Working Every Angle

There are people who always have an angle, or several.

They are good at seeing around corners, at anticipating how situations will turn out. They may be good at reading people, or at thinking a few steps ahead. They understand where the pressure points will be, and how hard to push them.

There are people who approach each person, each experience, with an eye to what most benefits them. They tend to focus on immediate, competitive benefits in the short run. If life is a game, they want to do everything they possibly can to win.

What if we approach life and work with a different perspective? What if we work other angles?

Yes, many people in positions of leadership undermine their own efforts to be leaders. Yes, it is important for us to be treated fairly and respected at work. It is only fair that we are adequately compensated for the work we do. No one deserves to be in an abusive work relationship.

While everyone wants to be an engaged, empowered worker, ultimately we decide how inspired we are. Our perspective on work says more about us than about anyone who is working to motivate us.

No matter how uninspiring our current situation may be, who inspires us to keep working? Who are the examples who inspire us, even when everyone else seems to be working every angle?

The perspective, the angles, from which we approach what we do shape how we do it. We may be the smartest person in the room, but still enter an experience eager to learn. We may believe we have the right answers, but choose to open ourselves to new questions.

What angles are you working this week?

How does your angle of approach shape how you work?

[Image by kevin dooley]