What is “Corporate America” Anyway?
We hear a lot about this thing called “Corporate America”.
When graduating from college, we can’t wait to work there, yet after a few years our tune has changed.
We complain about working in “Corporate America” like it’s a destination no one wants to visit.
We dream of leaving “Corporate America” and starting our own business, as if we would be freed from the bondage of work. (I’ve got news for you. Owning your own business is a lot of work).
We hear stories about the mergers of this company and the takeover of that company.
It all seems a bit like a board game where deals are made with amounts of money not many can fathom.
A zillion articles and news stories have been written about it from various angles – most of them negative.
So, what is Corporate America anyway?
Back when I first decided to work with corporate clients, I was having a conversation with one of my BBBs (Best Business Buddies). I was lamenting about some perceived issues I had about how difficult it might be to make this shift, partly because it involved “Corporate America” (yes, coaches have limiting beliefs, too). My colleague, who had recently quit her corporate job to start her own recruiting and career coaching practice, asked me a few questions and then hit me with this:
BBB: “Have you coached people successfully?”
Me: “Yes! They have gotten terrific results. I’m really good at what I do and I love it!”
BBB: “When you coached those people, where they in buildings?”
Me: “Um, yes.” (insert raised eyebrow and quizzical look)
BBB: “Then you’ve already coached corporate clients. Corporate America is just people in buildings.”
Me: Blank stare – light bulb moment.
Since then, I’ve coached and trained many of those people in buildings with great success. Here’s what I know:
People Matter: Regardless of rank – employee, manager or senior level executive – everyone wants to feel the work they do matters and more importantly, that they matter. Take time each day to let someone you work with know they matter. Bonus: tell them their worth isn’t tied to how well they do their job – they are fab by just as they are.
Share your passion: Ever notice how your energy increases when you’re around people who are passionate about what they do? They radiate a certain level of confidence and excitement that is magnetic and you find yourself wanting to spend more and more time with them. Try this: BE that person for someone else and watch how the level of enthusiasm you have for your job and for those around you skyrockets.
Get outta your head: We all have a very basic human need for connection; to feel like we belong to a community. In order to create that in your office environment you’ll need to stop thinking and start feeling. Put your phone down and practice being present – in the moment. Yeah, I know – it feels weird if you’re not used to it and here’s the cool thing. Once you start consciously creating those deeper connections, much of the drama and difficult issues that previously existed, start to disappear.
People in buildings.
I’ll guarantee that when you start leading with your heart and infuse your day with presence and gratitude, the work you get to do and those you get to work with will feel more like a privilege.
Find out how my executive coaching services will enhance your leadership. Contact me today.
Barbara Churchill is an energetic leadership and team development facilitator, coach and speaker who is passionate about helping clients – organizations or teams – bring the “human factor” back to the workplace by creating a supportive and productive culture.
Specializing in emerging leaders, she is passionate about empowering women and men to embrace their leadership skills and step into more fulfilling roles.