Profession and vocation: the balance for sustainable decisions
Career and vocation are two concepts that play a central role for many decision-makers when it comes to shaping their professional future. The trick is to combine the day-to-day obligations of the job with your own passions and talents - your vocation - in such a way that sustainable success and personal satisfaction grow from it. This is the only way to actively and effectively shape the future as a decision-maker.
Profession and vocation - more than just work and passion
The occupation comprises the daily tasks set out in the employment contract, such as carrying out certain activities to ensure a livelihood. Qualifications and requirements are crucial here. Decision-makers often find that this area is regulated and structured.
A vocation, on the other hand, is a deeper inner conviction and combines personal values, talents and passions with work. It not only fulfils a functional purpose, but also provides meaning and motivation. This combination of both aspects - profession and vocation - creates a strong foundation for future challenges.
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) A medium-sized technology company recognised that although many managers are good at their jobs, they draw little motivation from their work. Targeted coaching measures were used to identify individual vocations, which sustainably increased commitment and innovative strength.
Why decision-makers should combine their profession and vocation
Decision-makers are caught between economic demands and the desire to work authentically. The combination of profession and vocation helps to unite personal strength and professional efficiency. The result is a way of working that not only brings productivity, but also inspiration.
This is particularly important as the economy and labour market are characterised by digitalisation, globalisation and continuous change. Only those who know their inner motivation and use it in the right place can remain successful and satisfied in the long term.
BEST PRACTICE at ABC (name changed due to NDA contract) A major customer service provider recognised that some managers only saw their tasks as fulfilling their duties. Following workshops on vocation, connections to personal values were created there. This led to better team dynamics and lower staff turnover.
Methods for discovering your own vocation
Recognising one's own calling often takes place through targeted reflection and coaching. Tools such as career navigators or profiling help to recognise individual talents, values and passions.
It is important to realise that profession and vocation do not necessarily have to be identical from the outset. The vocation can change over time, and through learning and personal development you can integrate it better and better into your career.
Coaches and mentors are on hand to provide impetus and help with decisions - without any promises, but as a valuable guide.
BEST PRACTICE at DEF (name changed due to NDA contract) A start-up in the field of sustainable products introduced a coaching programme to support employees in their job search. This led to an increased willingness to innovate and stronger identification with the company's mission.
Profession and vocation as an opportunity for sustainable leadership
Managers who actively combine their profession and vocation can develop long-term strategies that promote individual potential and motivate teams. This creates a corporate culture that not only manages change, but shapes it.
This attitude strengthens resilience in dynamic markets and helps companies to position themselves as attractive employers. Employees' commitment to their job and the company's values thus becomes the basis for future success.
My analysis
Profession and vocation are two sides of the same coin that complement each other and together form a powerful foundation for sustainable success in the working world of tomorrow. Decision-makers benefit when they not only fulfil the requirements of their profession, but also follow their vocation. This has a positive effect on motivation, innovation and long-term satisfaction. Targeted support on this path through coaching and reflection is a valuable building block for actively shaping the future.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Vocation - Explained simply and clearly - Job coordinates
[3] From profession to vocation - three letters that make the difference ...
[5] What is my vocation? | Indeed.com Germany
[7] Find your vocation: Which job really suits me - Career Bible
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