CORPORATE dysfunction is rampant - and one of its most inexcusable manisfestations is the general apathy pervading workplaces. People are content in the mundane atmosphere as they literally sleepwalk through their roles, which make them rely on a narrow set of skills and limits career potential. In short they let themselves stagnate.
What these employees fail to realise is that challenges are the fodder for learning. Even management gurus stress that 32 percent of leadership lessons come from challenging assignments. Afterall, it is not only job performance but the initiative for challenging work that determines success. The going is good as a recent survey reveals that 38 percent organisations support employees who seek challenges in their jobs.
Ponder a while, and you too will agree that the most rewarding experiences arise from challenging work. A mediocre person can excel when faced with a challenge as the challenge itself acts as an unparalleled motivator. It becomes an aphrodisiac for success giving one the chance to shine and courts personal development too. The accompanying skills impart a competitive edge, which is imperative in today's ever-changing scenario.
Breaking the rut
There are unlimited challenges that can provide tremendous scope for success. But, they seldom, if ever pop up on their own. As author, Cynthia McCauley highlights, `Challenging, real-life experiences are rich sources of growth and learning, but you don't have to wait for opportunities to present themselves. You can - and should - seek them out.'
The onus lies on you to pragmatically take charge of your career and push the limits for new possibilities. Be willing to take risks and solicit tough assignments periodically. A flexible, responsive and open-minded approach will make you a positive contributor to the organisation. Not only will you savour the excitement and adrenaline rush, but will be noticed and rewarded for your accomplishments.
However, fear of failure and embarrassment may make you hedge in the initial stages. Try to overcome the apprehension by starting off with small and low-risk tasks before moving on to complicated challenges. Also, opportunities that are stimulating and ambitious yet achievable, not unrealistic or impossible. Enthusiasm will diminish rapidly if the goal is unattainable making one quit.
Moreover, do not lose sight of current duties and responsibilities in the quest for stimulating work. Piling on too much on your plate will only drive you up towards imminent failure. The trick is to strike a balance between obligations and challenges especially at work.
Flying without a net
Undoubtedly, exploring new challenges will give you the opportunity to discover deeper knowledge and hone new capabilities. But, the issue of how to find the requisite challenges becomes a formidable challenge in itself. There are unique challenges facing every organisation that can transform into invigorating opportunities for development. Let your manager know that you proactively seek such developmental assignments outside your role. This will make you feel useful and fulfilled. Exhibit your interest in projects and tasks that will improve your weaknesses and develop your skills. Seek opportunities to prove yourself and convince your superiors of your capabilities.
Initially your boss may be reluctant and doubt your competence. If so, identify challenging activities on your own. Learn new technologies that have been implemented in your company to prove your potential. Pinpoint vulnerable spots in operations and work on resolving them. Offer to help busy colleagues. Displaying such drive, determination and initiative will spawn buoyant trust in your capabilities. Once you prove yourself, projects will roll your way letting you grow with every challenge.
Continue to take on challenges even after establishing success. Assure your boss that you wish to shoulder more responsibilities. Volunteer for difficult assignments that others shy away from. Take over troubled projects and solve major organisational problems through analytical thinking. Solicit participation in redesigning work processes or creation of new teams. Enthusiastically explore new avenues outside your job to develop the ability to work independently. Draw on critical thinking, creativity and fresh perspective thus striving for excellence in non-traditional areas. Pioneer to take risks and thrive on challenges. The high learning curve will definitely make showing up for work much more exciting.
What these employees fail to realise is that challenges are the fodder for learning. Even management gurus stress that 32 percent of leadership lessons come from challenging assignments. Afterall, it is not only job performance but the initiative for challenging work that determines success. The going is good as a recent survey reveals that 38 percent organisations support employees who seek challenges in their jobs.
Ponder a while, and you too will agree that the most rewarding experiences arise from challenging work. A mediocre person can excel when faced with a challenge as the challenge itself acts as an unparalleled motivator. It becomes an aphrodisiac for success giving one the chance to shine and courts personal development too. The accompanying skills impart a competitive edge, which is imperative in today's ever-changing scenario.
Breaking the rut
There are unlimited challenges that can provide tremendous scope for success. But, they seldom, if ever pop up on their own. As author, Cynthia McCauley highlights, `Challenging, real-life experiences are rich sources of growth and learning, but you don't have to wait for opportunities to present themselves. You can - and should - seek them out.'
The onus lies on you to pragmatically take charge of your career and push the limits for new possibilities. Be willing to take risks and solicit tough assignments periodically. A flexible, responsive and open-minded approach will make you a positive contributor to the organisation. Not only will you savour the excitement and adrenaline rush, but will be noticed and rewarded for your accomplishments.
However, fear of failure and embarrassment may make you hedge in the initial stages. Try to overcome the apprehension by starting off with small and low-risk tasks before moving on to complicated challenges. Also, opportunities that are stimulating and ambitious yet achievable, not unrealistic or impossible. Enthusiasm will diminish rapidly if the goal is unattainable making one quit.
Moreover, do not lose sight of current duties and responsibilities in the quest for stimulating work. Piling on too much on your plate will only drive you up towards imminent failure. The trick is to strike a balance between obligations and challenges especially at work.
Flying without a net
Undoubtedly, exploring new challenges will give you the opportunity to discover deeper knowledge and hone new capabilities. But, the issue of how to find the requisite challenges becomes a formidable challenge in itself. There are unique challenges facing every organisation that can transform into invigorating opportunities for development. Let your manager know that you proactively seek such developmental assignments outside your role. This will make you feel useful and fulfilled. Exhibit your interest in projects and tasks that will improve your weaknesses and develop your skills. Seek opportunities to prove yourself and convince your superiors of your capabilities.
Initially your boss may be reluctant and doubt your competence. If so, identify challenging activities on your own. Learn new technologies that have been implemented in your company to prove your potential. Pinpoint vulnerable spots in operations and work on resolving them. Offer to help busy colleagues. Displaying such drive, determination and initiative will spawn buoyant trust in your capabilities. Once you prove yourself, projects will roll your way letting you grow with every challenge.
Continue to take on challenges even after establishing success. Assure your boss that you wish to shoulder more responsibilities. Volunteer for difficult assignments that others shy away from. Take over troubled projects and solve major organisational problems through analytical thinking. Solicit participation in redesigning work processes or creation of new teams. Enthusiastically explore new avenues outside your job to develop the ability to work independently. Draw on critical thinking, creativity and fresh perspective thus striving for excellence in non-traditional areas. Pioneer to take risks and thrive on challenges. The high learning curve will definitely make showing up for work much more exciting.
PAYAL CHANANIA
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