Best Boss Minute | Is That All There Is?

🎶 May is Music Month with our questions to Danny suggested by song titles.

Today’s Question:

“Like Peggy Lee asks, Is That All There Is? How do I know I’m being all that I can be – that I’m in the best place possible with my job?”

— Wondering in Wichita

Knowing whether you are being all that you can be in your job and whether you are in the best place possible can be challenging. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to assess your current situation:

Am I using my skills and abilities to their fullest potential?

There is no reason to stay in a position or a job that is crushing you. You’re not bringing value to the organization, to the mission, and most importantly to your life or your family. So ask yourself, am I happy and fulfilled in my work? Consider whether you are able to use your skills and abilities in your current role. Are you being challenged and given opportunities to grow and develop professionally? Are you working in your genius zone? Are you happy with your job, or do you feel unfulfilled and dissatisfied?

Am I achieving my personal and professional goals?

Think about your personal and professional goals and whether you are making progress towards them. Are you satisfied with the progress you have made so far? Thinking about what you need and want over the next 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years – are you still on that transactional path? Are you in a place where you are getting what you need in order to get to the next step to be successful? Sometimes that means you’re in a place where you’re not completely in your genius zone (as much as I think that’s important). But if you’re clear about it and you’re getting what you need in order to move forward, and that is part of the longer-term plan, then consider staying as opposed to leaving.

Am I valued and recognized for my contributions?

Think about whether your contributions are valued and recognized by your colleagues and supervisor. Do you receive feedback and recognition for your work, or do you feel undervalued and underappreciated? Especially now that we’re realizing this is what we all need in our work and our lives, is to be seen, valued, heard, and appreciated. It doesn’t mean that you have to have constant “You’re amazing” kinds of feedback. But are you getting what you need in order to feel that you are part of something that is important? Life is too short. We spend way too many hours at work to be in a position where we’re not feeling valued or appreciated or that we’re in our place. 

By reflecting on these questions, you can gain a better understanding of whether you are being all you can be in your job and whether you are in the best place possible. If you find that you are not satisfied with your current situation, you may want to consider exploring other job opportunities or speaking with your supervisor about ways to improve your current role.

Most importantly, I want you to take care of yourself. We can be in work positions that are not necessarily uncomfortable, but as long as we’re learning, we’re growing, we’re in a place where we’re recognized, then that’s not a bad place to be.

But if you’re in a place where you’re feeling crushed, underappreciated, undervalued, not on track with your plan, and not using your skills and abilities to their fullest potential, then by all means, seriously consider whether this is the right fit for you.