By J.T. O’Donnell
Last week, I wrote about the 4 words that control most career decisions. I was hoping to point out how, in this economy, our country is seeing first-hand why evaluating a person based on what they do for a living is flawed.
At the end, I suggested that people stop asking “What do you do?” and start asking, “What do you like to do?”
This simple change in approach offers so many benefits. Here are just few:
1) You get the person talking about something they love, which makes them happier.
2) You get to witness the person become relaxed and happy, which will make you feel better.
3) You’ll get to know the person more deeply, an important part of effective professional relationship building.
4) The person will remember your interest in them, increasing their respect for you.
Need I say more?
So, here’s my challenge: Ask as many people today as you can what they like to do. Then, come back here and post your experiences. Share with readers the reaction you got and the impact it had. Let’s build a post that showcases the power of this simple action.
Hey, I’ll start: What do YOU like to do? Tell me below so I can get to know you better!
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I completely agree with your article. I perceive an equally insightful question to consistently pose is “Who are you?”
The refreshing thing about this question is it takes people by surprise, it causes them to re-visit whats most important to them and re-kindles a fire inside that's often been estinguished by setbacks, the recession, a failed or series of failed relationships or merely forgetting to celebrate what is favorable in their life.
No matter how frustrating life becomes, each of us have something to be grateful for!
To get the ball rolling, I'll share who I am….
I am a legendary helping professional. I am passionate about seeing others live their best life, seeing others rebound from every seeming setback/difficulty and strategically position themself and countless others for the road ahead.
I am impactful in the medical & educational arena as a MSL, in the relationional arena as an unconditional sister, friend, wife, bonus mother (aka step-parent), niece, confidante, extended relative, & as a life strategist by challenging clients and anyone who'll listen to live a confidant, courageous and phenomenal life. We must intentionally “think about what we're thinking about” & by being strategic.
None of us are as smart as all of us!
Dr. Kasmin Boswell-Delgado
I completely agree with your article. I perceive an equally insightful question to consistently pose is “Who are you?”
The refreshing thing about this question is it takes people by surprise, it causes them to re-visit whats most important to them and re-kindles a fire inside that's often been estinguished by setbacks, the recession, a failed or series of failed relationships or merely forgetting to celebrate what is favorable in their life.
No matter how frustrating life becomes, each of us have something to be grateful for!
To get the ball rolling, I'll share who I am….
I am a legendary helping professional. I am passionate about seeing others live their best life, seeing others rebound from every seeming setback/difficulty and strategically position themself and countless others for the road ahead.
I am impactful in the medical & educational arena as a MSL, in the relationional arena as an unconditional sister, friend, wife, bonus mother (aka step-parent), niece, confidante, extended relative, & as a life strategist by challenging clients and anyone who'll listen to live a confidant, courageous and phenomenal life. We must intentionally “think about what we're thinking about” & by being strategic.
None of us are as smart as all of us!
Dr. Kasmin Boswell-Delgado
Today after I got out of class I decided to skateboard on the street for a bit. After that I played pass with my lacrosse stick for awhile. These are the days that I dream about in mid-February when we have 3 feet of snow. S
What a great idea, J.T.!
I like to help people de-stress and create more peaceful, productive lives through the process of coaching. I also enjoy helping people find true meaning in their lives. In addition, I Iove spending time in nature and reading great novels.
What a great idea, J.T.!
I like to help people de-stress and create more peaceful, productive lives through the process of coaching. I also enjoy helping people find true meaning in their lives. In addition, I Iove spending time in nature and reading great novels.
Simple, yet brilliant. I've always hated asking “what do you do?” as the ice-breaker, but never had a good alternative….until now.
Thanks for insight! I have pondered this matter lately because I know that soon I will be let go from my respectable and well paying job in the banking industry. I feel credible and respected when I answer that question with my current job title. “I'm a VP. I'm good.” But soon I will not be able to answer that way. Oh, what will my answer be?
Because I am a smarty-pants with a sharp and quick satirical side, I've considered a list of possible answers.
Emissary for the Angel of Death
Barnyard animal artificial insemination technician
Personal information gatherer for a secret agency
Internet message board troll
Third shift cess pool shoveler
Home business owner taste testing jelly belly flavors
Chicken and cat sex checker
I could give any of these answers with a straight face and if someone felt the need to press me for more details, I have those too.
All jokes aside, you are right, the question, “what do you do?” is common and asked just as “how are you?” After reading this, I know my new question is “what do you like to do?” and I will continue to come up with my creative answers to the common question.
Dear Donlyn,
I'm picking myself up off the floor from laughing. Promise me your are exploring career options that involve comedy – what you wrote is pure brilliance! I honestly think it might be the funniest comment we've had on Careerealism.com since we started in Oct. '08.
Cheers to you for seeing the lighter side of what we are aiming for.
And now a request…PLEASE e-mail me at info@careerealism.com so I can convince you to guest post for us. That kind of quick wit should not be wasted in this economy!
Today was a sunny day with no clouds. On days like these i enjoy spending time outside. Doing anything outside makes me happy. Today after I got out of class I decided to skateboard on the street for a bit. After that I played pass with my lacrosse stick for awhile. These are the days that I dream about in mid-February when we have 3 feet of snow. Since I've been so busy lately, I haven't been able to enjoy these early spring days…So for me, this was the first day of spring.
Hey Brendan,
Thanks for being the brave soul to be the first to post. I agree! Today is definitely the first day of spring in terms of it actually FEELING like spring. Best part about enjoying a day like this is it's free. Goes to show how much what we like to do is not necessarily tied to money.