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Ask the Expert: Finding Balance Natalie Gahrmann is a success coach and owner of N-R-G Coaching Associates, a private coaching company that specializes in helping working parents achieve mastery of work and life. Her clients experience more clarity, direction and alignment while reducing stress in their busy lives.
Getting Off the Fast TrackCathie writes, "I have worked for the same multi-national company for 13 years (started right after college). I have been offered many good opportunities over those years and have transferred divisions 4 times. I have recently moved for them to work in the headquarters of the division I have been with for the past 4 years. My problem is that I feel like I am on too fast a track, but don't know how to slow it down without stopping it all together. Prior to this move I had mentioned that I'd be open to an international assignment, for 2 - 3 years and would then like to return to the US to a HQ organization where I could physically stay for 5 - 10 years, but be challenged over that time with a few different positions. Or I'd go right to that HQ position now and stay the 5 - 10 years. Now I find that I am in a "Top Potential" pool, one of only 3 worldwide from my functional area. Being in this pool feels like a lot of pressure. My kids are very young and although I enjoy working I need to be able to NOT always work 10 - 12 hour days over the next few years. How do I ask for the track to be slowed down without derailing it altogether?"Answer: Start by being clear with what you do want. You know you don't want to continue working on this fast-paced top potential path right now--but what do you truly want? Up until now you've communicated your eagerness and interest to work high-end positions and top-notch assignments. You've told your employer you want to work in an international assignment for a number of years before returning to a challenging headquarters position. Do not send mixed messages to your employer. You must be clear on what you want and be able to articulate it succinctly. In coaching, one of the exercises I use with clients helps them look at their goals. When goals are "away from" they tend to be dis-empowering because you're challenged to move away from what you don't want. They're confusing, misleading and often unattainable. However when goals are "toward" they are motivating and help pull you toward what you want. So, formulate your new goals based on the direction you want to go. How will your new goals get you closer to how you want your life to be? Craft your new goals so that it inspires you and keeps you focused on what you do want. Work from a place of positive energy, fun and joy to motivate you to re-design your work life. Create a more reasonable career plan that accounts for your professional, as well as your personal needs Of course, making requests based on your needs will not be without risk. Focus your conversation on your accomplishments and contributions and what you are willing to do vs. what you are not willing to do. Clearly communicate how you will be able to continue achieving results as a valued member of the team.
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