Are You Being Used or Leveraged? Guide and Assessment
I'm thrilled to introduce my latest endeavor: "Navigating Work Dynamics: Are You Being Used or Leveraged?" This guide and assessment are designed to help professionals gain clarity on their roles within their respective workplaces.
As a Saudi woman in mid-management, I've had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the rapid evolution of the professional landscape in our country. It's been a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons. Inspired by my own experiences and observations, I've felt compelled to share insights that can benefit professionals of all backgrounds.
The series builds upon my previous guides, including "8 Tell Alls if You Are Working for a Manager of Juniors or Seniors" Through these resources, true to my design anthropology background, I aim to research, understand, and demystify the often complex dynamics of the workplace and empower individuals to navigate them effectively.
Living and working in a society that's progressively embracing women in the workforce, I've recognized the importance of sharing these lessons with a wider audience. Whether you're a man or a woman, understanding whether you're being used or leveraged in your workplace is crucial for personal and professional growth.
In this guide, you'll find an assessment that will help you evaluate your current situation objectively. By understanding where you stand, you can take proactive steps to shape your career path and enhance your overall satisfaction at work.
I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let's navigate workplace dynamics together and pave the way for a more fulfilling and rewarding professional journey.
Stay tuned for updates and insights, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. If you have a particular topic, share it with me
Assessment: Are You Being Used or Leveraged?
Instructions: Please answer the following questions honestly to assess whether you are being used, leveraged, or fall somewhere in-between in your current work situation.
Purpose Alignment:
Do you feel that your skills and strengths are utilized to their fullest extent in your current role?
(a) Yes, my role fully aligns with my skills and strengths.
(b) Somewhat, but there are areas where I feel underutilized.
(c) No, I often find myself performing tasks that don't utilize my skills effectively.
Communication and Collaboration:
How would you describe the level of communication and collaboration in your workplace?
(a) Open and collaborative, where my ideas are valued and considered.
(b) It varies; sometimes my input is sought, but other times decisions are made without consulting me.
(c) Limited, with little opportunity for me to contribute or share ideas.
Long-Term Growth:
Does your organization invest in your long-term growth and development?
(a) Yes, I have opportunities for training, advancement, and skill development.
(b) Occasionally, but it's not a consistent focus.
(c) No, there are limited opportunities for growth or advancement.
Relationship Dynamics:
How would you characterize your relationship with your superiors or colleagues?
(a) Collaborative and supportive, with a sense of mutual respect and trust.
(b) Neutral, with interactions primarily focused on work tasks.
(c) Transactional, where interactions are based solely on completing assigned tasks.
Job Satisfaction:
On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with your current job?
(a) 4-5: Highly satisfied, I feel fulfilled and valued in my role.
(b) 2-3: Moderately satisfied, but there are aspects that could be improved.
(c) 1: Dissatisfied, I feel undervalued and unfulfilled in my current role.
Scoring:
For each (a) response, assign 3 points.
For each (b) response, assign 2 points.
For each (c) response, assign 1 point.
Interpretation:
15-13 points: You are likely being leveraged. Your organization recognizes and utilizes your skills and strengths to their fullest extent, fostering collaboration and investing in your long-term growth.
12-8 points: You may fall in-between being used and leveraged. While there are aspects of your role that align with your skills and strengths, there may be opportunities for improvement in communication, growth, and job satisfaction.
7-5 points: You are likely being used. Your role may not fully utilize your skills and strengths, and there may be limited opportunities for growth and collaboration in your current work environment.
How can you actualize and actionize what you read?
I offer career coaching session for individuals and team building workshops for organizations.
