Breaking Free from People-Pleasing in Your Career: Lessons from Transformative Coaching
Navigating the workplace can often feel like a balancing act, especially for those who find themselves prioritising others' needs over their own. Many professionals struggle with people-pleasing behaviour, which can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a lack of fulfillment in their careers. If you’re constantly seeking approval from colleagues or avoiding difficult conversations with managers, it may be time to explore how transformative coaching can help you break free from these patterns.
Understanding People-Pleasing in the Workplace
People-pleasing in a professional setting often stems from a fear of rejection or a desire to make sure everyone remains pleased with what you’re doing. . This habit can manifest in various ways, taking on too much work to please your boss, agreeing to tasks you don’t want to do, or avoiding necessary discussions about your own career. While it may seem like a way to fit in or gain approval, this behaviour can ultimately undermine your professional growth, well-being and credibility.
The First Step: Self-Awareness
The journey to breaking free starts with self-awareness. A skilled coach can help you identify the motivations behind your people-pleasing tendencies and uncover the patterns that keep you stuck. By reflecting on your past experiences and how they influence your current behaviours, you can begin to understand the impact on your career and how things could be different in the way you manage yourself.
Setting Professional Boundaries
One of the most important lessons from transformative coaching is the requirement of setting boundaries. Boundaries can be created and set in all the areas of our lives. As we are applying transformative coaching in a work setting, boundaries at work may require more practice due to the added weight regarding hierarchies, manager expectations and ultimately a level of financial security. A coach can assist you in recognising where boundaries can be set, what these look like and help with prioritising which boundaries to consider first. Establishing boundaries is not selfish; it’s vital for maintaining your own well-being and ensuring you can perform at your best. Learning to say "no" to additional responsibilities that don’t align with your goals can create space for more meaningful work.
Embracing Your True Career Aspirations
Coaching encourages you to explore all options that interest you. It can include getting clarity on your values, your appetite for change and the ambitions you have in a professional capacity. Many people-pleasers lose sight of their own career path while trying to meet others’ expectations. Through structured exercises and discussions, you’ll gain clarity on your career goals and what steps you need to take to achieve them. Embracing your true self in your career allows you to pursue opportunities that resonate with you.
Cultivating Self-Compassion
As you become more aware of where your people-pleasing trait lies it may allow you to consider how you can direct the attention you give to others back toward yourself. A coach can help you foster an enhancing inner dialogue, guiding you to treat yourself with the same respect you would extend to a colleague. This shift in mindset can empower you to prioritise your own professional needs and recognise that it’s acceptable to seek growth without feeling guilty.
Celebrating Your Achievements
Transformation is a gradual process, and it’s essential to celebrate your achievements along the way. A coach can support you in setting realistic career goals and recognising the small victories that contribute to your progress. Whether it’s successfully advocating for a project you’re passionate about or setting boundaries with a demanding colleague, acknowledging these moments reinforces your commitment to change.
Recognising where and perhaps why you people-please will help to clarify the drivers or the root cause of this behaviour. Working with a coach to be more confident to spend time reflecting, practicing in a safe and supportive environment. Through transformative career coaching, you can learn to navigate your professional landscape with confidence, reclaiming your sense of self and enhancing your working relationships. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a more fulfilling career in your own skin, connect with Me. Together, we can explore the possibilities and create a professional approach to a developing career that truly reflects your values and aspirations.
