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Wring Out the Old, and Bring in the New (and Improved)
By Kesi Stribling editor@ksgsc.com
The Strategist eNewsletter
Published by KSG Strategic Consulting
January 2006

It is customary during the end of the year to reevaluate our lives, relationships, and our
physiques. We spend hours pondering how we can improve ourselves, get rid of toxic people in
our lives, and lose a few pounds as quickly as possible.

The same zest with which we vow to commit ourselves to improvement and growth in our
personal lives should also mirror our commitments to our success and progress in the
workplace. Whether an entrepreneur, manager, or entry level employee, we should all strive to
shed our old ways of thinking and operating, and bring in a new attitude, commitment to task,
and improved and positive outlook.

I’ve spent many years talking with and consulting to professionals of varying industries. While
the company may be different, there’s a universal theme in what exasperates employees –
managers and otherwise – and causes them to resolve to get a better job in a better
environment, to create a better life for themselves, particularly as a new year approaches. A
lack of opportunity for career growth, cantankerous coworkers, and difficult supervisors are
typical complaints that cause many of us to change jobs in the New Year, hoping for a fresh
start in a new environment.

The sentiments and aspirations are noble, but we don’t often do the prep work to help us
improve our career situations. Hence, we sometimes fail at the objectives we’ve set for ourselves
– get a promotion, start a business, improve inter-personal relationships with fellow employees –
because we haven’t laid the ground work for change.

For example, a woman can promise herself that she’ll lose twenty pounds by February 1, but if
she lacks the discipline to decline dessert, or doesn’t exercise, she’ll probably fail to lose the
weight. If an employee is tired of a job, and wants to get a new one, he will probably not be
successful if he hasn’t updated his resume or engaged in training programs to help increase his
skills set, making him more attractive to potential employers.

Some of us desire to start our own businesses, be our own bosses. Dreams of successful
companies with abundant clients often fill the heads of aspiring entrepreneurs, but if they haven’
t developed a business or strategic plan, they may not get the financial backing to start a
thriving business. What’s worse, not having the business concept, target demographics, and
services offered on paper may prevent the would-be entrepreneur from creating a clear
blueprint for business success.

So what can you do while waiting for new options in 2006? Prepare for change by improving
your skills, doing research on a desired new profession, update your resume, network with other
professionals in the field you desire to pursue, join a local professional association, and talk with
your current supervisor about ways to increase your work responsibility and hopefully, your pay.

There’s no question that surviving a tough workplace is difficult, especially when you’re yearning
for new opportunities. Tight budgets, lack of staff, and increased work loads can be daunting to
say the least. But, keeping a hopeful and optimistic attitude can make all the difference between
a good year and bah-humbug existence.

Have you had success wringing out the old attitude in your career? Email your triumphs to The
Strategist at editor@ksgsc.com.

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