Business & Professional

CAREER COACH

Are You A Renter Or An Owner?

M

any years ago, when I was a
CFO, an agency sent our com-
pany a temp worker who was
so good I hired her on the spot for full-
time employment.
I could see from the minute she walked
into my door that she took responsibility
for her actions and had a certain pride
and ownership in her job. She was inter-
ested in doing an extraordinary job.
Today, more than ever, it is important
that each of you do the same thing and
go to work every day with one task: do
what it takes to own your career. There's
just no room in this business climate for
renters.
Whether you have a job with seem-
ingly no prospects for advancement, or a
temp job to hold you over, you should go
to work every day with a good attitude.
Smile often, stand out and act like you
own it.
As a coach, I ask my clients if they
know the difference between a renter and
an owner. They get it — in terms of real
estate.
In the workplace, like in real estate,
renters have defined time commitments.
It is more temporary, leaves the doors

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open so you can leave faster
or, perhaps, test the product to
see if you like it.
Renters at work join com-
panies because they need
paychecks and, perhaps, the
benefits. They take jobs with
a plan: to escape when some-
thing better comes along.
They seem like visitors; they
are distant, have few decora-
tions in their workspaces and
they are unlikely to grab a bite
at lunch with colleagues. Work
for renters is half-hearted
because they are never committed to the
organization. They are there doing time
until they can escape.
On the other hand, owners personalize
their workspaces, make them comfort-
able and give off a vibe. They care about
belonging and fitting in and they feel a
certain pride.
Owners collaborate with other employ-
ees, help generate ideas to build business
and seek new opportunities. They deliver
for the team while investing in their
own careers. So, now ask yourself, are
you a permanent or a temp? Are you in a

department or a member of the
team?
To succeed, you must pro-
actively take responsibility for
yourself and own your career.
To do so, you need to have
great personal clarity about
what you want, what you offer,
and who needs to know about
it.
Ready to own your job?
Here are some tips:
• Think about longer-
term vision. The sky is the
limit. If you could make a big
difference in the world, what would you
do? How does that translate to your
career?
• Develop your own job descrip-
tion. If your company engages employ-
ees to participate in setting their goals
for the year, come to meetings with ideas
for what you want to accomplish. Steer
your job to areas that will both benefit
the company and provide you with expe-
rience in a new area.
• Figure out what you love to do.
What are your strengths? What sets you
apart from those who do what you do?

• Take the initiative. Look for things
that can expand your experience. Be stra-
tegic about the decisions that you make
and put yourself in positions to create
your own opportunities. Stretch yourself
into different roles and activities.
• Identify the people you want to
work with. Search for co-workers and
clients and begin to build relationships.
• Be interesting. Read; stay current
on ideas that matter to you and your
workplace; share what you learn and how
it applies.
• Listen. I mean really listen and take
an interest in what others have to say,
learn about the problems they face on the
job, be interested and provide perspective
and support.
What have I done that demonstrates
my commitment to others and the orga-
nization?
Ask yourself: Are you paying rent or
investing in owning your career?

Robert Sher, CPA, is a certified execu-

tive coach. He is former CFO for Schostak

Brothers & Company, Livonia. His e-mail

address is: info@bobshercom.

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July 22 • 2010