Directions: Choose one of the prompts below to write a short response to based off of Ch. 8. Post it in the comments section below. As always, I have included an example of what I expect.
1.
Newport states that his rule #3 is “Turn Down a
Promotion.” This seems very
counter-intuitive. Using examples or
evidence from Ch. 8, explain what he means by turning down a promotion.
2.
Explain how Red Fire is an example of career
capital.
3.
What is the concept of “control” so important to
having work that really matters?
4.
In the last paragraph of the chapter on page
114, Newport summarizes the importance of career capital and control. Sketch out a plan, as of right now, for how
you might begin planning to develop career capital and control for your college
major.
THEN - leave feedback to at least THREE of your classmates.
There is no doubt that control over what you do is vital to having work that you love or, at least, work that you enjoy. This is happening all over our business and industry landscape today. Businesses, such as Facebook, Zappos, Google, and even Zeigler, are realizing that by giving their employees control over how and when they complete their work, the happier and more productive their employees are.
ReplyDeleteI see this first hand in the work I do. Luckily for me, since I teacher almost all College in the High School classes, I have total control over the content I teach. Sure I have to meet state standards for juniors and seniors and NCTC’s College Comp I and II course standards, but I have total control over HOW I meet those standards. That freedom to control content is one of the most rewarding aspects of CC I and II.
I see other teachers across the area who have no control over what they teach as they must teach “scripted” curriculum. They don’t have nearly the passion for their work or the impact on their kids as those of us who can control our content. Newport is so correct when he states: “Giving people more control over what they do and how they do it increases their happiness, engagement, and sense of fulfillment” (114). The words – happiness, engagement, and fulfillment precisely sumsup how I spend every day of my working life.
Explain how Red Fire is an example of career capital.
ReplyDeleteRyan started in his career at a young age by selling the produce out of his garden. He put a lot of time into learning about growing crops and became very good at it. He used that career capital to expand his clients and eventually go to Cornel to study agriculture. He then used the career capital from that to buy his own land and his own farm to start his own business.
I agree that it is an example of career capital because Ryan found the skills needed to be good at what he does. He enjoys what he does now too, instead of sitting at a desk all day.
DeleteI agree that his knowledge and way of growth are examples of career capital. The high amount of control that comes with their lifestyle also allows them to continue to grow their career capital.
DeleteI agree with this because Ryan was able to turn a small garden into a successful business by honing in on his skills. He stated to realize his skill at gardening and began to expand by renting land from a nearby farmer, and continued to work during college. After college, he continued to learn and received the needed experience for his career capital by beginning his own agriculture business that he now calls Red Fire.
DeleteI think a lot of career capital is about taking initiative. Like you said, he took the basics and grew them up until he had something substantial, and then used that career capital in a worthwhile way.
DeleteI also think that the way he discovered this passion was different because he was simply looking for a way to find cash and accidentally stumbled upon something that fulfilled his money goal and kickstarted his passion. It's a good example of not following your passion but working hard to create one.
Delete3. It says in the book that “Giving people more control over what they do and how they do it increases their happiness, engagement, and sense of fulfillment.” I agree with this quote because I think that when someone is not in control they do not work as hard. Some people do not think there work is as important if they do not have at least a little bit of control either. When people are in control, they feel like they accomplish more, and they focus to get the task done too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this because no one wants to be bossed around all day long. If we have freedom to do things the way we want, then we will most likely become more happier and more productive.
DeleteI agree with both of these because no one wants to be bossed around all day, and people are more likely to take initiative to do something a certain way when they don't feel like anyone will be around to shoot down their ideas. I also think that the idea of choosing your own schedule is likely to cause an increase in productivity because much more gets done by people who feel like doing something.
DeleteI like what you said about people not thinking their work is as important when they don't have control over it. If people feel like they're doing something purely for the sake of getting it done on someone else's terms, they won't feel accomplished which makes them less productive in the long-run.
DeleteI never thought about the fact that people might feel their work is unimportant if they don't control at least some aspects of it. That totally makes sense though. Things begin to feel more monotonous, boring, and mandatory if you have zero control. Once you control your work life, you can actually start to enjoy it.
DeleteI like how you stated that people do not feel as valued if they do not have control over some aspect of their work. Control is all about trust, and people who lack control in their job may see this as their boss not trusting them to successfully complete their task. With control comes the sense of being valued, which brings a drive to accomplish any task.
DeleteRed Fire is an example of career capital because there is a high demand for the product, which makes it extremely valuable. The organic fruits and vegetables produced at Red Fire Farms on the limited amount of acreage are not enough to fulfill the demand for them. This is a great example of supply and demand at work. The rarer the product, the higher the demand, this also applies to the lower the supply. This works in favor of Red Fire Farms because organic products are hard to come by, this combined with the limited number they are able to supply, makes the demand so much higher. All in all, Red Fire Farm's career capital comes in the form of the unmatched quality of their products and the control that comes with their lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this. I like the park where it says, "This is a great example of supply and demand at work." It is true because they feel like they are making a difference but they still enjoy their jobs.
