3 of 10: Good, bad or indifferent role description

3. Is there someone you know that is doing what you think you want to do, can you ask them about it? Specifically, some of the intangibles and challenges.

People love to talk about themselves and what they do, so why not ask them about their favorite topic?

Over two years ago, I really thought I had stumbled upon a role in the company I was working for that would be my ideal position. This role was critical to real strategic thinking and it would take advantage of my facilitation skills. I felt like I was a prospector that had struck gold. I was going to facilitate the C-suite board meetings. I was going to be the one to make sure that they achieved their objectives and that the conversation moved the ball down the field. The position was respected and it was in on the most critical discussions facing the company. The prospect of obtaining that role seemed within my reach and I knew it would be an entry point to greater things. I made it known to my current supervisor that I wanted this job.

Her suggestion is what eventually would become number three on my list. She asked these questions...

• Have you ever spoken to the person that does this?
• Do you know what you are asking for?
• Are you only intrigued by the job because of its high profile nature?
• Do you know what it takes to actually facilitate the executive suite?
• Could you name me some of the difficulties that the role experiences?
• Are you aware of the time commitment?
• Are you willing to sacrifice to that level?

I walked away from that conversation more sober-minded about my executive facilitator aspirations. I just had received a big reality check in corporate life. Her questions made me realize that I didn't have a complete picture of the role. I had romanced the role and only thought of the benefits and only few of the responsibilities that come with it.

Similarly to my previous posts, the grass is always greener in the next position or job. So what is the solution? What could you do about a skewed view of the next role? Of only looking at some of the benefits and not the costs?

I challenge you to do the thing I did next...Call the person that has the job you think you want and promise to ask intriguing questions about what they do. Take an interest in them so that you can see if it is something you are willing to sacrifice for. Buy them lunch or schedule some time with them. Listen to the person intently after each question you ask and take copious notes.

Ask the person to be bluntly honest and to share with you what it is and not what you only hope it is. Listen for honesty in the other person's responses to your questions.

Till next week, ask hard questions and be interested.