Is Your Environment Hurting
Your Chances for Success?
Don't
overlook how important the environments in which you choose to work are to your
success.
There is no doubt that
environment influences how you think, believe, and live. In the field of
psychology, there is an ongoing debate on nature versus nurture, both regarded
as powerful influencers on confidence and the ability to succeed. But how do these
factors shape entrepreneurs? I would argue that though the past plays a
significant role in who you become, the choice of environment in which to
work--especially as you're working your way up--is another important part of
the success equation.
Buckminster Fuller, an
American neo-futuristic architect, said it perfectly: "Everyone is born a
genius, but the process of living de-geniuses them."
Whatever work environment you
are in, a certain intelligence or talent is always valued. If you happen to
have an intelligence that is aligned with that of the company, then you will
rise to the top quickly. The problem is that it's a losing battle for those
that don't have the valued intelligence--and that kills their confidence in the
process.
One's environment--whether it
is home, the community, a company, or a city--subtly dictates core values and
intelligence. For example, I once worked at a bank where analytical marketing
was the "genius" of the company. Therefore, the most-coveted skill
was analytical ability. If you were a quantitative wiz, you felt as though you
were the best. Project management, however, though seen as important, was not
the most critical skill needed for the company's success. If you were a project
manager, then you would have to think hard about your ability to maximize your
performance in that specific environment.
The same thing happens in
organizations, schools, and households--pretty much anywhere you operate.
For this reason, in order to
truly cultivate your genius, you have to see yourself with nonjudgmental eyes,
and then translate that picture into value separately. You then need to find
the environment in which your genius is valued, cultivate it within that
environment, and display it to the right audience.
More often than not, we unconsciously
put ourselves in environments that don't fit, because of expectations from
others. We then question why we aren't successful. While most of us tend to
easily avoid the obviously bad fits, more often we end up choosing an
environment that may be a partial fit. For example, you may have the makings of
a successful CTO, but you may not be clear on what type of technology
environment is the most optimal for you to cultivate your genius. Money and
prestige can lead us astray from the right genius fit.
In order to avoid winding up
in the wrong place for your particular strengths, here are three ways to
identify whether you are in the right environment to maximize your success:
1. You see lots of opportunity
beyond the work you are focused on in the present moment.
You can clearly see how your
talent could be used in multiple ways for the company that you are in. Others
see it, too--and communicate the fact that your perspective and contribution is
invaluable.
2. You feel confident about
expressing your unique thoughts and perspective.
When you are in the right
environment, you feel good about being yourself and being who you really are
without any fear of rejection. You have the confidence to speak your mind and
share your authentic and potentially innovative or controversial perspective.
3. You are making an impact
that feels right.
The impact you are creating
for your organization or your audience motivates you and drives you to do more.
If you find you are not in the
right environment, based on these criteria, it may be that you are in the wrong
company or field, or a sign that you need to be more vocal about how your
strength and genius can add value. The bottom line is that the environment you
are in dictates the expectations and measures of success--and if it's not a
good fit, it can keep you from paying attention to your unique gifts.
http://www.inc.com/laura-garnett/is-your-environment-hurting-your-chances-at-success.html?cid=em01020week31e
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