People often manage their career and their search for a new career or job like travelers on a river. There are FLOATERS and PADDLERS. Anyone who has spent time on a river knows the difference.
FLOATERS let the river take them and their flotation device wherever it chooses. They are content to watch the world go by at its own pace—with their progress and direction at the mercy of other forces. Floaters sometimes take an unexpected dip because they are not prepared for the currents. Floaters just let it happen.
There are floaters in the workplace, too. They allow bosses, department heads, and other forces to direct their careers. Unprepared for change, they can find themselves “in deep water”, trying to figure out what happened – wondering if that promotion will ever come and where their career is going. Floaters don’t take control of their careers; they don’t live their purpose.
PADDLERS, on the other hand, take charge of their direction, path, and speed. Paddlers are going somewhere – with a purpose. Paddlers make it happen.
Paddlers have a distinct mindset and a purpose. They think like the CEO of a business. They assess their strengths and weaknesses, develop their skills, and hone an understanding of the currents, conditions, and environment. Paddlers, such as kayakers, have a plan for the trip. If they take a spill, they have the ability, confidence, and self-understanding to right the craft quickly and continue their journey. What might have been a disaster becomes a minor detour.
Are you a floater or a paddler?
Post your comments below.
Thank you, Cindy, for inviting me to NfP and for this simple clarification between floater and paddler. To be honest with myself and without knowing it, I have been a floater. But I’m ready to grab my paddles!