My Pivot
In the first part of this 3 -part series, I shared that curiosity drove me into a search for the meaning of a career. I believe we are capable of doing more than we do today. Many a time, we believe it will stretch us beyond the limits of our capabilities and cause us to lose. As we look into this second part of the Professional’s Playbook, i identify other critical factors that shape our careers.
What are the other shapers of your Career?
11. Knowledge. What you find while learning directs your path. Our careers are shaped by our discoveries. If you embrace the principle of lifelong learning under the energy of curiosity, you’ll find for yourself that which adds value and maximises your capabilities. Knowledge enables you to secure validations for acquired abilities. It is a curator of your disposition and response to opportunities. Knowledge is a builder of your skills and a definer of the experience you should pursue.
12. Leadership. One great influence of our career is leadership. True leadership begins with oneself. If you can influence yourself, you can shape your journey. Our career is also shaped by the influence of other individuals, they play a pivotal role in how we deploy our capabilities. The impact of a leader on your career is such that you follow the tracks they lay, maximise the opportunities they offer for your growth, and deliver results to validate the trust they had in you.
13. Mentorship. A mentor is a trusted advisor. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a fix. Our professional life looks like an unsolved puzzle. These mentors come to our rescue with counsel that seems like laws and suggestions that have the effect of an instruction. This is because they are experienced and can see far ahead of us even when they are not in the centre of our situation. If you will allow mentors guide you with their counsel, you will take better decisions in your professional life. These people ensure you don’t do life alone.
14. Networking. One of my favourite quotes when speaking about networking is “if it takes you too long to get what you want, your network is poor.”. Many of us need to build professional relationships and connections that will contribute to our growth. Building this network begins with checking in with those you already know. It is like going from the known to the unknown. Many of us don’t know what we have until we ask those we know. Take time to connect others to more and they will introduce you to more as well.
15. Opportunities. There are defining moments in our lives that turn the tide in our careers. Many people have been bolted into prominence in their careers simply because they took up an opportunity. It is important not to pass on a chance to add value at scale. Any opportunity to do more is one you should embrace. Any call to do bigger things should be welcomed. Any invitation to collaborate towards greater impact, should be honored. Your career is your chance to serve with your capabilities. It is a calling that you must fulfil whenever you are called upon to do so.
16. Passion. The dynamic nature of our careers impact our energy levels. Passion is needed when there is no motivation and incentive to keep coasting in your career. The things you are passionate about will get your attention. Your passion is a shaper of your career. Check out the issues, events, and matters that make an impression on you, they signal where you need to direct your energy.
17. Quality. I have read that excellence is the greatest deterrent to racism and sexism. The desire for top quality is a shaper of careers. Don’t celebrate mediocrity simply because excellence is scarce. If you love growth, you will love quality. Those who desire improvements will always find ways to develop their careers in ways that adds more value to people.
18. Resilience. Life will not always be rosy. The times will not always be fun. Your career will present moments of trials to you. These experiences may be self-inflicted, others may be drawn by external factors. Nevertheless, the source of your problems are not material to your career progress as your ability to navigate through them. Develop a mindset that allows you to bounce back from defeat and pursue success against all odds.
19. Strategy. Nothing happens by chance. You will never experience greatness because you simply wished it. There is a need to plan for what is ahead. Your efforts becomes worthless if you have not factored the things that can hinder their valued impact to your stakeholders. Be intentional about developing a clear plan for your career. Don’t leave anything to chance.
20. Teamwork. Collaboration is an amplifier. Working together is a maximiser. Letting others be a part of your journey makes it more fulfilling. We all must learn to partner with others in order to make the most of our work lives. It is teamwork that brings the dream to reality. It is okay to conceive an idea, but it is more important to have persons that can join hands with you to birth your conception. We are better when we collaborate. Those who go far in their careers always journey with others. Have a core group of colleagues that you win and learn together.
Close Out
Reflect on these things and let them serve as a signal for the next action on your career journey.
In Part 3, I’ll look at the final six shapers of your career.
OAO