Change is upon us, and all of our futures depend on one very important observation:
If you work with the public in any capacity and earn an income from those interactions, you are performing the FUNCTION of every business in the world: The acquisition and maintenance of customers. And you are likely doing this with some goal in mind: To provide for yourself and your family by making money, which is coincidentally the GOAL of every business in the world.
Before you can move forward with your own goals or those of the organization you represent, you must first clarify your priorities. What is YOUR WHY for each of the following questions?
WHY did you choose your career?
- Are you driven first by (a) intrinsic factors like personal passion and fulfillment, or (b) extrinsic factors like money and power?
WHY did you choose your employer?
- Are your employer’s values and beliefs: (a) well aligned and complementary to your own, or (b) inconsistent or conflicting with your own?
WHY are you committed/loyal to the brands you’re either directly or inadvertently connected to?
- Are you (a) proud to be associated with them, or are you (b) paid to be happy (i.e. with salary or discounted goods and services)?
These questions can’t be answered by the head alone. Get your heart involved as well.