How are you doing this September?  Are you thinking about your next vacation (already, or haven’t you taken one, yet – then DO it!)?

Are you thinking about how to grow and develop in your work?  What about the people “under” you?

Gallup has some great questions to regularly ask yourself and your employees so you know how you are doing work-wise- here they are (usually you scale them 1-10, but yes or no or maybe works, too):

Gallup’s Questions for Employee Engagement:

1. I know what is expected of me at work.
2. I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right

3. At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.
4. In the past seven days, I have received recognition or praise for good work
5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.
6. There is someone at work who encourages my development.
7. At work, my opinions seem to count.

8. The mission or purpose of my company makes me feel my job is important.
9. My associates or fellow employees are committed to doing quality work.
10. I have a best friend at work.

11. In the past six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress.
12. In the past year, I have had opportunities at work to learn and grow.

13. If I have a new idea that can help our organization, I know how to communicate it to management.

https://www.getvetter.com/posts/174-gallup-s-12-employee-engagement-questions-1-it-forgot

Maybe you can say a hearty yes to most of the questions, yourself.  If not, what do you need to move in that direction – think of three things (and vacation cannot be one of them).  Then, make a plan to fulfill those three things. Even if you can say yes to most, you might want to make a plan.

Maybe you are worried about an employee (or colleague) or two and you can help them do the same thing. Or you can hire a coach (for yourself or your employees) and work out these issues.

Some of the numbers on the list cannot be changed by me (e.g. my boss or a colleague have to give me praise (number 4), but I need to DO things to be recognized and praised for AND I need to praise others. I praised a colleague on Tuesday of last week, for example.

Also, this gives us all a chance to think of how to make our working environment more positive, in general.  Maybe I can be a friend so someone (unfortunately my work “best friend” recently retired, and now I would like to find someone, which isn’t always easy, as it is chemistry, etc.)- so, I wish you a god time reflecting and moving forward at work.

Finally, maybe you are still under lockdown or afraid that it will happen again at any time, if this is the case, what on the list can best help you deal with that uncertainty.  Learning to deal with the uncertainty in life is the best we can do at this time.  

Even so, what is the thing at work (and in life) that gives me the most joy? Do it or enjoy it – as much as possible.  Be grateful for the past, savor the present and look to the future with hope and (concrete) plans.

Have a great start to the month!

Patricia Jehle                                              patricia@jehle-coaching.com

 PS I have written a book: https://www.amazon.com/Reach-mountain-top-Starting-Switzerland-ebook/dp/B09CZ7W225/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=patricia+jehle&qid=1630317018&sr=8-1