Would You Hire YOU?

If you’re a fan of R&B Divas L.A., you may have seen the episode that featured the ladies marrying themselves in a ceremony.  They each had to take a deep look at the women they had become and decide if they were really worthy of self-love. The “Will I Marry Me,” exercise asked some thought-provoking questions that got me to thinking about how they could apply to other areas of our lives.

Like on your job.

We do a lot of complaining about the way we are treated in relationships and on our jobs, but how often do we really look at the man or woman in the mirror?

I’m amazed at how many people are only willing to give 40, 50 or, on a good day, 60 percent of themselves to their jobs but still expect to see the benefits of people giving much more.

Don’t expect results that you haven’t worked for. It just won’t happen and it isn’t right.

But beyond that, working hard is the Godly thing to do and there are all kinds of scriptures that back this up.

Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

And Proverbs 14:23 says “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”

My take on this is to work hard, take pride in a job well done and do a lot less talking about it. We’ll call that the show me – don’t tell me rule.

So, we’re gonna try something.  Knowing what you know about you, your work ethic, your commitment, your ingenuity or lack of it, would you hire yourself?

Let’s take a quick assessment of what you really bring to the table and then figure out some ways to improve yourself as an employee.

•    What are your strongest attributes?

•    What are your weaknesses?

•    What three steps can you do on your own that will make you a better worker?

•    What three steps can you do with the help of others (classes, networking, mentorships) that will make you a better worker?

Even though your job might not be perfect, what is it allowing you to do that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to accomplish? Is it paying for your house, your education, your children’s tuitions or athletic programs? Has it funded your vacations, hobbies or even allowed you to make the connections, technology and resources, to start your own business?

If you’re being paid by someone to work, you’ve entered into a contract with them, and as tempting as it is to adopt the “do just enough to keep the job,” attitude, you know in your heart that isn’t going to get you very far. Better to give it your best because that’s what you want in return.

Let me know if this struck a chord with you and tell me whether you would or wouldn’t hire yourself and why.