The Tour de France and your career

It's that time of year where I find myself glued to the outcome of the various stages of the Tour de France. The race is made up of 21 stages that cover a total distance of about 2,200 miles. These 21 stages include the following profiles: 10 flat stages, 7 mountain stages, 1 medium mountain stage, 2 individual time-trial stages, and 1 team time-trial stage.

The riders spend months and even years training for this event. At the same time, there are many factors beyond the riders control that can influence the outcome on the final day of the Tour de France. This includes the rain, heat, rocks in the road and the actions of other riders. If these professional cyclists focused on these external, uncontrollable factors, I’m certain they would want to just pack up and go home. But they continue because they believe in their preparation, planning and the possibility of winning or simply finishing well. A job search and healthy career requires similar endurance and stamina. Just like the profiles in the Tour de France, there are various stages in a job search or established career.


The flat stage in a job search or career, is where we simply keep the pace and roll along with the other riders. During this stage, we might ask ourselves, what is my purpose? Am I making a difference? Do I see myself here in a few years? Some may even ask--what is the minimal amount of work I have to do to stay with the pack? During the flat stages there are often more questions than answers but we just keep pedaling.

During the team stages, we ride with others and they encourage us when the race gets tough. During this stage we also need people around to provide a reality check and a little tough love when needed. They challenge us to keep going and take the lead when we are tired. Who is cycling alongside you in your career or job search? Who encourages or challenges you in a healthy way? Who understands your industry or situation and can provide wise counsel--not well-intentioned, outdated advice? Who lifts you up when everything seems to bring you down? Find a good team to ride with you.

Next, we have individual time trials. This is when we have to ride alone and try to finish strong knowing we have pushed ourselves and searched for the best way to remain strong during the ride. This stage allows you to grow stronger in mind, body and spirit because it's just you and the road. Sometimes it can be painful. Hopefully during this stage you learn how to better use your time and resources. You may even realize you are stronger than you thought. This stage requires focus and continuous movement toward your goals. If you are in an established career, do you have good mentors and people you can trust and talk to? Are you keeping up with the latest trends in your profession? If you're in a job search, do you keep track of your Linkedin connections, making networking calls and step away from the computer to have real life conversations? Do you try to accomplish one thing each week designed to get you closer to your new job?

The toughest stage is the mountains. This is where you develop the deepest levels of your faith, courage and endurance. The mountain stage requires the most intelligence and wisdom. The mountain demands you are consistent, determined and confident that you can reach the highest point of the climb. In the mountain stage, fatigue is often your greatest enemy. In your career, this is where you feel you've talked to everyone, tried everything and nothing is happening. No interviews, no rejections, no promotions...nothing. Often the mountains require us to trust in our training even when we do not understand the delays or immediately see the outcome. The mountains require great faith. Mental toughness matters in the mountains. You gain this toughness through a good support system and refreshing your approach. You gain this toughness through digging deep and relying on something greater than yourself. You gain this toughness by including those with opposing thoughts in your circle of influence. Do you listen to those who think differently or just those who will tell you what you want to hear? Do you make decisions based upon facts or fear? Do you allow yourself to be influenced by the opinions of others or just stop trying because it's just too difficult?


God is the best trainer, coach and team member we could have. The Hebrew word for “almighty” is "Shaddai" which indicates God’s sufficiency for ANY situation. The word “Lord” or “Yaweh” refers to His faithfulness. God really is sufficient and faithful no matter what we’re going through. Who do you rely on to help you through the stages of your career? I hope you will prepare, avoid discouragement and pray about your career decisions. Stop surrounding yourself with people who think small and have never even experienced the Tour de France in their own careers. Watch and experience the ride for yourself. Seek wisdom. Train well. Move out for the team and individual wins. Don't give up so easily the yellow jersey may be closer than you think. It's worth the work when you know God has a purpose and plan for it all.

What have you learned during your own Tour de France? What have been the toughest stages in a job search or career for you? Please leave a comment below.

