I met up with a college friend recently whom I hadn’t seen for almost 30 years. Back then in Ireland, we were studying Meat Science and about to start our careers in the Food Manufacturing Sector. I’m now in recruitment and she’s in retail. It’s a funny old world. It got me thinking about career management…
Here’s a question for you:
Are you managing your career or is your career managing you?
Ideally you want to be managing your own career i.e. having a strategy in place to get you where you want to be. Back in my factory days, my career was managing me. It was a very fast paced and challenging environment. I worked very hard, was loyal, took on what was thrown at me and hoped things would work out. I enjoyed it but I wasn’t in control.
Sometimes you’re in a hamster wheel and it’s difficult to hop off.
Here’s a strategy that can help you manage your own career and destiny.
Take a look at yourself
Before you start thinking about the future take an inwards look at yourself. Think about what’s important to you inside and outside of work. There are some useful tools to consider e.g. SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats), psychometric and personality tests.
Create goals
Now that you have a clear understanding of the above you can start dedicating time thinking about your future. Get in the right environment for you. I do my best thinking whilst on long walks. Now start constructing your goals. They need to be realistic and measurable. What do you ultimately want to achieve? Can you break it in to steps?
Start Implementing
This is the challenging and rewarding part. Can you implement your current goals in the workplace? Is there a project, opportunity, course or task that you can get involved with that will help you achieve these goals?
Win support and look ahead
It’s important that others recognise your achievements. Having strong working relationships and networks will support this. Document and make them visual e.g. meetings, performance reviews, graphs on walls etc. If others are taking your credit then gently but firmly correct the misstatement. Whilst you don’t want to come across as arrogant or self-important, neither do you want your achievements to go unnoticed.
Managing your career is a never-ending journey. It will continually evolve and as you get older your outlook and aspirations will change.
If your aspirations are to work for yourself and be an Interim Manager or Consultant, then give me a call on 01775 729590. I’d be delighted to hear from you and assist your aspirations.
All the best
