Smart people fall into predictable mental traps.
We think fast, we make assumptions, we identify problems, we assess risks, we scrutinize ideas and reject the bad ones, we scan the environment and can tune out extraneous information.
Sometimes we do this without even recognizing that we’re doing it.
We’ve gotten good grades and promotions because we’re better than a lot of people at these skills. They’re often very helpful.
But sometimes they’re detrimental.
My job as a coach is to slow down these mental leaps and help my clients get systematic and precise.
I’ve come to recognize 5 distinct steps in the journey from dissatisfaction to flourishing at work. Each step builds on the one that came before, and requires a different sort of problem-solving approach.
To remember the steps, I use the word “CHART”. (I come from a nautical family.). Here’s a ~5 minute video walking you through the steps — or just read on for the description.
C — stands for Criteria. What’s on your wish list? You can’t get what you want until you know what you want.
H — stands for Hunt. What organizations, roles, or opportunities have the potential to give you the most important attributes you’ve identified in the last step? You’ll develop a Hypothesis and Hunt down some possibilities.
A — Assess and Adjust. This is key! Your “H” target list is full of assumptions and best guesses. It’s time to do some research. Which assumptions need to be updated? How do people in the organization or industry think about their problems and needs? How does what you’d bring fit in? This stage is a crucial time for reducing risk, gathering information, and sharpening your understanding of how your background could best fit into this new work environment. You also want to feel confident you’ve understood how decision-makers are thinking about their needs.
R — Reach the Right person with the Right message. This is the packaging and presentation step, where you focus on tailoring your message so that decision-makers see you as the best choice. Persuasive materials and strong interviewing presence are what this step is all about.
T — Trade-offs. Is the offer on the table as good as it can be? Should you hold out for more or take what’s in front of you? The T phase is about negotiation, decision-making, and starting in such a way that you’re positioned to get as many of the things on your wish list as possible.
