So where do you work?

Years ago, if asked, "where do I work?" I normally say, "I work in [company name] as a software engineer." Then I found this amazing concept from Brian Tracy which says, if you were asked where do you work tell them that you are the CEO of your personal service company and company A is your biggest client. This simple yet profound concept made me think a lot about my career.

It gave three strong realizations:

1. I am responsible for my own growth.

If I am the CEO of my own personal service corporation then I am responsible of mypersonal and career growth. My hands contain the keys for personal growth and non-growth. My choices impact my career. I can choose to grow or not to grow. I can choose to be proactive or not. With this is the realization that I can no longer wait for the company to develop my skills. Nor can I complain if my manager did not give me the "breaks" I "need". It's up to me to find ways to improve the way I serve my biggest client. It's up to me to make a difference.

2. I am paid because of the value I contribute to my client.

I am not paid because I report everyday but because of the value I place to my biggest client - (in this case) Lexmark. If I consider my paycheck "small", I could no longer say, "this is all they pay" because "this" is a representation of the value I can offer to my client. My pay check will increase as my value increases.

3. I can do something.

No longer will I feel a "victim" of circumstances but a "participant" of my career's direction. I can be better in my service to my client and I can develop the skills to bring about value to the marketplace. I have a choice to "grow into a mountain not to shrink to a grain of sand". I can "increase my value a hundred fold" and I can be better. I can do better.

This new way of seeing my career changed me and will continue to change me. I hope that as I shared this to you a new sense of zest will be stirred inside of you. Then you and I will continue to be more in control with our careers.