This month, we’re going to focus on how we can be grateful for the lessons we can learn from our career wounds, or what I refer to as “shaft” experiences. The phrase, to get shafted or to get the shaft, means for someone to be treated unfairly or badly by another person. Sooner or later, everyone will have a “shaft” experience because they are simply a part of life. Let me give you a few examples from one of my books entitled, “You’re Not the Only One Getting the Shaft!”
When we are young out on the playground, a shaft experience means being the last one to be picked for the team. Or, being the first one to be traded. When we are adults out in the workplace, a shaft experience means being thrown under the bus, being removed from the project, or being given your walking papers. These days, individuals and entire teams are being informed via Zoom that their services are no longer required. In my day, a shaft experience like that was at least done privately, face-to-face. How to go through – and grow through -- a shaft experience is something to consider.