I began working my first office job once a week at 14. In the last 4 years I have had the opportunity to hold positions in different environments – part time and full time – and get a sense of some things I have liked and disliked about the world I was in.
We are taught too often to compete. That the workplace is about who can work faster, do more, or sell the best. Our best qualities are the way that we make money, or how worth it we are on the company’s dime. These values lead me to lose a lot of sense in myself, and the type of worker and person I want to be.
Over time I have learned some things about myself, I was able to realize which environments I can thrive in based on what the goals of that company are. First being, I like to be around people. I enjoy the social aspect of a job and the interaction. Two of the most enjoyable types of positions I have been in have been retail and teaching. Now, I didn’t really like retail. I liked to engage with people and to have the chance to interact with folks from all different places. However, I realized quickly that I was made to feel like my worth was determined by my sales and that if I failed to reach my goals then I was not worthy of my position. I am not oblivious to the fact that selling products is the point of my position and the reason I was there. But there was a real absence of encouragement at the time, and instead of the chance to do better next time I was made to feel as though I was unworthy of my position. The thing that I learned about sales was, only about 10% of selling products were surrounded around the actual product, another 10% is dedicated to your attitude, but an entire 80% was wholly about how well I connected with my customer. All I needed to do was click with someone and at any point, take a product off the shelf, show it to them, and they were sold. However, because of the environment I was in, a lot of the selling techniques I had learned began to feel insincere and manipulative as it became about sale goals and competitions. It quickly became an environment I did not feel I wanted to be a part of.
The best thing I found about teaching is that you get the chance to interact, be on your feet, and are always thinking. The obvious difference being, I was not selling anything and I felt finally as though I could help. I was doing something that felt meaningful instead of a position that did not serve me or anyone else. Being in front of students is a bit scary, especially your first time around, because you feel as though there’s so much to prove. And although it’s far from easy, it’s a good opportunity to learn, grow, and find your voice.
The contrast between the two was important for me and my growth because it gave me a chance to learn how damaging competitive environments can actually be. I have always been someone who likes to compete and enjoys a good challenge. But what I learned was that there’s a fine line between encouraging your staff to reach a goal and making them feel as though they’re worthless if they don’t get there right away.
So, to close this out.
Employees: You are worthy, you can reach your goals, and you are more than your position. When it’s time to log off, go home, or however else you end your day…Do that.
Employers: Be kind. Notice the small things. Encourage goals, and remember where you started.
Gloria Alyssa 