Work Doesn't Come First

Your career is important. But for most people, it’s not the MOST important thing in their lives. And that’s a good thing.

When I do executive coaching, I often ask people, “If you won the lottery tomorrow, would you keep your job?” Most people say no, although if they like their team, they’d continue to come in for a few more weeks to help with the transition.

People can enjoy and value their work, but most people do it to earn a paycheck. Don’t give or expect unconditional loyalty to a corporation that would interview for your replacement before your funeral. However, people can and should go above-and-beyond for other people. Mutual loyalty and mutual respect can build a workplace where people do more than earn a paycheck. But remember that even these workplaces are usually not going to come first for your people, nor should they.

I hope you and your team members will be able to spend some time this weekend with the parts of your lives that outrank work.

(image source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122132652075115895&set=gm.3680271272115258&idorvanity=2093449997464068)