Often times throughout their careers people find themselves on a career crossroad. They may have finally decided to pursue their dream, but something unexpected occurs and prevents them from moving forward. Or a great opportunity comes up which as promising as it is for the future as limiting it is for today. Or maybe pursuing a dream career, they find themselves burnt out and question their work family balance. Yes, everybody comes to a career crossroad, and often times makes decision on a direction based on either high excitement or exhaustion. However, crossroads are not pure opportunity, but career changing check points. That's why no matter how easy a decision on a direction might seem it's worth spending some quality time on examining it.
What is your career purpose?
What do you want to achieve? Where do you want to be in 5 years? What work would make you so happy and excited that you would wake every Monday to Friday with a smile on your face? Your career purpose is your career guiding light. When you know where you want to go and what career development you are pursuing, you can check the options in front of you through the lenses of your overall professional goal. Once you do that you will know what is best for you. And if you are still not aware of your career purpose it's worth discovering it. Otherwise you might find yourself in a lost, in missing valuable opportunities and overall in wasting your own time.
What are your priorities right now?
Where are you now in your life? What is happening that matters most to you right now? Is your career your number one priority? Or is it your family? Health? Education? If pursuing your career purpose is your number one priority no matter what, then you skip this part. If something else is getting your attention, energy and emotions then you need to go back to the crossroad and reevaluate your options in light of your current priorities. You might discover that the most exciting career options suits best your current priorities which would make this direction even more exciting to you. However, you might also realize that the most exciting options would prevent you from focusing on your priorities. Then the questions to ask yourself are: Are you willing to reprioritize? What sacrifices you will be making? How will they impact you? What about the other directions on the crossroad? How do they relate to your priorities?
What are your feelings?
Now look at what feelings each option evokes in you? What are your strongest emotions? Where they come from? What is it in this direction that gets you feel excited/angry/fulfilled/miserable? How can you address this feelings? Is there something else beneath the surface other than a career option? Try to get to the bottom of your feelings. Making a career decision based on emotions is not a smart move. As logical as it sounds to you today, tomorrow you may discover that you made the step with blurred mind.
How do you see yourself in 2 years walking on the chosen road?
And finally, once you made up your mind, give yourself the present of dreaming. Allow yourself to envision your life and career on the chosen direction. What do you see? How do you feel in your career? What else happens in your life with this career choice? Where are you 2 years from now? Who are you? How do you feel about this image of your future self?
What is your career crossroad story?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Career question: Who are your friends?
I have heard hundred times the assertion that people get to high level political and business positions because of their connections and because they know the right people. Have you? While this is probably the truth in many of the cases, it is also true that our friends and networks can have an impact on every step of our career.A week ago I joined Facebook's BranchOut, and the statistics that I got on my profile blew me away. Only 53 of my friends have joined so far the application and with them I have 10 759 second degree connections and access to 4501 companies worldwide. Ok, officially this is impressive. These numbers reminded me again how important friends and networks are. No matter where you stand in your professional life, if you are at a state of desiring any change - small or big - you might want to remember that you have friends and networks.
You might want to learn something new in your profession that you haven't done before. Or you are interested in joining the forces of a particular company. Or maybe you are thinking of a career transition. Or you just need to exchange experience to enhance your competency. Whatever is in your mind, look at your friends and see who can support you with your idea. You might be surprised what they can offer you as your extended network hides myriad of secrets.
Next, check out your networks. They can provide you with valuable information, and intriguing insights. And ask yourself which networks have you joined, and are there other networks that can support your personal goals? For example, you can follow your target employers. More and more often companies use their social media tools to share job opportunities. Or you can join a group of fellow professionals who keep a dialogue on topics that match your career interests. You can also look for contests in social media and participate in them to further enhance your personal brand and communicate your expertise.
Remember, the opportunities that your friends and networks open are endless. It is up to you to jump and seize them.
Monday, September 12, 2011
What has this summer informed you about?
It is officially the end of the summer. What does this mean to you? From early childhood we associate the third quarter with a break - from kindergarten, school, and classes. And although businesses work with calendar years, we tend to restart our professional energy and commitment in September. Again, summer is gone, vacations are gone, and we are entering our new psychological business cycle. Hope it's an empowering one for all of you!
On the threshold of this new career cycle you can take for granted whatever comes up on your way or you can consciously determine how you want this cycle to run for you and where you want to be before next summer comes up. This means to pay close attention to your intrinsic professional desires and your career goals. I have written a lot about building individual development plans, focusing on passions and ultimate goals, and pursuing purpose. Now I want to share with you another simple technique to encourage reflection on your upcoming professional year. It is: listen to what happened during the summer.
