NewZealandCoach’s Weblog

Needs and values represent the ‘essence’ of what’s the most important to us in life.

I’ve seen a lot of people struggle to describe what’s really important to them. They find it difficult to articulate. But the coaching process allows someone to find out easily what they need/want from life. Once you understand this, and can articulate it, you will be amazed at how easy it is. Having this information will assist you to make good decisions, and let you feel happier and more secure about what you’re doing in general.

Let me give you an example.

Person ‘A’ is working in a corporation which has a huge emphasis on performance. There are great perks – laptops, cellphones, company dinners, corporate credit cards. The work is interesting, there’s always something new going on. The job is in a nice building, where good coffee is supplied and parking is in the basement. The hours are long, and employees are encouraged to go to the various team building events. There are weekend workshops and weeks away for everyone to learn new skills and bond in an environment strongly tailored towards keeping everyone happy and productive.

So why is this person unhappy?

They are achieving, they are learning, they enjoy good relationships with those around them at work. What’s the problem here?

This person has a couple of needs/values which are causing them a problem. There is nothing inherently wrong with their job. The person has a strong need to be autonomous. It’s the way their job is directed for them that is making them uneasy. They do not have any ‘room to move’. They are not able to personalise their work, it follows a set format. Once their work is done for the day, there is nothing to show that they ‘personally’ had a hand in it.
Another need/value that is at odds for them, is their strong need to feel connected with their family. It is not that there is anything wrong at all with their job. It is just that they feel resentful that they are not spending the time with their family that makes them happy. They feel they are missing out.

This scenario is not a deadlock. There are options for this person. There is never ‘one way’ to do things. The person does not have to resign from their job, and they don’t have to stay there for the next 10 years becoming progressively more miserable.

There are always options

talk to me : coachdawn_newzealand@yahoo.com on yahoo messenger