It's the Right "Fit" Monday!

It's The Right "Fit" Monday

There are so many aspects of our life where we are looking for the perfect "fit" - our house, our neighborhood, our relationships, our clothes, and YES, our jobs/career. We want to fit in personally and professionally. But what happens when we don't? Where we've got one but not the other? Or where we have a little of both, but not enough to satisfy our fullest sense of self? How do we establish a sense of "right fit" at the office when we aren't sure we fit at all?

Let's start at the source of our angst. As a society, we are prone to focus on the lack of, the limitations, the don't haves of our work. We come by it honestly, of course. Perhaps it's the grade school kickball game where we were picked last for the team. Or the birthday party we didn't get invited to but everyone else did. We carry our crosses with us in to the office and yes, we desire to be accepted, admired, even adored. All good things. But are they realistic? 

There's nothing a good list of suggestions can't help address, so what would a LinkedIn article be without a Top Five Tips to consider to help you get your "right fit" on at the office this Monday? Well, don't worry - you won't have to answer that question because this article does indeed come with those essential items.

1. Define "fit" in the workplace. Well, the right "fit" at work might need to be defined first. Does it mean you are getting paid your real professional value? Or the money doesn't matter - it's about the respect, autonomy and ability to navigate your own course? Think about that for a few minutes and write down where/how/why you feel a sense of belonging. Do any of those elements exist in your office? In your career field? Where/how would that be possible?

2. Identify WHERE you fit in your life and how you can if you don't. What would need to change? Consider where you DO feel like you fit most and compare/contrast that with your office environment and workplace dynamics. 

Then, grab a highlighter and look for common themes, repeated words. What seems to mean a lot to you? Respect? Shared values? Inclusive communication? 

3. Ask around - in a positive way. See how others - peers, colleagues, supervisors (current and previous) - see you and would describe you. Do they see you "accurately" - actually how you are presently or how you would like to be seen? An HR 360 instrument can surely help with this, but even an informal discussion can net some interesting feedback that lets you in on just how much they like you. They do really like you, don't they?

4. It's a vibe...yes, sometimes it really is. You can't exactly put your finger on it, but it's true. We are emotional and social people. And we have those dreaded "feelings" - even at the office. So, sometimes, our gut and our raw, human instincts drive our ability to feel like we "fit" in and unless we "reframe" our perception or picture, we'll never fully "fit." It's important to address the intangibles and abstract of "why" we don't fit.

5. It's not you, it's me. Or is it? Actually, it might be you. No, really. You might actually be a better fit for your current employer/position than you realize! We have to step back outside of ourselves to truly appreciate what our world of work is like and how it stands compared to the work of others.

Okay, so this Monday, I challenge you to consider these five points and whatever you decide about "fitting" in - I encourage you to "stand" out and shine! Get creative - get cracking - and get moving, not away from your current desk/office/organization/situation. Move on to the next positive thought, opportunity, and benefit of being just you, at all times in all positions. It will ONLY empower you this Monday and EVERY day! I promise, my friends, it is the right "FIT" Monday!