Love....in the Workplace

Love in the workplace:

Love has many meanings, nuances, and ramifications. When I first went into management work in 1982, I was by necessity thinking about many things in the new adventure. Of course there were all the details that needed to be attended to, the best way to have things run effectively and efficiently, the personnel decisions and issues that arose, and also overall policies and procedures. Being open to the spiritual in Life, I also asked myself how do I translate and inject the energy of Love into the business environment. I concluded that other words were more conducive to the workplace and tended to translate “Love” into “Care”…whether it was caring for the kind of work we were doing… or taking care of customers… or working together in an atmosphere of care and respect for others.

I introduced teamwork and group meetings as a way to help empower each person… give each person a say. And at times people were able to help with issues that were happening in other areas. Of course there was some resistance to group involvement since everyone was used to being told what to do from the top down. When I eventually was fired from this position due to being too “progressive” and having a different philosophy than the owner, these empowerment experiments were cited as a reason… I’m glad I did what I did, even if it was not appreciated... it seemed the right thing to do. And it didn’t stop me from getting other jobs after that.

Caring in the workplace can go a long way from how we treat each other to how we approach our tasks. This seems a practical form of love that respects others and works toward the common good. Of course top down dictatorships and other hierarchical systems are somewhat easier in the short run, but usually must use some form of fear factor as a motivator… “You do as I say or else”… either stated or implied… It employs a “power-over” model rather an “empower-with” approach.

So how do you allow Love’s present energy to flow in your place of work?

What does respecting others mean in practical terms?

What percentage of talking to listening are we practicing?

What others actions and attitudes help to bring “Love “ to everyday situations?

 

If love is important to you, how do you choose to be it and manifest it?

 

John Hutchinson - October 1, 2014

Friday – TGIF

Now, this moment as I write, the day is labeled Friday. Many proclaim, “Thank God it’s Friday!” not so much out of a sense of gratitude for the present moment, but rather for the anticipation of the weekend and days off and not being enslaved to perhaps a job they do not particularly like doing. The weekend signals a time for some in which they are free to do what they choose to do. For others it may also signal a time for other errands and tasks around our living space.

If we are to live more in the present moment with a sense of peace, we must find a sense of acceptance even in the jobs that we continually think of as negative. As long as we wishing we were somewhere else, we are resisting the present moment. This dynamic of course leads to negative emotions and a sense of suffering or discontent at some level.

If the situation we find ourselves in is very negative in our view, we always have the option to walk away. Of course in ‘slow’ economic times, if we walk away from a job, it is possible we may not find a better job more suited to our liking. We can also do a slow walk away from a job by planning our next step, defining what we would like to be doing, perhaps getting some training for a new occupation.

Another option, if we are in a situation we do not like is to examine our own expectations and what we don’t like about it. Are we judging others? Are we blaming others? Are we in a victim identity that sees like continually happening to us in some negative way?

In order to be at peace in the present, we must find a way to accept or surrender to the moment without negativity. We can more easily do this by focusing on how we are doing the task before us… focusing on how we are responding to the situation at hand. Accepting what is does not mean we agree and embrace the situation. Surrendering to our life circumstances does not mean we cannot make some change, either in our situation or attitude. Accepting “what is” is exactly that…. Agreeing that this moment I am right here, right now, and this seems to what is going on.

We really do not know what is going on. We project our story based on our beliefs, thoughts, and opinions. Whether something is good or bad is quite relative to the thoughts we have about the person, place, or situation.

Our Life situation is not who we are. Our emotions and thoughts about a particular circumstance is not who we are. We become lost in our culture quite easily in identifying with our mind… our thinking… and often think that, of course is who we are. In fact, stilling our mind, becoming present to the now, lifts us beyond personal identities into a sacred space that is beyond the confines of time. The present moment is all there ever is. Of course we think of tomorrow and often need to do so to plan for the activities of everyday life. And if we consider it, we know tomorrow, when it does come is always the present moment.

The same is true of thoughts and memories focusing on “the past”… yesterday… Yesterday is gone. But for many, we keep playing old videos in our mind of what was in some other “Now”… focus on the past, is another way of not being in the present… Of course it is like going on an amusement ride to trip down memory lane with old friends. It can also keep us in the dark if we are replay old pains and hurts from the past that are no longer present. We actually keep them alive by our ‘victim’ subpersonality, or identity, which really serves no purpose other than distracting us from being present now. Many therapies that dwell of finding things in the past can also simply delay our living in the present. This is not to say that trauma that happened to us does not need to be released and healed so we can have a more complete sense of wholeness and life in the present moment.

