Careers

What is it?

It may sound obvious but it’s important for us to have a map for how we want our careers to develop. The possibilities and choices can be complicated and our relationship to this is important.

Careers are changing and there are several key reasons:

  • Technology advancement and globalization present new opportunities

  • Digital changes and shifts in consumer expectations creates more specialization, for example marketing has evolved into a plethora of components as a result of digital shifts – SEO, CRM, Social Media Marketing, Conversation Rate Optimization, PPC advertising etc.

  • Lack of a guarantee on career pathing

  • Increasing diversity driven by pollical and organizational policy changes

Many clients I coach, are in positions (at various levels from junior to vice presidents) where career path and development are unclear. Increasingly successful career development is a dynamic process that requires a combination of individual characteristics, environmental factors, and career-related behaviors. By developing self-awareness, setting clear goals, building strong networks, and staying committed to ongoing learning and development, individuals can build fulfilling and rewarding careers over time. The ability to not be consumed by one path and be open to checks and pivots are key skills.

How might you develop it?

Use feedback for short term skill development and leverage coaches, mentors and internal resources to build a plan that will help develop you on the path you are forging. 

Here are some steps I typically use with clients:

  1. Put a structured plan in place, using your company’s template or one you produce with your coach. This can include a summary of your development path to date, your skills, key experiences and achievements (aka *talent profile*), your aspirations, potential next roles and open questions

  2. Avoid the trap of busyness. Manage your time so that future development thinking and skill development is not neglected

  3. Ask for help in exploring potential roles and areas of work, you might want to move into and what skill – gaps there might be

  4. Search for meaning and purpose; if it’s just to work to live and your goal is better balance fine, but it could be a big change to follow your passion. Keep it in mind

  5. Build and Maintain a strong network

  6. Consider new possibilities perhaps stimulated by those in your network and authors on the topic

Some recommendations on books to aid you in creating more awareness on what you might need to adapt and develop a plan for your career, and what it might look like:

  1. Cal Newport - Cal Newport is a computer science professor at Georgetown University and the author of several books, including "So Good They Can't Ignore You" and "Deep Work." His work focuses on developing skills, cultivating a strong work ethic, and building a fulfilling career

  2. Adam Grant - Adam Grant is a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of several books, including "Originals" and "Give and Take." His work focuses on the psychology of success and how to build a meaningful and fulfilling career

  3. Daniel Pink - Daniel Pink is a writer and speaker who has authored several books, including "Drive" and "To Sell Is Human." His work focuses on the science of motivation and how to build a successful career in today's rapidly changing world

  4. Seth Godin - Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, marketer, and author of several books, including "The Dip" and "Linchpin." His work focuses on developing leadership skills, cultivating creativity, and building a successful career through innovation and hard work

  5. Angela Duckworth - Angela Duckworth is a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance." Her work focuses on the importance of perseverance and resilience in building a successful career

I have built and operated leadership coaching programs which support both skill development now and preparation for the future. As your coach I would explore possibilities and options and aid you in creating a detailed plan, and building intentional goals to help you reach your aspirations and potential.