This month’s dysfunction deals with an all too common problem: not being told where you stand at work often resulting in being blind-sided with bad news. Do you know where you stand at work today? Are you seen as a rock star? A loose cannon? A future leader? No longer relevant to the organization? Too often, our position changes and we aren’t even aware of it. For many of us, there was a time when we were rock stars. We had a loyal fan base and sold out venues. But, as it happens with most rock stars, over time people stop coming to our shows until one day, to our surprise, our fans are gone. The worst part – no one bothered to tell us along the way.
This month, we will tackle this dysfunction: not being told where you stand at work often resulting in being blind-sided with bad news. Throughout the month we’ll cover, amongst other things:
- What are the warning signs that I’m losing my fans?
- What are the land mines I need to avoid?
- What can I do proactively to get a read on where I stand today?
- How can I “sell more tickets” and keep myself relevant?
Every Monday, I’ll kick off our conversation for the week by addressing one of these big questions. Throughout the week I’ll share stories, examples and other opinions as we dig in. By the end of the month, if we haven’t cured this dysfunction, we’ll do a darn good job treating it!
So, write to me with your stories, examples or opinions on the subject. I promise to protect the innocent (and guilty!).
…And off we go!
Therapist, professor, consultant and radio host, Brandon Smith brings an upbeat, witty approach to the challenges of workplace health and dysfunction. 
I love this concept. It is a very real experience. A topic that is much of taboo in the work place. I enjoyed you as a professor at GSU and look forward to your posts. Thanks so much for doing this.