Navigate your way to a brighter future!

Climbing the career ladder, and being able to see that next step clearly, in order to map out your longer team career progression has historically been a key motivator for many people regardless of the sector or organisation. However, there is arguably no such thing as a traditional career path anymore, and there are certainly no jobs for life.

So what are the options for today’s aspiring managers and executives, the leaders of the future? In the twenty-first century digital age, careers are much more malleable, and the traditional career ladder has been replaced by the career roller coaster.  A typical career path is now likely to have many twists and turns and feature constant change.

Steve Preston, the Career Catalyst, shares 10 ideas to develop your career and manage the career rollercoaster to your advantage. You will find additional details in the three audio files above.

1. Take control, become the architect of your own future. Personal leadership and knowing how to break through the barriers to career progression, or navigate the career transition maze have now become absolutely paramount.

2. Accept that your career might be better moving sideways, or even downwards. This is a significant shift to looking at careers – no longer as a ladder but as a roller coaster. A sideways or downwards move to acquire new skills or gain a new perspective could be beneficial for you in the longer term, especially if this means moving into a job or career that is more fulfilling and provides for better opportunity to become an expert or specialist.

3. Find an external perspective and support.  Many organisations provide mentors and coaches. Some companies have formal mentoring programs, where you work with people in higher positions within the company. Professional coaching can always be a great benefit to you, help you unlock your potential, overcome any barriers to success in order that you can fulfil your talent and maybe fast track your progression.

4. Job shadowing, acting up, and secondment. For many people, these can be excellent strategies if you can find a suitable opportunity. If you know someone who has a job you aspire to and is happy to share their knowledge and experience, even for the day, then go for it.

5. Self-promotion. Modesty and British reserve make it very difficult for many people to blow their own trumpet, but if you don’t, then nobody else will.

6. Learn to manage your boss. Show real commitment. Your boss can be your best supporter if you help them become more effective in their role and make their life easier.

7. Acquire new knowledge and transferable skills. Study for a qualification. Grow personally as well as professionally. Positive people who are constantly radiating energy and looking to grow personally as well as professionally are a sought after commodity.

8. Build your network. Within the organisation, think about people who can influence your future. Developing your networks externally is equally important if you are looking to develop your career outside of the organisation or being well connected is a benefit to the organisation. Nowadays developing a good network, especially via LinkedIn, undoubtedly enhances your professional standing and personal brand.

9. Dress professionally even on business casual days so that you stand out from the crowd.

10. Deliver solutions not problems. Problem solvers get promoted or are head-hunted. Make sure that you become a problem solver, rather than a problem deliverer.

Image credit: Jay Mantri via Pixabay