If you think about it summer is a very informative period. Often times the work load is less than usual which allows us to breathe. If you have experienced this think what are you taking a breath from. How does it feel? How energized are you to jump back to the same workload? What do you want to change? What do you want to get rid of? What do you want to take in? The purpose of these questions is to reflect on what is it about your work that makes you tired or bored, and what is it that you love and want to have more.
Summer time is also vacation time. Think on how you felt during your days off. Were you thinking about your work? What did you miss about your work? What were you taking break from? What made you excited to go back to work? What was it about your work that filled you with some negativity on the first ride back to work? These type of questions will help you to emphasize on the best and worst aspects of your professional life. When you figure them out it will be much easier to build a strategy for enhancing the first and diminishing the latter.
And a final thought. Summer is also the time when we feel free and relaxed, and we are at our most outgoing-ness. We meet new people, we see new things, we come up with new ideas, we feel energized by our thoughts. So, what happened to you during the summer? What ideas, thoughts, desires came up to the surface? What made you smile and energized? Remember, nothing is impossible and you can achieve whatever you commit yourself to. And now, it's a great time to be strategic about your career advancement whatever that means to you.
What the summer informed you about? I would love to hear your thoughts :)
And again, I wish you an amazing you new career cycle!
On the threshold of this new career cycle you can take for granted whatever comes up on your way or you can consciously determine how you want this cycle to run for you and where you want to be before next summer comes up. This means to pay close attention to your intrinsic professional desires and your career goals. I have written a lot about building individual development plans, focusing on passions and ultimate goals, and pursuing purpose. Now I want to share with you another simple technique to encourage reflection on your upcoming professional year. It is: listen to what happened during the summer.
If you think about it summer is a very informative period. Often times the work load is less than usual which allows us to breathe. If you have experienced this think what are you taking a breath from. How does it feel? How energized are you to jump back to the same workload? What do you want to change? What do you want to get rid of? What do you want to take in? The purpose of these questions is to reflect on what is it about your work that makes you tired or bored, and what is it that you love and want to have more.
Summer time is also vacation time. Think on how you felt during your days off. Were you thinking about your work? What did you miss about your work? What were you taking break from? What made you excited to go back to work? What was it about your work that filled you with some negativity on the first ride back to work? These type of questions will help you to emphasize on the best and worst aspects of your professional life. When you figure them out it will be much easier to build a strategy for enhancing the first and diminishing the latter.
And a final thought. Summer is also the time when we feel free and relaxed, and we are at our most outgoing-ness. We meet new people, we see new things, we come up with new ideas, we feel energized by our thoughts. So, what happened to you during the summer? What ideas, thoughts, desires came up to the surface? What made you smile and energized? Remember, nothing is impossible and you can achieve whatever you commit yourself to. And now, it's a great time to be strategic about your career advancement whatever that means to you.
What the summer informed you about? I would love to hear your thoughts :)
And again, I wish you an amazing you new career cycle!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
When we respect people we build win-win situations
If I ask you "Who do you respect?" you will probably respond by naming a couple of people or more. Some of them could be from your personal networks, others could be public or historical figures who made an impact on you. So far, so good. If I then ask you "How did these people earn your respect?" you would probably come back with a list of descriptions of each of them that characterizes what you find unique and admirable about them. So far, so good. Now, I ask you "Who do you not respect?"
If you find yourself wondering how many people you don't respect, then you fall in the state of invalidating other people. One of the greatest lessons that I've learned in the ICA is that "Respect is not an outward judgement of someone, respect is an inward feeling about yourself". When you say that you are not respecting somebody, you are saying that you have some assumptions about that person, and that you judge him negatively based on your assumptions. What do you win from this? Actually can you think of any wins? You are making a statement that invalidates the other one and that's it. And there are some things that you lose. First, you stop yourself from getting to know the other one and with this you let go of a relationship. Second, you lose a potential networking partner. Third, you demonstrate to yourself the lack of some crucial leadership competencies, for example value for diversity, inclusion or suspending judgments. Moreover, you are sharing that there is something that bothers you and it might be beneficial to explore that. No need to say - in this case the other person loses too. He is being invalidated by you.
