WORK SKILLS

A special challenge for many adults whose parents used alcohol or other drugs (ACOSAs) is work. Everyone comes to the workplace with their family history tucked away, and uses all the skills that they know result in success. But what happens if these skills are not working as well as they should.

Maybe you take on more projects and more responsibilities than you have time for. Maybe you’ve been thrown for a loop because you heard that your department is being reorganized this means change, and that makes you feel out-of-control. Or maybe you’ve heard your co-workers grumbling about the way you ask for things – they say that you never consider their needs or feelings, that you’re too brusque. Is it possible that your old way of getting things done is not really effective?

Like everyone else, you have some theories about how the world operates and how to function best within it. You interpret everything within this structure. But maybe it is time to take a look at your basic assumptions. Maybe you should trust your boss when he promises something. And understand it’s okay to submit a work in progress, or to ask others for feedback. If your current work style isn’t getting you where you want to be, question your perspective. See how a different interpretation might bring about different results.

Core beliefs. Click here to learn how your belief system affects the way you approach your work life.
Common on-the-job concerns. Click here to learn how adults who grew up with an alcoholic or drug addicted parent may find certain aspects of work life particularly challenging.