“I created a framework for my new book, Rebooting Work, that’s the culmination of years of experience in managing and mentoring, and, I hope, will help people as they begin to rework how they think about work.  It identifies four different philosophies around work: Frame 1: Company Man or Woman, Frame 2: CEO of Your Own Destiny, Frame 3: Disenchanted Employee, and Frame 4: the Aspiring Entrepreneur.”

During a recent interview about his latest book, Maynard Webb talked about his transition between these four distinct work philosophies at various points in his long and successful career.  I found his reference points interesting because they represent above all else our ability (or lack thereof) to both grow and adapt to changing situations.  In fact in my new book The Future of You: Creating Your Enduring Brand I talk at great length about the mindset surrounding Frame 2 – being CEO of Your Own Destiny.  The reason, of course, is quite simple . . . at the end of the day, there is no longer such a thing as job security, which rules out Webb’s Frames 1 and 3.  And while Frame 4 captures the spirit of the entrepreneurial zeal that is a key characteristic of a budding CEO, there is a considerably wide chasm between aspiring and accomplishing.  In short, Frame 2 is “THE” place to be in your career.

The question I have for you is this . . . what frame of mind (or career stage) are you in today and what does the term CEO of Your Own Destiny Mean to you?

In tomorrow’s post I will focus on Webb’s Frame 3 work philosophy highlighting why it represents an untenable position, as well as what you will need to do to make the transition to becoming the CEO of Your Own Destiny.

In Parts 3 and 4, I will do the same for Webb’s 1 and 4 Frame philosophies.

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