DeleteI really like that you mentioned the supply and demand. It helps show how really effective career capital can be. With the limited supply and the high demand, Red Fire is has extreme career capital.
DeleteThe Red Fire Farm situation reminds me of the pool situation in Thief River; in order to get a membership you have to pay a fee, help manage a bit, and there is a waiting list if you were too late. It's another way that supply in demand is important, even here at home.
Delete3. Control is important because it gives people people have more “happiness, engagement, and sense of fulfillment” (114). What Newport is saying is that without control people are likely to feel controlled. Therefore, they are less happy in their workplace and will feel as though they aren’t doing anything important or worthwhile. With control, people feel more satisfied everyday. People are also likely to work harder and accomplish more. In this chapter, Newport also talks about ROWE, Results Only Work Environment. What this does it push people to focus only on the results of their work instead of how they do their work. This is a form of control, because people can choose how they get to their final result.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this because nobody wants to feel controlled. I think it is true that when people feel controlled they are less happy. I think ROWE is good because it gives people the chance to choose how they get their final result.
DeleteI agree with this, and I think that it would be really cool to work somewhere where they used the ROWE technique!
DeleteI had never heard of ROWE before reading this. I hope more work places adapt this concept. Like you said, it pushes people to produce results, but on their own terms, which will make them work harder.
DeleteI loved reading the section on ROWE. It was really interesting. I think more places should convert to this idea, because ultimately your results are all that matter in the workforce. If you can get everything accomplished well, it shouldn't matter how or when you do it.
DeleteI like that you talked about ROWE because I thought that was such a good idea. We all know that everyone learns a little bit differently or works a bit differently and that system allows for it, it helps both the business and the workers, so that little bit of open-mindedness had a lot of benefits.
DeleteI like that you talked about ROWE as well because it was a great example of having control over your career and future. Everyone likes to have control over their choices and it gives people the ability to make a bigger impact.
Delete3) Why is the concept of “control” so important to having work that really matters?
ReplyDeleteNewport has a great point when he says that giving people more control over what they do will lead to fulfillment. Having control over what you do gives you a sense of independence which allows you to grow more. If you’re always abiding by other people’s rules and someone else’s time frame, you will become frustrated. I’ve seen this up close at work. My co-workers who had been on the job for a number of years would complain about how they felt their time wasn’t respected whether it be by a customer or a supervisor. They said they wished they could find a job that allowed them to set their own pace and be more in control. And the people that complained were the ones who were less productive. If people were able to have more control over their work, both their productivity and their happiness would increase.
Yes I agree it is very obvious to see that control makes people more happy and fulfilled in their job!
DeleteI love how you included an example of Newport's concept from your own job. I also find it interesting to note that productivity and control are probably cyclical. They feel as if their time isn't respected, so they aren't productive. Since they aren't productive, they can't gain the career capital required to have control over their time at work.
DeleteI like how you mention the feeling of independence. I think that is an important part of what having control really is. Also the part where you mention your co-workers wanting to work at their own pace.
DeleteWhat is the concept of “control” so important to having work that really matters?
ReplyDeleteControl isn't something that ever popped into my head when I though about my "dream job", but since reading this book it makes sense. I'm starting to notice control was a part of my dream jobs, I just didn't realize it before. Control is important because it makes you feel valued and like you are good at what you do, which in turn makes you enjoy work more and want to be more productive. Control instills a sense of trust with the other employees. I think control could also open you up to more opportunities to gain career capital because you could show your skills easier.
I agree with this, BreAnnene. Control makes you feel as though people believe in you enough to give you that control. When you feel support and value from anyone of your coworkers, it automatically makes you enjoy your work and feel the need to prove yourself. I also like how you said control instills a sense of trust. When you give a person control, you are trusting them not to abuse their new power and to make the most out of it.
DeleteI hadn't thought about it that way, but you're right. Control really does signify trust. (Assuming you aren't your own boss!) I also like what you said about career capital. Using the extra freedom to gain career capital seems like a terrific strategy. I think the most significant advantage of control is how enabling it is.
DeleteI hadn't ever associated control with my dream job either. I agree to fell like your work matter you need to have some type of control over what it is you're doing.
DeleteWhat is the concept of “control” so important to having work that really matters?
ReplyDeleteThe concept of control is something that I hadn't really thought about being part of work that really matters. However, since reading this book, I have begun to see why control is so important. If you have control over your work, you realize that it is up to you how much you want to put into your work, and what you receive in return. Control gives us the sense that we have some say in this chaotic world, and that we can decide our own destiny. When you become in charge of your own work environment, you begin to feel a need to prove yourself, to show what yo can do without the restraints of a boss or CEO. That is when your job turns into not only work that matters, but into a calling. Control makes you compelled to show all that you can do.