5 Things on Boss and Employee Wish Lists

The workplace is such a tapestry of attitudes, beliefs, cultures, generations and habits. Dump that into a cubicle or offices in close proximity and it's like sharing a room in a dorm or a bathroom with a teen sister or brother. Often, I wonder if we tried daily to put ourselves in the other person's shoes, would that change our responses to one another? In the interest of trying to see things from both sides, I asked some leader/managers and their employees what was on their workplace wish list. From a non-scientific sample of both bosses and employees, here's some of what they told me:

The Boss's Wish List for Employees
1. Be reliable. When I ask you to do something, do it promptly. If I do not give you clear instruction or a deadline, ask me about it. I'm busy and not perfect.We pay you to do this job.
2. Don't just tell me what you think I want to hear. Have the professional courage to honestly discuss your workload, any organizational unknowns and offer ideas to make things better. All of your ideas may not be implemented. Be mature about it.
3. If you make a mistake, own it. Don't laugh about it, avoid it, blame others or become defensive. Sincerely apologize, discuss it with me and learn from it. Everyone makes mistakes. It's how you respond that causes reactions of irritation or sympathy.
4. We will disagree. Try to understand my preferred work style, definition of work and I'll try to understand yours. Then we meet halfway. I am being measured and asked to deliver results. I don't make this stuff up just to terrorize you. It may be uncomfortable. Get over it.
5. Avoid being an expert at pointing out problems, come to me with thoughtful solutions and creative new ideas that help us reach our strategic goals. Sometimes the organization is not ready for your ideas. Don't bad-mouth me or my boss, but don't give up.

The Employee's Wish List for the Boss
1. Let me do my job. You hired me because I obviously have some intelligence and skills. My definition of work may be different from yours.
2. Celebrate success more. I need encouragement and a pat on the back for a job well done. Saying "thank you" for small things is nice too.
3. Invest in my professional development. I want to learn from others in my profession and more about my industry. It helps me to not feel so isolated.
4. Be a better listener. I need to know you will listen to my ideas without judgment. I may need to complain or  want to radically change things. I want to know you will support me.
5. Communicate with clarity. Tell me what you expect and how my job contributes to the big picture. Make time to clearly outline the goals and strategies of our area.

At the foundation of any healthy workplace relationship is the constant effort to try to see things from another person's point of view. So many people are looking for an excuse to judge and be negative about the boss or employee. Some people harbor unspoken, misdirected biases that have been deeply ingrained into them by what others have said or how they were raised. Others say, it's generational differences. Instead of viewing it that way, what if we asked smart questions of each other, respected differences and desired to intentionally make the workplace better than we found it? It takes maturity, open communication, trust and compromise from both the boss and the employee to enhance relationships and ultimately get the job done. There are no perfect bosses or employees. It is my hope that both bosses and employees think about these wishlists, then openly discuss or create their own lists without fear. We spend too much time at work to be miserable.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...~Colossians 3:23

What's on your boss/employee wish list? What do you think? Leave comments below.

Is Career Planning a Myth?

As a career coach, I regularly see college students and other professionals in transition or turmoil seeking the secret formula to finding the perfect career or job. They ask, how do I find the perfect job? What is the plan I need to follow? There are no easy answers and many people are stuck because they are afraid to make a mistake or try new things. This can lead to spending a lifetime either miserable or job hopping because they think they have missed the secret. Here are some facts about career planning to keep in mind:

1) In a recent survey of professionals on Linkedin.com, only 20 percent of people said they had achieved career success by following a carefully thought out career plan. Those who were most satisfied, conducted career factfinding by asking people about the realities of the career they were interested in, they took risks to find what they liked, and more importantly, what they didn't like in a career. Often, by actually doing the job for a year or more.

2) 80 percent of professionals say a chance event significantly altered their career path.This may have been a positive or negative life event, but it made a lasting impression and became a catalyst for a change or action. Things happen that are beyond your control. Whatever it is can make you better or bitter. Use it to help you focus on what's important to you in life.

3) At a national college career adviser conference, a speaker asked for a show hands of those with a written career plan, less than 5 percent of the audience raised their hands. Hmmm...career coaches are you practicing what you preach? Did you read something about creating a career plan in a book and it sounded like good advice? Please stop that. Try it for yourself to see if it works. Then give advice on the possibilities and pitfalls.

4) In this economy, you may have to relocate and there are still no guarantees. All work is now global and interconnected. Yet most jobs are not for a lifetime. A decision made in Tokyo or Dubai may result in losing a job in Washington, D.C. or Wisconsin no matter your performance or potential. Most people will have between 6-7 jobs in their lifetime. That's not a goal, just a fact.

