Ask for What You Want
When Jay McManus and I started the coaching process, I was depressed, unemployed and struggling with what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles. He helped me break things down into manageable parts, starting with dealing with my feelings of frustration and hopelessness. During the initial two weeks, we did several exercises to help me identify the qualities I need in a job to feel satisfied and successful. He also helped me take some practical steps toward employment.
One day while on a half-day temp assignment, I overheard the manager talking about an ambitious project she was implementing. After lunch, I walked into the manager's office and told her I was interested in her project, and what I could do for her. She hadn't considered even creating the position I described, but liked my ideas and saw the value. She asked for my resume, and later offered me the position I'd suggested.
As Jay has said to me many times, I'm the one who saw that opportunity, asked for what I wanted and made it happen. Though I agree, I also know that without the knowledge and focus that came out of our 6-week coaching sessions, I would not have had the confidence to step up and ask for what I wanted. I wouldn't have known what to ask for.
In two months I went from spiraling towards a desperate financial situation to an interesting job that suits my tastes and talents and pays 10K more than my last job!
Thanks, Jay.
Christine Blonowicz
4-12-02
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