By Jean A. Hollands

Jobs don’t always work out - for a number of reasons. For some, an obstacle to job satisfaction may be unfulfilled expectations, for others it may be a politically charged business environment. Following are reasons why that dream job may turn out to be a nightmare.

• The job is not what you expected. It is sometimes hard to express your disappointment about a job. You thought it would be different. Approach your boss and ask how you can be more productive. Don’t feel like you are complaining.

• You feel at fault that things aren’t working out. You may believe you are not a fit for the job. It’s possible you aren’t, but if you don’t pursue the issue, your boss may never know why there is a disconnect.

• You expected a serene and methodical approach. The company is “fire, aim, ready.” Your boss seemed so enthusiastic in the interview, but now he or she appears completely uninvolved. “Fun, friendly, family” seems more like “fuss, fire, fumbly.” Talk to someone about your expectations - there may be an explanation.

• You are feeling left out. You may not know how to get noticed. You may feel underappreciated and lonely. Ask your manager why you are apparently ignored, why you feel isolated. It may have been inadvertent. You may not be exposing your skills loudly enough, or it may be a matter of timing.

• You are not receiving feedback, coaching or mentoring. Employees leave without knowing what they have done wrong. Efficiency slips because you don’t have the information you need to get your job done. Asking for feedback is difficult. Sometimes you have to prompt with, “I really want to know where you think I am heading. I’m not sure I’m on target.” If the other person won’t give you feedback, try multiple-choice questions: Are you too busy to coach or mentor me? Am I expecting too much from you? Do I look too fragile to receive tough feedback? Don’t you think I can change?

• You are not politically savvy. If you don’t understand who holds the power in the organization, you are doomed. If you say, “I’m not political,” you are doomed. If you don’t know how to be charming, approachable, warm or interested, your task will be that much harder. Company politics is a matter of understanding who respects you and who doesn’t - and why.

Jean A. Hollands, M.S., is founder and chairwoman of the Growth and Leadership Center in Mountain View. For more information, call 966-1144 or visit www.glcweb.com.