It’s the start of a new calendar year (yep, I can still say that since we’re still in the deep freeze here in Toronto). In any event, it’s the time of year when many folks are being asked to prepare their goals and objectives for the coming year.
You know the ones. You look over your job description, think about all you need to do in the coming year and then write goals and objectives, making sure they are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely).
Those are all well and good but what about your career goals? So often employees are asked to list their professional or career goals and objectives and it’s almost like a throw-away at the end of the form. Sure, list what you want to accomplish to help you reach your career goals but, gee, we really don’t care because all we care about are the goals we need achieved as a company. Sound familiar? Wonder why so many people leave for ‘greener pastures.’
But when you think about your career bear this in mind.
- No one is going to manage it for you.
- No one is going to nurture it for you.
- No one cares more about it than you do.
That is why you need to ‘take the reins’ of your career. Invest the time (and money) to ensure you are in control of your career, know pretty much where you want to be (at least the next step or two) and how best to prepare yourself for that next step.
Sound simple? Well, it’s not really (that’s why we folks who coach for a living do so well). With so much competing for our time (jobs, kids, volunteering, fitness, parents, etc.), we often put ourselves last – more so if we are women (don’t argue; it’s true!)
What are so things we can do TODAY to better achieve our career goals?
- If you’re in a large company, learn who the influencers are. Think about who you can learn from or who can advance your career or simply give you career advice and guidance. Connect with them and get to know them. When that special project or role opens up, they will be more likely to think of you and recommend you for it. This network you build up within your company is vital to your success within the company. You need to advocate for yourself, of course, but having others do so is a bonus for sure!
- Network, network, network. I say this all the time. Have a networking plan if that helps you. Make a list of people you should be connected to and networked with and have a plan for reaching out to them, meeting with them and – more importantly – keeping in touch with them. Don’t forget to ask if they are willing to connect you with others. Don’t just make it about you, however; offer something in return. If all of this networking is difficult for you, plan it out and then work that plan and, in time, it will come naturally to you. I promise.
- Keep your resume, executive bio (if you have one) and LinkedIn profile up to date and professional. You never know when you’ll be asked to present a resume or who might be looking for you on LinkedIn. You want to be visible and plugged into your network.
- Keep current in the industry. How do you do this? Research which organizations and associations are most relevant to what you do and then join! Go to the events they have. Network with the members. You might be able to take courses through these groups as well. Remember, you undoubtedly have something in common with all of the members – that makes them warm connections. Beyond that, it shows that you are keeping current in the industry – keeping relevant – and that is key these days. The business world is evolving too quickly for you to be lagging behind.
- Meet regularly with your boss. If she is the type who only wants to meet once a year at review time, ask for 30 minutes quarterly. Get an update on how well she feels you are performing, areas of development and, of course, areas where you’ve ‘hit it out of the ballpark.’ Don’t be afraid to keep a list of all of your achievements during the recent past and mention them to her in your discussion. Be sure she knows where your interests are and what types of work and projects you are keen to get involved in. She should be your biggest advocate.
- Review your goals. Sure you set them at the beginning of the year but check periodically (I would say quarterly) to see how you stack up against your goals and where you might be falling short. This is a living document and you should feel free to amend it as you evolve in your role.
- Last but not least – read, read, read. Read the newspaper (on line or in print) every morning and pay particular attention to the sections that are most relevant to you. I always read the front section and the business section of the Globe & Mail each and every morning. Often I’ll skimmed through the life & arts section too for articles of interest to my coaching practice. Subscribe to relevant newsletters and other publications and read them for interesting articles. Don’t forget LinkedIn. If you are connected to relevant people and groups, there’s a wealth of information there to be read. Don’t be afraid to post and comment and share. Position yourself as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and others will see you as such.
Now go out there and manage that career!
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