The Hindu Business Line : <I>Look inside before you jump outside </I>

Here is an A to Z to get what you want at work: `Love It Don't Leave It' by Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans, from Tata McGraw-Hill (www.tatamcgrawhill.com) .

"Do you think the grass must be greener somewhere else?" begins the preface, with a point blank question. Well, you aren't alone, assures the authors. "Too many people leave their jobs because something is wrong, or something is missing. They leave physically, by walking out the door. Or, they leave psychologically, by withdrawing their energy and commitment but staying put. And later, many regret their departures (of both kinds)."

There is an alternative, promises the book. "Positive change is not only possible but well worth your effort," urge the authors. Not just a fond wish but what the authors have discovered after asking `over 15,000 people why they stayed in their organisations'. Top reasons for the `why' are five, across industries: "Exciting, challenging work; a chance to learn and grow; great people to work with; fair pay; and a great boss."

All you need to do is get clear about what's missing and go after it, advise Kaye and Jordan-Evans. "Look inside before you jump outside." Also, the authors caution those who are lingering at the precipice to double-check those greener pastures! A key message in the book is that you are in charge. "You are ultimately responsible for your own workplace satisfaction. Don't expect your manager to be a mind reader or your organisation to be solely responsible for your happiness. Others do have a role to play. But the bottom line is, you're in control." And, don't wait. Because that "lovin' feeling" may not find you; rather, you may have to find it." To those who want to take the first step, there are `at least 26 ways to take the initiative'. Such as, A for `ask'; because, `you may receive'. The authors ask: "How ready are you to hold an honest, possibly courageous conversation with your boss, a colleague, a senior leader? How willing are you to ask for what you really want?" But before asking, `get crystal-clear about what you want'. Then, `consider who, when, and how you'll ask'. Lastly, `identify the barriers - then bulldoze them'. Then, B for...

A book that you'd love to read before leaving!

http://BookPeek.blogspot.com

D.Murali