So today, as I write, it’s a day we have labeled “Friday”… I thank God it is Friday, because it is Now… it is this precious moment… and I give thanks that Life continues to breathe through this form called John.


Note: Other than being defined as the 6th day of the week, “Friday” is also the day of the goddess (Venus) … and, as in Robinson Crusoe (boy Friday or girl Friday) can refer to a helper and companion.

Career Transition - Looking for a Job?

Considering a Career Change or looking for a new Work situation?


Most people consider a career change from time to time for various reasons. It’s a normal and natural part of career journeys. Corporations and small companies are quicker to make changes in these times, which can mean downsizing which directly affects you! It is always best to have your next step planned before a career change is forced on you from others.


How does career change come about?


Some people just begin to lose interest. Others find something that interests them more. Companies downsize. These are just a few of the reasons people find themselves on a cliff looking back on their career just as the dirt begins to crumble beneath them.


Are you considering that career change? Do you wish you were?


Remember that career change is a natural life process; most studies show that the average job-seeker will change careers (not jobs) a number of times over the course of his or her lifetime.


Step 1: Personal and Work Assessment of Likes and Dislikes. Identifying the dislikes is often the easier part of this step; however, you will not know what direction to change your career unless you examine your likes. What do you really like doing when you're at work, when you're at home - in your spare time? Find you personal and professional “WHY.”


In addition, take as much time as you need to clarify your own personal values. What are your priorities in life? Write you personal mission statement. Then create your professional objective paragraph.


Step 2: Considering New Careers. Once you've discovered (or rediscovered) your passion, spend some time researching the types of careers that center around your passions. Don't worry if you're feeling a bit unsure or insecure -- it's a natural part of the career change process.


Step 3: Transferable Skills. Leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new career (such as communications, leadership, planning, and others). You may be surprised to see that you already have a solid amount of experience for your new career.


Step 4: Training and Education. You may find it necessary to update your skills and broaden your knowledge. Some opportunities provide training and support when you are learning something new.


Step 5: Networking. One of the real keys to success in career change will be your networking abilities. People in your network may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry, and introduce you to others so that you can expand your network. Even if you don't think you already have a network, you probably do - consider colleagues, friends, and family members. You can broaden your network through joining other people in your new field and contacting alumni from your college who are working in the field you want to enter. A key tool of networking is conducting informational interviews.


Step 6: Gaining Experience. Remember that, in a sense, you are starting your career again from square one. Working part-time in your new career field not only can solidify your decision, but give you much needed experience in your new career. Work a few hours at it on weekends, nights, whatever it takes to gain the experience.


Step 7: Find a Mentor. Changing careers is a major life decision that can get overwhelming at times. Find a mentor who can help you through the rough patches. Your mentor may also be able to help you by taking advantage of his or her network. A mentor doesn't have to be a highly placed individual, though the more powerful the mentor, the more success you may have in using that power to your advantage.


Step 8: Mind Your Own Business. Some people change careers because they want more independence. They may find that starting their own business or micro-franchise a business start up through an existing successful business model can save time and money. This is often an easy step even for those who don’t think of themselves as business owners because it is something that can be done part-time as you build your home or brick and mortar business.


Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics. If it's been a while since you've had to use your job-hunting tools and skills, now is the time for a refresher course. Consider the following key areas:


• resume creations


• researching companies


• cover letters


• interviewing


• salary negotiations


Step 10: Be Flexible. You'll need to be flexible about nearly everything - from your employment status to relocation and salary, unless beginning your own business from home. Set positive goals for yourself, but don’t be too surprised by challenges and changes - and remain positive without taking things personally.. Have you considered starting your own business?



Contact John for sessions to help in your transition John@sunhutch.com / US Phone #: +1 (484) 685-0549.

John Hutchinson, M.ED., is a professional counselor and consultant in the career transition field with over 20 years experience. He has provided guidance and training to individuals making career changes and also consults with those interested in starting home-based businesses. He has personally made the shift from corporate management positions to consulting and associate marketing from his home in Mountville, PA. john@sunhutch.com