by Cliff Hakim, RETHINKING WORK®
www.rethinkingwork.com
When one door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often we look so long at the closed door that we
do not see the one which has been opened for us.
––Helen Keller
Work can be a source of greater happiness, if you become adapt at opening and closing doors.
There are some doors you’ll want to close because you feel the room has grown too stifling and there’s not point being there. And there are doors you’ll want to open to set your spirit free and welcome new colleagues and experiences.
“I’ve become increasingly unhappy with my firm,” said Edward, an accountant. “I’ve been shutting my office door and I’ve even moved my desk into a corner.”
“What exactly are you shutting out?” I asked.
“I no longer agree with the way that the firm bills and manages its clients. Our clients’ needs are changing and I think our rates are way too high. I did my best to examine these procedures with our founders. I developed a strategic plan to update our daily operations, but I got lip service only. My door is shut because I want to close out the firm’s dogmatic beliefs and also hide my frustration, boredom, and apathy. I long for change, and I’ve created a hot house of sorts where I’ve been formulating my plans for the future.”
“Feeling frustrated, bored, and apathetic are not necessarily signs of failure,” I said. “Has this period been productive? Has it opened any doors?”
“Oh, yes,” Edward said. “I’ve been the silent partner in the development of a housing project after hours. Adam, my partner, is an energetic, sales-oriented personality. I’m the other half, the strategic planner, calm advisor, and detailed deal structurer.”
Self-imposed exile has its purpose, but it’s important not to remain in the hot house for too long. Edward carefully crafted his exit from the firm as to preserve his relationship with the founders and his connection to colleagues and clients. The network that he had served and built would be useful in his next venture. As a housing developer, he would not only open new doors, he would build them too!
Here are some examples of the doors my other clients have chosen to open and close:
Door closed: Forcing people and events to change.
Door opened: Being present, listening, and giving opportunity a chance to grow.
Door closed: Saying “yes” too often. Setting few limits.
Door opened: Saying “no” when necessary. Establishing a focus.
Door closed: Imitating what others have done hoping to be you.
Door opened: Creating ideas that represent who you are and following through.
RETHINK YOUR WORK
To find out “What doors will you close and open?” you’ll need to determine:
• What am I doing that’s seems boring or makes me feel downright ineffective?
• What qualities or talents do I want to use that I’ve been ignoring?
• If I closed door X what would happen?
• If I opened door Y what would I like to see occur?
• What’s one step that I might take now to get over the threshold?
In future columns, you’ll find out how to define your long-range goals and move toward them with confidence.
Rethinking Work® is written in the spirit of “we.” Our team is Larry Corby/illustrator, Valerie Andrews/editor, Elles Gianocostas/graphic designer, and you, the reader.
Copyright © 2006 by Cliff Hakim.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior permission from the author. Contact: cliff@rethinking.com