The part that really stood out to me was when you said "When you become in charge of your won work environment, you being to feel a need to prove yourself" because I think it really describes what pushes people once they do have the control they are seeking.
DeleteI was thinking exactly like you before reading this chapter, I had never thought that control was necessarily something that was holding me back in any way. Not having control can be so subtle that you don't even realize it or just get used to it.
DeleteInteresting perspective. I'm certainly more invested in projects when I have a personal reason to get them done. So I see what you're saying. If we have control over our jobs it would make the jobs much more compelling simply because of that factor.
DeleteUsing examples or evidence from Ch. 8, explain what he means by turning down a promotion
ReplyDeleteThe sub-title for this section is “Or the purpose of control”. This seems to mean to him that it is more important that you have control over what you are doing than the level of what you are doing. This is a confusing idea but I think that he means that you can be making more money or being from some viewpoint more successful but it doesn’t really matter if you don’t have the ability to make the job your own.
When he talks about Ryan Voiland’s not going the same route as his fellow classmates he is in a way turning down a promotion. He was set up to live this life where he had reliable work hours and pay and is in a well respected profession. (Not that farming isn’t respected but sometimes it is overlooked considering all that goes into it). By choosing to be a farmer, and using his childhood career capital, he took a more risky route, but his patience and hard work paid off. He knew that he was good at farming, so he didn’t just do this on a whim, instead he built up his future instead of going right to the position he would probably stay at all of his life.
That leads to another possible interpretation of “Turn Down a promotion”, because Ryan arguably excelled to a higher position than he would have if he had followed the rest of his classmates. Despite the fact that he didn’t get there right away, he built up a reputation for himself and rose and rose, until people knew who he was. He did not rise fast and hit the plateau that most people do, but continued a steady climb.
Yes, good point. It would have been easier or more reasonable for Ryan to follow a traditional path, but because he built up career capital he ended up with a very successful business. Investing in what he knew he was skilled at was a great decision. I think that's a great example of the "Turn Down a Promotion" idea. Building up specific abilities for a certain career (and subsequently ignoring a move to something new) is the best way to gain control in a job. At least that's what Newport seems to be saying!
DeleteI like your perspective on this. No matter what you do, whether you follow the "traditional route" or not, it's important to build career capital. I also like what you said about building a good reputation. I think that in order to make a solid foundation to pursue a career on, you need to be reliable.
DeleteThe Red Fire farm is a great example of the value of career capital. Owner Ryan Voiland had built up a decade of rare and valuable skills before he even attempted to start his 70 acre organic farm. Growing up, Ryan spent much of his time selling produce from his parents garden and exploring ways to increase revenue. This lines up perfectly with Newport’s theory that the most compelling careers are built by spending time developing skill. Ryan didn’t start with a passion for farming but over time grew to love it. Deliberate practice clearly played an important role as well. “I read everything about growing that I could get my hands on…zillions of different things.” It’s fascinating that almost all of the people who do well at their jobs spent many years developing skill and ability.
ReplyDelete-Josiah Dyrud
I agree! It's crazy that at such a young age Ryan was able to create somewhat of a mini business. He then continued to to grow his little garden into a huge successful farm. It took years for Ryan to build up enough career capital to get that successful and really love what he is doing
DeleteIt's interesting that this is what we are never taught when we prepare to leave school. We are always told that if you follow your passion you'll never work a day in your life, but that's not true because in order to have a passion, you have to work extremely hard for a long time. I wish that this concept was taught starting from an earlier age because there would be less pressure on going to college and students may begin to gain better work ethics.
Delete4) In the last paragraph of the chapter on page 114, Newport summarizes the importance of career capital and control. Sketch out a plan, as of right now, for how you might begin planning to develop career capital and control for your college major.
ReplyDeleteI plan on majoring in Elementary Education. I’ve already started to gain career capital. My mother owns a daycare, so I have been around kids since I was a kid. Now that I’m older I help her out in the summers and after school. Last year, I helped out in a kindergarten class, a fourth grade class, and with third booster club. Also, I have been a camp counselor the past two summers. This year I plan on continuing to develop career capital by volunteering at our local elementary school again. After graduation I plan to go to a good teaching school. There I would like to get internships and student teach. After graduating college, I would really love to move back to Thief River Falls to start my teaching career. After a few years of getting a hang of being on my own I will have control over what and how I teach.
4. I plan on double majoring in college with one of them being Spanish. Career capital in this area always seemed to just come to me because my seven years spent in elementary school required me to take Spanish 2-3 times a week. This laid the foundation. Then, when I was in middle school, we got our iPads and I found the language learning app, Duolingo, and once I hit high school, well, this will be my fourth year with Señor Broome. Last year, I also did my best to have a conversation or two in all Spanish with Alex, our foreign exchange student from Mexico. Soon, I hope to write to her in pen pal style. This major combined with a Social Work major will ultimately open up tons of opportunities because I will be able to cater to Spanish speaking clients, also.
ReplyDelete