{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"A Simple Strategy to Get What You Want Out of Your Career","description":"\u201cWhy don\u2019t they put more time and attention to that client? If they don\u2019t, they might lose them.\u201d   \u201cCan\u2019t they see I would be excellent in that position? Why don\u2019t they consider me?\u201d   \u201cDon\u2019t they understand that if they\u2019d just have more team building activities throughout the year everyone would work better together? Collaboration clearly improved after our yearly retreat.\u201d   \u201cWhy don\u2019t they spend a little extra money on the furniture in our waiting area? At least they could provide fresh tea\/coffee and relaxing (or energizing) music for guests! Seriously, don\u2019t they understand that we\u2019ll have a better reputation, and therefore more customers, if we did?\u201d   Ever find yourself saying or thinking any of the above statements?   They, of course, are the responsible ones\u2014the Owner, CEO, Executive in charge. And if they\u2019d simply listen to you, then everyone would be better off, including them.   This is the way many of us think when faced with subpar performance, communities, election results, and even our workplaces. We see and hear a clear problem, even life-threatening, and chose to pass the buck, saying, \u201cIt\u2019s not my responsibility.\u201d   Those were almost the exact words Jackie said after I shared my concern about a slick spot on the pool deck where I narrowly avoided a serious injury. Concerned for others, I brought it to the attention of a long-term employee, Jackie, who casually said, \u201cYeah, we know about that spot.\u201d   \u201cYou know that spot is there and you\u2019re doing nothing to repair it?\u201d I thought, loudly while desperately wanting to shake her and the entire leadership team.   Recognizing such an action (or even a complaint to the manager) would do no good, I\u2019ve begun thinking about how I can help. Not because I have to\u2014indeed, I\u2019m a paying member\u2014but because I love swimming there.   The idea of asking myself how I can help fix that slick spot was inspired by Dr. Marc Cesari, a chiropractor in Baltimore, Maryland. As the only employee in a new office space in Towson, Marc wanted the waiting area to be inviting, peaceful and filled with inspiration. Rather than wait for the Owner\u2019s approval to outfit the waiting room, he bought the furniture, painted the walls and ensures cleanliness.   \u201cWait, what\u2014you paid for this furniture out of your own pocket? It\u2019s not your business\u2014you\u2019re his employee. Is he going to reimburse you at least?\u201d I asked.   \u201cYes, I did pay for it, and without asking for permission to be reimbursed. If he can\u2019t see the value of this furniture, then I\u2019ll eat the cost to ensure I get to work in a space I\u2019m proud of,\u201d he responded almost as if everyone should behave in the same way.   Indeed, such thinking aids greatly in getting the results we want. In fact, it prompted me to send a message to the manager asking how I can help remedy the situation. Not that I know a thing about pool decks, but I\u2019d certainly be happy to sand it down if that would help.   What do you find yourself irritated with or complaining about? What can you do today to be a part of the solution?     Here\u2019s to Your Greatness,   Misti Burmeister   P.S. Need more focus and energy in your work? Check out our brand new Gearing for Greatness package today.   ","author_name":"Provoking Your Greatness - Misti Burmeister","author_url":"http:\/\/www.measurablegreatness.com","html":"