Be Intentional (Three Ps) – Part Two

For most people, there are two ways to make money: Either you work for yourself or you work for someone else. The majority will choose the latter.

Finding a company to work for is quite similar to being in a relationship. Just as you have to make a wise choice on the person with whom you want to share your life, you must also choose wisely the employer to which you will devote a significant chunk of your time – one that will not only appreciate, leverage and reward your talent, but will also sharpen your skills, increase your business acumen, hopefully allow you to learn from failure, and, if necessary, build your resume to make your profile attractive to other employers.

And, like being in a relationship, sometimes you have to experience the wrong company in order to find the right one .

My story is no different. Had I not worked for another organization first for three years and gone through an uncomfortable experience – I had a controlling boss, saw no career path and received little help from Human Resources – I would not know what I wanted and what truly was best for me. At first, I was afraid to leave that job because I needed the paycheck. But, deep inside I felt this longing, an internal cry of hope and vision of a celebrated me. This preferred future was bright, full of energy and worth pursuing.

I decided to no longer deprive myself from realizing a higher potential. From that point, will drove me instead of fear.

I became intentional.

So, I weeded out the things I did not want to do and focused on the things I could control, like seeking new employment with a fresh perspective. I wanted to work for a reputable brand and considered other things that mattered to me, like my personal growth and being treated with respect. As a result, I developed the Three Ps, which led me to finding that “perfect” opportunity.

Consider the following Three Ps in your quest for future employment:

1. Principles

A company’s principles, or values, when modeled by its leaders, shape the company’s culture. People generally tend to have a better experience in environments where they fit and thrive in the culture . Values are not defined by words on a wall. Rather, it’s defined by behaviors and decisions committed by the leadership.

If possible, spend time with employees of an organization you are interested in and consider asking these questions:

• What is the culture like in this company?
• What do you like the most about working for this company?
• What are your team’s values?
• What qualities matter to you the most?
• How are values recognized in this company? On your team?
• Which values get recognized and rewarded the most in the company? On your team?

2. People

While money and medical benefits are extremely important, there are other needs that must be met in order for people to engage and experience fulfillment in the workplace. As people, we have needs:  To be appreciated for the contributions we make; to be valued; to be seen and acknowledged; to grow, to be fulfilled and self-actualize; to feel safe.

So when courting a company for potential employment opportunities, observe its employees . Do the employees appear to be happy and energized? Do they talk about how much they love the company they work for, even when they are off the clock?

Consider asking these questions:

• What is the company’s retention rate?
• Why do employees leave?
• What is it about the company that keeps you engaged?
• How are growth and development encouraged in the organization? On your team?
• How does the company show grace if a goal or deadline isn’t met?
• How often and in what ways is performance recognized?
• What does the career path look like for the role I am interviewing?
• Does the company offer tuition reimbursement or continuing education opportunities?

3. Products

People generally find purpose and meaning working for an organization they believe in and have confidence in its products . They become more vested mentally, and perhaps emotionally, in their work and take pride in it.

Therefore, before pursuing an employment opportunity, consider the following questions for yourself:

• What matters to you?
• What brands do you follow on social media?
• Which iconic leaders do you follow? What brands, if any, do they endorse?
• What products excite you?
• What companies have a loyal following of consumers?
• What kind of reputation does the company you are considering for employment have?

Remember, a company will be intentional about choosing you, so be intentional about choosing the company . For me, the Three Ps led me to an organization where I was able to build a gratifying career.

I hope it does the same for you.

Also, read the previous blog post, “Be Intentional – Part One.”

Juliet Hall is available to speak and present to your organization on OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITIES™. Click here to request Juliet.

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