Three questions to get unstuck at work

Many times, when professionals seek my mentorship or coaching, they are feeling "stuck" in their jobs. The reasons range from feeling like they are not being valued to not getting the promotion they've been waiting for to just trying to navigate what the right next move is for their career.

In each of these conversations, the mentees usually already know what they need to do, but it can help to talk to someone to help uncover what it is they are really looking for in their career and life.

While the reasons for being at a standstill in their respective jobs may vary, I find myself giving similar advice to each of them:

It all comes down to taking the time to answer three questions.

Question 1: What is it you really want?

I'm not talking about the infamous interview question of, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" I personally despise that question because the opportunities are endless and there is no way I could have ever predicted the path I would have taken even just a few years ago.

BUT, what you can do is ask yourself what you actually want... or what do you want MORE of?

Do you want more...

• responsibilities at work?
• money?
• recognition or to feel your work is valued?
• ownership and autonomy
• freedom to do other things you are passion about?
• opportunities to acquire new skills?

The list goes on...

If these still don't help you, maybe start with, "What do you want to do less of?" This can eliminate things from the list that will then allow you to hone in on what you DO want.

Question 2: Have you told the people who can help you get it?

Now that you know what you want more of... have you made it clear to your manager or stakeholders so that they know what you want and can help you form a plan to get it?

Examples:

1. If you want to be considered for a promotion, have you had a conversation with your boss on what it will take for it to happen?
2. If you want to lead a new project, have you raised your hand to those making staffing decisions?
3. If you want to speak at an upcoming event, have you introduced yourself to the event coordinator?

Do not assume your leader or network or even your friend know what you want.

You must say it out loud to them, and then have an honest conversation on what you can do to get closer to achieving your goals.

Question 3: Have you put yourself out there?

The best way to get new opportunities is to start putting yourself out there. This can look like raising your hand for a new project, sharing your expertise with others, or even just posting on social media so people know what you are passionate about.

When you proactively share with others, you are helping them, while at the same time showing your expertise and passion to the world.

Examples:

1. If you just wrapped a project that was challenging, but successful - why not set up a Lunch 'N Learn session with your broader team to share your lessons learned that could be helpful for them and future projects?
2. If you are an expert in Artificial Intelligence, why not start a weekly or monthly newsletter to share information and your experiences with others? This allows them to learn from you AND shows that you are a Thought Leader in this space.
3. If you are starting a side business making fun graphic t-shirts - why not create a social media page to share your designs with friends and family? You never know who could use your skills or products.

The moment you start to put yourself out there and share your expertise is the moment opportunities will start to come your way.

It can be daunting and overwhelming when you feel you are standing still while others may be moving forward with exciting new roles or opportunities, but it's important to remember that they were likely where you are now not too long ago.

I hope these questions can help you reflect on what it is you truly want out of your career and life as you find your path forward to realizing your true potential.

Want to dig deeper? My inbox is always open!

Here is a sweet thank you note I received from one of my mentees, who came to me feeling stuck in a role that was now allowing her to reach her potential... but look at her now, soaring on to greater heights.