Another new year, possibly a new set of resolutions and a stronger than ever ‘hope’ for a strong career life in 2015. This is the approach most people take when a new year begins. ‘Hope’ is a must-have but is not sufficient by itself. There is definitely a good amount of directed career management that is required to have a strong career that supports and empowers you. Here are 5 hacks to ensure you not only finish but run strong through 2015.
1. Marry your professional goals to the organization’s– Often we set goals without understanding the big picture. This is applicable to all areas of your life, but as it pertains specifically to your career, set goals that align with that your organization and your department.
– Understanding the organization/department’s vision and strategy for the next year is a critical first step.
– Next, identify your interests and growth plans.
– Finally, see how you can grow your career interests while growing the organization and set goals to make that happen.
Let me elaborate with a simple example. Lets say one of your organization’s goal is to increase revenue and size by X% in 2015. And your department is the Professional Services division supporting the goal. Your personal goal for 2015 is to get a promotion to the next level in your department. Set goals that demonstrate your proficiency in handling the next level of responsibility, goals to demonstrate the relationship building that is needed for the next level and a learning goal to acquire a possibly missing skill such as vendor negotiation for the next level. These kind of goals help you meet your aspirations and helps the organization achieve its vision.
2. The art of cruising – Some of us start cruising at our jobs after a while of staying put. We know what is expected of us, we are comfortable doing it, we have made peace with the pay, we are confident of not being laid off or fired and the inertia sets in. There is no desire to do more, to advance, to grow, to learn. We are comfortable cruising along doing the bare minimum. There is nothing wrong in cruising along if that is what you truly desire and it works best for you. There are a few tips to effective cruising as well.
– Your decision to not climb the corporate ladder and advance to the next position, does not mean you can stop growing your skills. Irrespective of the nature of your job, there are always new skills to hone to do your job better and add more value. For example, a customer service representative who serves customers on the phone may argue that there is nothing new or better that can be done. There is always something that can be done better – increased efficiency, learning to talk better, learning a new language to serve non-English speaking customers, monitoring common themes and reporting and so on and so forth.
– Help your colleagues – A common theme among cruisers is to stay put and not do much outside their own job. You can always help others when approached or on your own too, instead of the standard this is not my cup of tea or I don’t know reply. Try to fill in the gaps if you are not in a position to offer a direct solution
– Expand your network – The comfort of being at your position should not stop you from expanding your work circle. Cruisers are so comfortable in their little world with the known players, sometimes they refuse to accept new colleagues and welcome them. Break that attitude and make new friends at work and network with people outside who are in similar positions.
3. Domino Effect – As we go about identifying possible goals for next year, remember to identify the lead domino goal that can enable related goals to happen. Going back to the promotion example, if you know that in the later quarters of next year, you want to apply for a step up in the corporate ladder, then you need to start a sequence of events that will lead up to the promotion. From possibly expressing your interest to identifying goals with your boss, to garnering support from your colleagues, start the motions early on with the domino tile.
4. Accomplishments Jar – If you do not already do so, start maintaining an online version of an accomplishment jar or if your deskspace permits, have a physical accomplishment jar! This would be a repository of things you have accomplished big and small. Can also contain notes of appreciation that colleagues and superiors have shared with you. The reason to do so is because self-motivation is like a flickering light bulb for most of us. There are sparks of motivation that we go through and then it wanes. Pulling a note every so often, to remind ourselves of our strengths and capabilities can prove to be one source of great inspiration. Additionally, when it comes to finally putting a case together of why you deserve that promotion, this could help jog your memory on all your accomplishments and help validate the case.
5. Value proposition – Get clear on your value proposition. What is it that you bring to the table that not many others can do better than you? what skills and capabilities make you unique? Tie this element back to your goals and make it all flow together.
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