handle jealous people? Adjust your plans accordingly.
This is a lot of work, but the benefits will change your life. You will have two weeks to complete these action plans. Do not get discouraged with the process, hang in there.
Let's go back to Joseph, Genesis 40 and 41. Joseph was in prison because he was falsely accused of rape. During his imprisonment two of Pharaoh's servants were placed in jail with Joseph. They had dreams and Joseph was able to interpret their meaning accurately. Joseph asked them to tell Pharaoh he helped them and have him removed from jail because he was innocent. The servants forgot about Joseph until Pharaoh had a dream. Joseph came before Pharaoh and explained the meaning of his dream. There was going to be a great famine in the land of Egypt and Joseph told him to prepare during the seven prosperous years that would proceed the famine. Pharaoh was impressed with the wisdom God gave Joseph. He appointed him to lead the efforts to save Egypt from the famine. Joseph went from prisoner to Pharaoh's second in command in one evening.
Spiritual Lesson Learned from Genesis 40 and 41
- Use your talents to help others even when you are down on your luck.
- When you help someone they will give you a good recommendation.
- Good leaders will recognize God's blessing upon your work and will honor it with position and pay.
- Be prepared for all situations, they will lead to your dream job.
- Tough times do not last forever, have faith that things will change in God's time.
Additional Resources
Sklover Working Wisdom- excellent site with important information about the workplace
Corporate Warriors- strategy for corporate excellence
Vocational Information Center- information about careers and occupations
photos via google images and freepixels.com
