The term "organic" is certainly today's food buzz word, and rightly so. But instead of thinking of the term merely in reference to your favorite yogurt, try thinking of it in career terms. Organic growth specifically means that which is "characterized by continuous or natural development." Growing your career organically translates to following your internal, natural inclinations and instincts.
For example, instead of looking to the managerial hierarchy within a corporation or organization to define your personal career goals, think internally. In other words, envision what you actually want to be doing in the future years. If the traditional hierarchy fits your plan, great; but most likely it won't.
Why?
Let's say you are a salesperson and love what you do: sell. You do this most of the day and you really enjoy it most of the time. However, while you may thrive as a salesperson, if you start going up that organizational ladder you may find yourself completely incompetent as a manager. And that's okay! These two positions most likely involve many different functions and abilities. Maybe managing more than selling gets you farther from what makes you tick, what motivates you.
Maybe instead of climbing the managerial vine within an organization, you stay within your preferred and proven function, but leap off into another environment where you have more earning potential or flexibility or whatever you value as a personal goal to achieve. Who knows, even if you do stay within your current environment, maybe you eventually create a position for yourself that uses your proven abilities and talents to a greater degree. Or (gulp!) have the courage to ask for that raise you are entitled to for doing what you do so well, instead of for the chance to move up to a greater salaried, managerial position.
Developing yourself on your own terms may seem slow, and less known ('cause who does THAT?) Moreover, it may not be as immediately rewarding salary wise as say, moving in the most visible, linear way and moving to the next organizationally logical rung within your company. But being honest with yourself and knowing what you do best is real. It's sustainable. It has long term possibilities for personal mobility and growth. And, depending on the way you roll, it may be the only way you will remain happy, fulfilled and personally successful.
So try creating a more organic, locally grown approach to your career goals and see what happens. And who knows, maybe you'll even find yourself eating better too... rifling through the farmer's market more than the Hostess aisle of the supermarket.
But let's not get crazy now!
No comments:
Post a Comment