What do you do?
Posted on November 29, 2010 by Lois Albrecht, One of Thousands of Entrepreneurship Coaches on Noomii.
Many don't want to be defined by the work they do, especially the unemployed, underemployed, and recently retired. So let's find better questions.
“So, what do you do?” How many times have you automatically asked that question when you meet someone for the first time?
It’s part of our culture but has also become a “dreaded question” among Boomers and others. Many people don’t want to be defined by the work they’re doing at the moment, especially the unemployed, underemployed, and recently retired. That can even be true of those who may have chosen an encore career.
Crafting a satisfying answer ahead of time is one solution. I saved an interesting business card of a retired gentleman I met. Under his name the title was “Expert” then listed: Ravines Cleaned, Sermons Preached, Tigers Tamed, Wars Fought, Professional Photographer, Experienced Sailor. Now there’s a conversation starter!
I suggest we come up with some great new “meeting people” questions, queries that help us connect with people we meet. I sometimes ask “What do you do for fun?” That broad question can help me discover their hobbies, vacations past or future, or – sometimes — that they haven’t left much room for fun in their life. Another question that can be useful is “What are you looking forward to?” That can prompt a glimpse into their future hopes and dreams.
CHALLENGE: What alternative question would you suggest to replace “What do you do?” I would love to hear how you get to know someone other than asking what work they do. Or maybe you have crafted an answer to the traditional question that you find satisfying and helpful. I would love to hear your thoughts.
