Learning isn’t difficult. Your brain is programmed to learn.
If you don’t stop it.
Some say learning a new job is difficult, that’s not true. Learning a new job is easy because you want to learn.
You think about it a lot so you learn it. At least until you think you know enough, then you stop learning.
The challenge is to keep learning after the first week or so.
That’s why having a Mission or sense of purpose beyond today & tomorrow is critical.
And why your choice of Mission really matters.
You usually don’t choose your first mission in a new job, it’s automatic.
Learn the ropes.
The difference comes with the choices you make once you’ve got familiar.
Choosing your second and later missions.
Do you settle down into a routine, do what you’ve been taught, or go looking for other things?
In Post 106 “Where are your boundaries?” we encourage prospective leaders to challenge invisible and even visible barriers at work.
When you choose that route, the question will soon become which boundaries?
All of them?
No. Of course you can’t challenge everything.
When you choose your mission at work, the boundaries suddenly become clear. What matters is what’s between you and your dreams.
What you need to learn will be determined by the mission you’ve set.
If you don’t choose, you just want to survive – you’ll do the minimum. And probably achieve it. You’ll likely be focused on something outside work.
When you choose your mission you’ll do what’s needed to achieve that.
..choose your mission at work…”
If you’re well led you might know what your team’s mission is from your boss, or better still from your team. Take that to start.
As early as I can remember in my first job I started setting objectives outside of my defined job. I kept a list of things that I wanted to do differently from my bosses.
A page in my notebook was headed “WIIC” for “When I’m In Charge”.
Maybe I was different to others, I don’t know? But I still add to that same list all through my career in every job I’ve had.
That list is what I think about. It sets my missions.
I hope my team members did the same.
Do you think about your current job?
How much? As a share of mind?
Do you think about thing’s outside work?
How much?
What are your current missions ?
Which of your missions are aligned with your work, which are outside?
It’s normal and healthy to have more than one mission, but it’s vital to have a clear mission at your paid work.
If you’re not sure what your mission is at work, take time today to decide one.
Then the magic will start.
What do you think about? That’s your mission…
.
.
“I might be wrong, but at least I’ve thought about it…”