How Entitled Are You?

Happy Friday,

Please accept this as the courtesy it is. If your boss thinks you act entitled, you've compromised your career, and you'll probably be among the first let go in the next RIF. You can argue whether it’s true or fair and blame others, but perception is reality, and people's perception of you starts and stops with you.

So, how entitled are you?

Ask yourself these questions and reflect on your behavior, expectations, and interactions. Anything less than honest hurts you alone.

1. Do I expect special treatment without earning it?
   • Reflect on whether you assume you deserve perks, promotions, or privileges (e.g., work from home, better assignments) without fully demonstrating the performance, seniority, or contributions to justify them.
2. Do I resist tasks outside my job description?
   • Do you refuse or complain about tasks that are reasonably requested, even if they’re not explicitly in your role, especially when others pitch in as needed?
3. Do I feel my contributions are more valuable than others’?
   • Ask yourself if you overestimate your impact compared to your colleagues or undervalue their efforts, assuming your work deserves more recognition or reward.
4. Do I frequently complain about policies or expectations?
   • Do you challenge rules (e.g., in office attendance, certain deadlines) as unfair or beneath you, rather than understanding their purpose or discussing them constructively?
5. Do I expect praise or acknowledgment for doing my job?
   • Reflect on whether you feel resentful when your work isn’t regularly celebrated, even for routine tasks that are part of your responsibilities.
6. Am I resistant to feedback or criticism?
   • Consider if you take feedback personally, dismiss it, or feel you’re above being critiqued, rather than using it to grow.
7. Do I assume I deserve a promotion or raise based on time rather than merit?
   • Ask if you expect career advancement just for showing up or staying in a role for a certain period, rather than achieving measurable results or taking initiative.
8. Do I compare myself to others unfairly?
   • Reflect on whether you feel envious or slighted when colleagues receive opportunities or rewards, assuming you’re more deserving without considering their efforts or qualifications.
9. Do I take resources or opportunities for granted?
   • Think about whether you assume access to training, tools, or support is your right without appreciating their value or using them effectively.
10. Do I expect my boss/organization to solve my problems?
    • Consider if you rely heavily on others to handle challenges (e.g., workload, conflicts, schedule) without attempting to resolve them yourself.
11. Do I act as if the workplace revolves around me?
    • Reflect on whether you behave as though your schedule, preferences, or opinions should take precedence over the organization’s goals or your colleagues’ needs.
12. Do I fail to show gratitude for opportunities or support?
    • Think about how rarely you express appreciation for your job, team, or resources, taking them as a given rather than something to be earned or maintained.
13. Do I assume I’m indispensable?
    • Ask if you believe the workplace couldn’t function without you, leading to overconfidence or disregard for teamwork and organizational processes.
14. Do I respect boundaries and workplace hierarchy?
    • Consider if you overstep by demanding access to senior leaders, bypassing protocols, or expecting immediate responses from others regardless of their roles or workload.

If you answered “yes” to a few or more, that's a pattern.

Next week - how to fix the situation, and why it's sooo important to do it ASAP.

Have a great weekend,

Dave

Feedback and blowback are always welcome: dave@goodnewsfriday.com

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