Written by: Thomi Seche, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Are you noticing that no one seems to value what you’re contributing, doing, saying, and writing? If you feel unrecognized and unappreciated, it can take a toll on your work.
Instead of spending another second watching your motivation go underground, get proactive. You are likely to notice that things turn around… or decide to put your current job in the ‘rear view’ and find more favorable conditions.
Use these 4 hands-on strategies to put the spark back in your step.
Ask For Feedback
It’s easy to get lost in our minds, moods, and methods. That’s why it’s so valuable to speak with a mentor, co-worker, or supervisor who knows your work.
Be selective and pick someone whom you trust and respect.
Share your concerns and speak openly. Ask for specific feedback about your work, the workplace, and your current perceptions. Listen with an open mind and heart. Look for evidence so you can understand the causes for your work not being noticed. Verify with tangible proof that your creativity isn’t being recognized.
This is an issue I understand deeply as I’ve struggled with feeling unappreciated at work.
My coach at the time helped me realize that my perception wasn’t always accurate. Let me tell you, this wasn’t easy. I can be quite stubborn and persistent in thinking I know what is correct. But, boy, can I be wrong.
He taught me an important phrase, and it is one I still use today.
“They may be preoccupied.”
It’s not super fancy or steeped in deep psychology. But, it is often true.
People at work often have other things on their minds. Their child could be sick. They might be grappling with a crisis at home or with a challenge with their boss. They may have just gotten a crap medical diagnosis. Or found out that they need to move unexpectedly.
Your boss may be preoccupied.
When you’re feeling unrecognized, loosen the tension by remembering, “they may be preoccupied.” Be sure to check with a manager or mentor you trust. Get their input. Do your best to listen without getting defensive. From both actions, you’ll shine new light on your work situation.
Focus On What’s Working
One of the biggest thinking habits is that we focus on things that went wrong.
Here’s how it goes. If we get a top rating on a performance review, we fixate on the single point of improvement feedback. If we get a client call on a recent project, our first instinct is to cringe and believe it’s because something is wrong.
These are habits. And, the good news is that with attention, we can transform these ‘see the negative’ into a more positive habit.
To be successful, we need to train our minds to focus on what’s working. This can take work, practice, and perseverance.
At first, this may feel awkward. I mean, awkward. You might feel as if you’re going backwards instead of forwards. That’s the sign that you’re doing something new.
Try this out. Decide to focus on what’s working. Every day write down 3-10 things that worked each day. For this exercise, just track what’s working. If you want to make it more colorful, give yourself some gold stars, checkmarks, or stickers.
Do this every day for a month or two. It will inspire you to focus on positive events.
With this effort, you’ll boost your mood. You’ll also realize that you can take charge of giving yourself recognition for what’s working. This is a path to freedom because you won’t rely on other people to remind you of the merits of your work.
Check Your Mood
How are you feeling today? It may be that after the stress of the pandemic, working remotely, and hybrid experiments, you’re feeling burned out. A lot of professionals tell me they are noticing their emotions are all over the map.
If you notice that you’re feeling tired, exhausted, bored, or disengaged, it is natural. You may have been keeping things together to get through crises and challenges. As things lighten up, you may realize that all this stress has more of an effect on your moods than you’d realized.
Give yourself some time to listen inside. What kind of support, care, and kindness would you like to receive?
Look for ways to take care of yourself. Make self-care part of your daily life. Find one or two things that make you feel happy, calm, balanced, and relaxed. Do these daily.
The more you take care of your body, mind, and emotions, the easier you’ll be able to navigate your workplace dynamics.
Talk To A Coach
Talking with an objective career coach is a powerful way to explore your emotions and identify your options. You won’t have to worry about office politics, cliques, or your boss’s opinions.
A professional coach can help you, not by telling you what to do—but by helping you explore your truth. In coaching sessions, you’ll have room to listen to your inner voice, evaluate options, and stop second-guessing your experience.
Talking things through means you have a safe space to express your feelings, understand your reactions, and get a fresh perspective on the emotional roller coaster you’ve been riding.
Job burnout can show up as feeling bored, cynical, or disillusioned.
If you’ve been feeling out of control, struggling with work-life balance, or juggling an extra heavy workload, take action. Consider talking with a coach, mental health professional as this can take a huge toll on your health.
If you have been feeling like your wheels are spinning and you aren’t getting the appreciation you deserve, use these tips to take charge and move forward in the direction of your dreams.
Thomi Seche, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Thomi Seche M.A., was born in a small town in Bavaria. Received a Masters's Degree in Fine Arts at the Academy in Munich. He was a monk for 8 years in India, practicing and studying meditation.
He practiced martial arts and received two black belts.
The biggest challenge from a small cell in India was coming to America and learning to live in the USA, from the ground up. From driving cabs to driving big rigs, he became a proud Long Haul Trucker. After 2 years, he started his own training and facilitation business based out of San Francisco. For over 18 years Thomi coached CEOs in transition, facilitated high-level team meetings, and was the trusted ear to executive clients.
Leaving the corporate environment, he started 2 start-ups. And yes, one tanked; and one he exited.
He is an accomplished writer, his first book "The Authentic Message" became the bible for many corporate communicators.
His new book "Being Brave," reveals the steps he took to overcome prejudice and live courageously.
In essence, his motto is: "Make it a life worth living."
To talk to him, ask him anything, visit this link https://www.seche.coach/contact