Another option you can take is to look at people through the lenses of values. Every person has unique characteristics and you can always find something that you can relate to, admire or value. Go back to a name that came to your mind when I asked you to think on who do you not respect. It is ok not to understand this person's motives, actions, behaviors or values. If you leave it here, you will feel good. You have reflected on who you are and what is it that you value, and you have discovered that the other person is way out of your value and belief system. You have reminded yourself one more time what your unique core self is. However, if you find the inner strength to recognize a strength in the other person, you will find yourself on a whole different level of self-development. You are saying out loud how satisfied are you with yourself, and how open are you to respect people for who they are. You can continue to build relationship with this person. You can move easily forward. You take a lesson with you. If you think even further, you are practicing challenging soft skills that can only support you with your self and leadership growth. Let's be honest, in this win-win situations you are the big winner!
If you find yourself wondering how many people you don't respect, then you fall in the state of invalidating other people. One of the greatest lessons that I've learned in the ICA is that "Respect is not an outward judgement of someone, respect is an inward feeling about yourself". When you say that you are not respecting somebody, you are saying that you have some assumptions about that person, and that you judge him negatively based on your assumptions. What do you win from this? Actually can you think of any wins? You are making a statement that invalidates the other one and that's it. And there are some things that you lose. First, you stop yourself from getting to know the other one and with this you let go of a relationship. Second, you lose a potential networking partner. Third, you demonstrate to yourself the lack of some crucial leadership competencies, for example value for diversity, inclusion or suspending judgments. Moreover, you are sharing that there is something that bothers you and it might be beneficial to explore that. No need to say - in this case the other person loses too. He is being invalidated by you.
Another option you can take is to look at people through the lenses of values. Every person has unique characteristics and you can always find something that you can relate to, admire or value. Go back to a name that came to your mind when I asked you to think on who do you not respect. It is ok not to understand this person's motives, actions, behaviors or values. If you leave it here, you will feel good. You have reflected on who you are and what is it that you value, and you have discovered that the other person is way out of your value and belief system. You have reminded yourself one more time what your unique core self is. However, if you find the inner strength to recognize a strength in the other person, you will find yourself on a whole different level of self-development. You are saying out loud how satisfied are you with yourself, and how open are you to respect people for who they are. You can continue to build relationship with this person. You can move easily forward. You take a lesson with you. If you think even further, you are practicing challenging soft skills that can only support you with your self and leadership growth. Let's be honest, in this win-win situations you are the big winner!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Visualization as a self-development tool
Visualization as a technique is often times associated with dreams and making fantasies. That's true. However our dreams and fantasies speak about what we want, what we don't have and what would really make us happy. So why not utilize our visualizations to serve our self-development endeavors?
Visualizing is not only doing a spiritual activity or letting go of imagination. Visualizations take all kind of forms. You can find them in your thoughts, day-dreaming, pictures, or even in your Excell spreadsheet. One thing you should discover about yourself is what your own visualizing looks like. Do you like thinking about problems and imagining them? Do you like to close your eyes and have a picture of what happens around you? Do you like to put your thoughts in forms of pictures? Do you like journaling? Do you like building process maps and plans on a software application? Or maybe you have another creative technique that you've developed? Visualizing is very personal, and as many different people there are, as many different visualization approaches exist.
Once you are aware of what your magnificent personal visualization looks like you can try to apply it to whatever bothers or intrigues your mind. When you describe your challenge or goals with visuals you put yourself on another level of reflection and experimentation. The problem or desires are no more something vague, but something you see. Moreover you see yourself as an active player in dealing with them or achieving them. Through your visuals you see yourself in action; you observe what you are doing and you see yourself moving forward. The more specific you are, the more powerful your visuals are. They support you to build a clear picture of what you want to do and suggest the way you can do it.
With visualizing you become creative in building your personal agenda. You feel energized because you see your own capacity to achieve what you want. You come up with some ideas of the specific steps you need to take. You are aware of what you want and informed about what you need to do. Ant that is powerful!
Visualizing is not only doing a spiritual activity or letting go of imagination. Visualizations take all kind of forms. You can find them in your thoughts, day-dreaming, pictures, or even in your Excell spreadsheet. One thing you should discover about yourself is what your own visualizing looks like. Do you like thinking about problems and imagining them? Do you like to close your eyes and have a picture of what happens around you? Do you like to put your thoughts in forms of pictures? Do you like journaling? Do you like building process maps and plans on a software application? Or maybe you have another creative technique that you've developed? Visualizing is very personal, and as many different people there are, as many different visualization approaches exist.
