There is “Bring Your Child to Work Day” and “Bring Your Dog to Work Day.” And there is even “Bring Your Parents to Work Day”! Really! But what it would be like if we had a “Bring Your Best to Work Day”? Here is what that day might look like…
1. Passion
When we bring our best to work, we bring our passion and people see us as both energized and engaged. And, since almost two thirds of all U.S. workers describe themselves as not engaged, “Bring Your PASSION to Work Day” could be a game-changer for us and for the organizations we work for.
2. Focus
You have heard of distracted drivers, but what about distracted team members? Social media. Vacation planning. Shopping. Day-dreaming. When we bring our best to work, we bring a laser-like focus where our attention is zeroed in on the most important work, task, or goal that our organization’s mission needs from us.
3. Connection
A growing amount of research shows that we, as Americans, are declining in meaningful relational connections. People who have one or two close friends at work are more likely to be happy, satisfied, and productive and are less likely to quit. When we bring our best to work, we invest in meaningful relationships.
4. Skill
When we bring our best to work, we bring our skills – but not just any skills. We bring skills that we have invested in sharpening through study, practice and training. Over time, some people coast, acting as though their good is good enough. Yet the needs of their team and organization have changed, and before long, they look like a “C” level player rather than an “A.”
Take a moment and think about what it would be like if each of us intentionally went to work with passion, focus, connection and skill. We would feel energized, others would be inspired, and our organizations would be dramatically more productive and fun! Which of these four areas do you need to work on in order to bring your best to work today?
Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.
