Are you making the right decisions to create job satisfaction?

Taymour Miri

?

Studies and interviews with various small and large companies worldwide indicate that employees seek more than just a paycheck. They want to connect with the company’s vision and mission, work with purpose, and know that opportunities exist for their growth and development.

However, if employees navigate their career paths based on external expectations or misconceptions, they may feel lost and drained at work. For instance, they might believe that becoming a manager is the key to success or that fixing their weaknesses will lead them to their goals.

In reality, your personality and natural talents drive transformative and meaningful career development, providing you with the energy to keep moving forward.

Trying to imitate someone else's definition of success won't necessarily lead to professional growth—at least not in a way that helps you find meaning and value in your work. In fact, this mindset often leads employees to say, "I hate my job."

So, how can you ensure that your career path leads to a meaningful and fulfilling professional life? Research suggests three key strategies:

?

1. Spend More Time on Work That Makes You Feel Stronger

People experience meaningful career growth when they enjoy their work and are not solely focused on job titles or climbing the corporate ladder.

Aligning your natural talents with your daily tasks increases the likelihood of job satisfaction. Identifying and using your strengths daily boosts confidence, enhances your chances of achieving your goals, and helps you grow as a successful professional.

Start by asking yourself:

·?????? Which aspects of my job give me the most (and least) energy?

·?????? Why do some tasks or conversations naturally excite and energize me?

Instead of trying to fix your weaknesses, focus on leveraging your strengths to tackle tasks you tend to avoid. You might also consider partnering with a skilled and experienced colleague to complement your abilities. Over time, work on strengthening these skills daily.

For example, have you recently felt empowered after completing a task and checking it off your to-do list? This sense of satisfaction comes from accomplishing work that aligns with your innate strengths. However, not everyone gains energy from the same tasks. Some people feel most motivated when creating opportunities, improving processes, building deep relationships, or tackling challenges.

2. Take an Active Role in Your Development

Discovering your natural talents is just the beginning. The real work starts when you actively seek ways to apply and nurture them. This means not waiting for someone else to develop you but taking the initiative to prioritize your growth.

Rather than participating in generic training programs, focus on unlocking your unique potential. Regularly assess what aspects of your job boost your confidence and make you feel empowered. Identify the reasons behind these feelings and the strengths they reveal in you.

Try to repeat these experiences as much as possible or challenge yourself to discover them in new ways. This could mean volunteering for a new project inside or outside your organization.

3. Have Ongoing and Effective Conversations with Your Manager

?

Employees who discuss their goals and achievements with their manager at least once every six months are nearly three times more likely to stay on a successful career path. Regular conversations—whether short check-ins or progress reviews—create opportunities to set expectations, celebrate achievements, and adjust priorities.

During these discussions, actively seek feedback. Constructive feedback is a powerful tool for personal growth and can significantly enhance your professional performance. Look for opportunities to talk about your career goals in ways that highlight your strengths.

You might believe that your "dream job" is tied to a specific title or promotion. However, by asking, "What are my strengths?" instead of "What job should I have?" you can find work that allows you to perform at your best, stay energized, and fully develop your potential.

?

?

Taymour Miri is an ICF master coach and a Gallup certified strengths coach and more recently one of the first 136 coaches world wide to be awarded an Advanced Certificate in Team Coaching. He has 30 years’ experience in leadership roles and 20 years of experince in coaching. Taymour has trained over 1,500 coaches across five continents and is the founder of International Coaching Education (ICE).