Defining Your Role

December 2, 2009

I want you to succeed.

Whatever it is you’re passionate about and want to do – I want you to succeed.

For many of us it’s our career. You know that 9 to 5, Monday through Friday effort that allows us to support our families and obtain our dreams. Yeah, that one.

There is something that I wanted to share on that front, and hopefully it’ll help a bit. I want you to define your role. Define your role in your department, and in the organization as a whole. It could be in the company you work at today or the one you want to work for tomorrow. You need to take an active part in defining what you offer, and what what you bring to the mix.

Don’t allow yourself to be typecast or pigeonholed. Letting other people define the boundaries of where you’re supposed to participate or allowed to participate is unacceptable. You alone have that right.

You have the ability set boundaries and goals. You have control of the decisions that move you forward or backward. By defining your role, you establish your voice. By being vocal and establishing a presence, you have the means to share your perspectives and expertise in any situation your role lands you in.

Its not easy and it can be a little scary when first starting out, but the rewards are unending. Its also up to you to fulfil the role you define, but that sholdn’t be difficult because the definition of success and failure is also within your control as well.

Take that step to define your role in life, in work, and in the success that you want. Without figuring out what you want from your efforts, and what you want for your family, it’ll take a lot longer to get to your definition of success.

I want you to succeed.

Photo Credit: yeah buddy!

Conversation Tags: balance, brand, career, control, destiny, leadership, life, participation, personality, voice, work

Categories: leadership, life, work

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Mia

Yeah. I have a friend who has been complaining recently that one bright young colleague of his never offers any suggestions or advice. He just lets things roll the way they are, even if he knows better. He doesn't give the best that he has to offer, and it's not because he doesn't care, it's just because he hasn't considered what his real role is in his organisation and how best to perform that role. He is doing his duty, his job - he is conforming to the rules and is obeying the instructions given to him - and he thinks that is all he needs to do in his job.

Rick Mahn

So how do we better mentor that young colleague of your friend's? What way can we help that person gain the understanding that their voice is desired... that they have something more to offer and that it would be welcomed?

Kakie Fitzsimmons

Great post rick, especially the part that reminds me of the things I know, but need to hear again from someone else. You know what you speak of because you have done it yourself and know the benefits that come from it!

Rick Mahn

Thanks Kakie, I think its very easy for us all to not realize the opportunities that are open to us nearly every day. Taking the initiative (which is part of what I was trying to talk about) is the biggest portion of the challenge isn't it?