When I was young, I use to go into the local bank and I’d notice that some of the tellers would decorate their work spaces with funny cartoons. Invariably, they were tongue-in-cheek jibes about the nature of work. The characters in the cartoons would complain about their bosses, the hours, and the mere fact that they had to be there.
Even as a child, I was puzzled as to why people would stay in a job where they found more to complain about than to enjoy. I assumed, that these cartoons were a reflection of what these bank tellers thought about their work.
Then, when I entered the workforce for myself, I worked with people who would say things like: “I hope your day is well despite the fact that it’s a Monday” or “It’s Wednesday! More than half the week is gone. Hooray!”
These same people always left work 15 minutes early, never went the extra mile and always gave the impression that they found work to be a chore.
I guess I’m really lucky because I love what I do but I found it confounding that people would stay in a job that they don’t enjoy. I do realise that sometimes jobs change and a role that you once enjoyed may evolve into one that you don’t. Regardless of the situation, I’ve always thought that you either change your job, or change your attitude. In the book “Become a Key Person of Influence” by Daniel Priestley talks about Vital People and Functional People.
He says that Vital People see themselves aligned to the result rather than the process. He writes: “No matter what, they will always be okay to adapt and change dynamically if it gets them towards a better result, or a faster result.”
He continues: “Functional People like to associate with people who reaffirm that life is tough. They like to be reassured that the economy is affecting others too and that times aren’t what they used to be. A Functional Person loves the comfort of their friends, who don’t push them or inspire them to step up to a whole new level.”
This is so true. The reality is that the world is full of Vital People and Functional People – and that’s okay. However, if you’re reading this, I truely hope that you want to be a Vital Person. For the simple fact that life is far more joyous, exciting and rewarding when you are.
When the organisers of the Key Person of Influence series asked me to be one of their main mentors and speakers in this year’s program, I knew it was the right fit. I love working with Vital People. I love working with people who want to make a difference. And I love empowering people to realise their potential. The series rolls out over the next few weeks in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you come to the event make sure you come and say hi.
Key Person of Influence dates:
Melbourne: 7 February 2014
Sydney: 13 February 2014
Brisbane: 28 February 2014
Click here for details and discounted tickets.
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