Once you are aware of what your magnificent personal visualization looks like you can try to apply it to whatever bothers or intrigues your mind. When you describe your challenge or goals with visuals you put yourself on another level of reflection and experimentation. The problem or desires are no more something vague, but something you see. Moreover you see yourself as an active player in dealing with them or achieving them. Through your visuals you see yourself in action; you observe what you are doing and you see yourself moving forward. The more specific you are, the more powerful your visuals are. They support you to build a clear picture of what you want to do and suggest the way you can do it.
With visualizing you become creative in building your personal agenda. You feel energized because you see your own capacity to achieve what you want. You come up with some ideas of the specific steps you need to take. You are aware of what you want and informed about what you need to do. Ant that is powerful!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Exploring perspectives
Sometimes we get stuck in what we see and we close the doors to the world that is outside of the perspective we hold. We are not aware of what others see and we are not aware that there might be something that we are missing. And when we do that we can possible lose a lot. We lose a learning opportunity; we lose the power of choice; we lose energy; we lose a piece of trust; and we lose our confidence. Moreover, when we stick to one perspective we might find ourselves lost or unable to move forward.
The ability to shift perspectives is an amazing powerful skill that could be only beneficial to you both with your personal and professional goals. Internalizing it as a practice brings to you lightness, richness and individual power. Shifting perspectives means that when you find yourself holding a certain view you are still able to step outside of it, look at it from different lenses, discover other possibilities, and then make a conscious choice on which perspective to move forward with. This skill supports you to work with your own assumptions, uncover underlying beliefs, empower yourself with different options and ultimately move forward stronger and enriched.
Here is a sample of exercises that encourage shifting perspectives:
1. Click here to see an exercise for reframing negative self-talk
2. Click here to explore an exercise for increasing self-esteem by reframing unhelpful thoughts
3. Click here to find a sample list of positive statements that encourage exploring perspectives.
The ability to shift perspectives is an amazing powerful skill that could be only beneficial to you both with your personal and professional goals. Internalizing it as a practice brings to you lightness, richness and individual power. Shifting perspectives means that when you find yourself holding a certain view you are still able to step outside of it, look at it from different lenses, discover other possibilities, and then make a conscious choice on which perspective to move forward with. This skill supports you to work with your own assumptions, uncover underlying beliefs, empower yourself with different options and ultimately move forward stronger and enriched.
Here is a sample of exercises that encourage shifting perspectives:
1. Click here to see an exercise for reframing negative self-talk
2. Click here to explore an exercise for increasing self-esteem by reframing unhelpful thoughts
3. Click here to find a sample list of positive statements that encourage exploring perspectives.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Build structures that work for you
Structures is a word that we unconsciously associate with biology, chemistry, physics, society, organization, and data, but we rarely think of them as systems that support our own goals and development. However if you start looking at your surroundings and the meaning behind your actions you could find structures that you've built everywhere. Getting a coffee every morning when you wake up is a structure that supports your waking up process. The folders in your computer are a structure that helps you organize your data. Your calendar is a structure that moves you through your appointments and meetings. Your structures are powerful and you can make them even more powerful. So what can you do?
Start with what you have
Look around and discover the structures that you have already built. You might be aware of some of them and you might discover some that you've activated unconsciously. Think about your findings. Which structures are supporting you and which structures present as an obstacle to your own goals? Which ones need to stay and which ones you need to let go?
Make a reality check with your own goals
Spend some time to reflect on your personal goals and see how the structures you already have support you with them. Next, think about what areas you need to start structuring or further structure. When you do that it is also time to think of what type of structures work for you, make a link with your own personality and type to build structures that match who you are and empower you to move forward.
Structure your own structures
Build a plan on managing your own structures. Some elements to include are measurements of the efficiency of your structures and periods for reassessment. Don't let them stay forever. Come back to them from time to time to evaluate how they serve your needs and whether some new changes should be done. Make this process cyclical and take your life in your hands.
Start with what you have
Look around and discover the structures that you have already built. You might be aware of some of them and you might discover some that you've activated unconsciously. Think about your findings. Which structures are supporting you and which structures present as an obstacle to your own goals? Which ones need to stay and which ones you need to let go?
Make a reality check with your own goals
Spend some time to reflect on your personal goals and see how the structures you already have support you with them. Next, think about what areas you need to start structuring or further structure. When you do that it is also time to think of what type of structures work for you, make a link with your own personality and type to build structures that match who you are and empower you to move forward.
Structure your own structures
Build a plan on managing your own structures. Some elements to include are measurements of the efficiency of your structures and periods for reassessment. Don't let them stay forever. Come back to them from time to time to evaluate how they serve your needs and whether some new changes should be done. Make this process cyclical and take your life in your hands.
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