What Is Your Work Philosophy?

Today’s post is about identifying and writing out your work philosophy. And who better to help us with that than the king of philosophy, Aristotle.  So as I write this post today, I will sprinkle in a few quotes from him for inspiration.  With full attribution of course (don’t want to confuse my work with his).

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work – Aristotle

I am writing about work philosophy because I include it as a section on the SoloSheet™ resume companion.  But I never did a great job to explain what it is.  In what context it should be used.  And examples of how you can write a good one.

So that’s what I’ll do today.

But first, here’s my example from my own SoloSheet (which I will send you if you leave a comment below with your e-mail):

So based on this example, you can learn a few things about me.  And if you hire me, you now know a little about how I will get things done.

You see, within industries and functions, you often see a lot of the same great accomplishment statements.  Sales people show accounts conquered, volume increases.  Marketing people show number of products launched, margin improvement.  And the like for IT, Finance, Human Resources.

We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit  – Aristotle

So where can this content be utilized?

1. In your personal marketing materials
2. In your professional cover letter
3. As you interview

But, lets step back.  Who cares how I get things done when simply getting things done is what most people want?

Well, the truth is that given a set of similar options to choose from (6 people available for every opening today), hiring managers will look for other aspects in a candidate to make the decision on who to bring in and who to hire.

This is where a clearly defined personal brand is critical.

It could be that a company has a goal to double the size of their business in 3-5 years.  Sounds like my work philosophy fits with that objective.  But what if they are looking for slower, more predictable growth with significant analysis of all the possible growth options?  Well, I either need to better show off that side of myself or look for other companies to target that better value my work philosophy.

And when you are deciding how to choose your target companies, look for those that seem to line up well with your work philosophy.

So, your task today.  If you choose to accept it.  Is to write out your work philosophy.  As you can see from mine and other examples, it doesn’t have to be long.  Just a few sentences will do.

But it has to be real.  And consistent with you who are.  How you work.  And how you get things done.

Can you do that?

If you come up with something you like, share it with me as a comment below and I’ll tell you what I think . . .

Photo credit, G.dallorto

Written by: Tim Tyrell-Smith
Tags: aristotle | attribution | belief systems | cosmologists | differentiate | empiricists | example | examples | human resources | matters | metaphilosophy/quotations | metaphysics | meteorologists | philosophy | science | sprinkles | start now | thought | work
Categories: Personal And Business Branding