If the Job Fits, Wear It.
Have you ever heard the phrase, "If the shoe fits, wear it?" It basically means that when someone accurately describes you, or when a criticism fits, you should honestly own it. Several months ago, I was watching a rerun of an interview David Letterman had with Miley Cyrus. David’s focus was digging deeper into her relationship with her parents and how those relationships impacted the person she is today. About halfway through the interview, she admitted that she was a narcissist. When David Letterman asked her to clarify the statement, she owned it. She went on to say that she learned this trait from her father. No apologies, no excuses, it’s who she is.
Watching that interview got me thinking. Whether you agree with Miley's assessment of herself isn't really the point. The point is that she recognized a characteristic about herself and owned it. Self-awareness is one of the most important qualities a person can possess. The more honestly we understand who we are—our strengths, weaknesses, personalities, and values—the more likely we are to choose careers that actually fit us.
Last week I took a vacation to Minnesota to visit some friends. One of my closest buddies was a guy I met over thirty-five years ago at a golf tournament. We had both just started in the golf business so we were part of the same fraternity so to speak. We’ve been friends ever since.
After half a dozen years in the business, I realized it wasn't the best fit for my strengths or personality. So, I left and began my search for something more fulfilling. Within a few years I found my calling and I’ve been in leadership development and consulting ever since. My buddy stayed put. Being a golf professional just suited him so well. He slowly worked his way through the ranks and then landed his dream job. He has been the general manager of his hometown golf facility for almost twenty years.
We were casually walking around his facility as he summarized what his team was working on, and how he turned the operation from a consistent money loser to a profitable golf course. His relaxed demeanor as he interacted with clients was soothing to watch. I could tell he was loved by all. It seemed like every few steps someone stopped to shake his hand, ask a question, tell him a brief golf tale, or simply wish him a happy day. He never looked rushed or annoyed, and he made everyone feel genuinely listened to. His employees knew what was expected and went about their duties with smiles on their faces. Everything was purring like a happy cat. If it’s possible to be born into a vocation, he certainly was. His role fit him like a perfect pair of shoes.
After spending the day with him, I came back home and pondered why his job was such a perfect fit.
1) He used his strengths daily - He genuinely loves helping people and providing an atmosphere where people can enjoy themselves. He’s so welcoming that he attracts people like a magnet. His greatest strength—connecting with people—is something he utilizes almost every minute of every day.
2) His work fills him with energy way more often than it drains him – He walks through the door of his house every evening with a smile on his face. Every job has difficult days, but overall his work leaves him feeling challenged and fulfilled rather than constantly exhausted.
3) He regularly loses track of time while working - When he gets into the zone, which happens multiple times every day, hours flash by like minutes.
4) His personal values align with his organization's values - He doesn’t feel like he has to become someone else to be successful in his job. He gets to be the best version of himself every day. When you show up authentically, people can feel it.
5) He’s focused on growth and continuous improvement, not escape - Instead of constantly dreaming about quitting, or phoning it in until he retires, he’s fully immersed in continuous improvement. He’s focused on how he can make the client experience better or how he can operate more efficiently.
You'll know you've found a job that fits when it matches your strengths, energizes your spirit, engages your mind, reflects your values, and inspires your future.
Life is simply too short to spend it wearing the wrong shoes.