I'm not advocating job hopping or to avoid planning. Yet as a career coach I want to be realistic with students and clients about what career planning looks like. It's important to focus on communicating the complexities of finding a true calling or career path. There are not four easy steps.You may do many things. You may have a vocation and an avocation. You may need to relocate. You may need to use social media differently in an active job search. You may need to determine what you value most in life. You may need to stop accepting bad,outdated advice even from people who care about you (parents, professors, family, friends). You may need to create the job that you envision as an entrepreneur.You may need to move forward without fear. If you are a person of faith, you definitely need to pray for clarity and direction about your career.

Today's employment environment calls for new advice and new approaches. Networking, resumes and interview skills still matter. But the game changer is in the risk of trying something new and knowing your first job may not be your forever job. Be willing to start somewhere. Be willing to grow. Be willing to surrender your ideas of what the perfect career or workplace might be. Be willing to change (even in a tough economy). You won't know until you try.

So, is career planning a myth? I'd say no, it's not a myth, but let's not be so rigid about it. I love to hear from you! What do you think? Have you followed a career plan or not? How many jobs have you had, so far? Please leave your comments below.

3C's of Professionalism

There are a variety of generations, expectations, personalities, values and ethics in today's complex workplace. Many people tend to focus on external characteristics when discussing the highly subjective topic of professionalism. Professionalism is so much more than the clothes you wear.

Whether you are a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional, there are three "C"s I believe employers across all industries and disciplines want to see for increased productivity, retention and harmony. From the CEO to the janitor, these basic skills can be practiced by everyone to raise the standard of professionalism in any work environment.

1) Communication

A true professional needs to be able to write and speak effectively. Demonstrating professionalism as it relates to communication has to do with the day to day spoken and written words we exchange. If your email takes more than one screen or six lines of text, you should probably call or try to speak to the person face to face. Always quickly read over what you have written before you send it. Eliminate unnecessary details. Make sure there is a call to action, if necessary. Try to anticipate the next question the reader might have after reading your message. Every written communication should include what, when, where, why and a summary of the next step or end with what you are asking the reader to do--that's your call to action. Don't use email or text  to avoid difficult conversations. Verbal communication can build or break relationships. But don't be afraid of it. True professionals think before they speak and are not afraid to engage in tough conversations. They answer and ask questions that are on-point--clearly and concisely. They anticipate potential questions that may arise from whatever point they make without worrying about being defensive. And finally, they ask intelligent questions then listen thoughtfully to the answers.  

2) Confidence

Many individuals desiring to be professional mistake having a harsh, hard attitude for confidence. Confidence does not mean you know it all or have the right to treat others harshly. Confidence means you listen as much as (or more than) you speak. Confidence is a silent strength that comforts as well as motivates.  It is the thoughtful courage to maintain integrity and make decisions that benefit the organization or situation even if it means being unpopular. Professional confidence involves a willingness to make a decision or move forward when no one else will. When properly used it may even push others outside their comfort zone. A confident professional knows when to confront, correct, encourage and when to be silent. Confident professionals take calculated risks. Confidence may frighten some people even when applied appropriately. Peter McIntyre said it best,"Confidence comes from not always being right, but not fearing to be wrong."

3) Consideration

Everyone has their reasons for behaving a certain way in the workplace. It is never acceptable to be rude or abusive to people no matter your title. Insecurities play out in different ways for leaders and employees. Some people may be overly sensitive to concise directives or correction and misinterpret direct communication. True professionals consider the fact that there are a variety of communication styles in the workplace. It is important to be able to adjust your style according to the situation or person but not lose who you are. Consideration does not involve tip-toeing around the unreasonable people or troublemakers in the workplace. True professionals do not seek to dominate a conversation in the office or in office related social settings. They know when to listen and how to ask questions to get others engaged in the decision or discussion. True professionals accept differences but rarely settle for differences as an excuse for mediocrity.

Whether you are a leader, employee or volunteer, try practicing these 3C's for one week in your shared environment. Let me know how it goes. Remember, time spent improving yourself cuts down on time wasted disapproving of others.  


What "C' would you add? Please leave your comment below.