Key Milestones for a Successful Career Path

Most high achievers begin their careers based on what’s available, what others recommend, or what looks promising. The first ten years- or more- are usually exhilarating, filled with learning, promotions, new experiences, marriage, children, and growing aspirations. Eventually, once the basic needs are met and the dust settles, a different kind of question surfaces: “Is this it? Where am I going from here?” I recently got a note from someone saying, “I just came across this older career roadmap you drew for me in 2010 when I was at a crossroads, mulling over what I should switch to after my recent MBA but nervous about making the change.” He went on to say, “Your message about ‘getting to the core of your preferred area ASAP’ and the roadmap you laid out toward a GM role was one of the meetings I still cherish to this day.” Over the years, I’ve probably drawn hundreds of such sheets always with my signature and the date on them and often tell people to come see me 15 years later so we can talk about how things turned out. Some, like him, do. While our careers are often shaped by serendipity, here are five steps I frequently share with young professionals during these conversations grounded in personal experience: 𝟭. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 of the function you want to be in, enjoy, and are good at. For instance, get as close as possible to sales or account management if you want to grow in the broader sales/marketing domain. 𝟮. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝟳–𝟭𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 working with increasing responsibility across different aspects of that core area. Do significant, high-impact work. Take on the company’s difficult problems that need solved. Take risks. 𝟯. 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 with additional certifications whether in Six Sigma, analytics, or leadership, based on your trajectory and context. 𝟰. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 who will advocate for you, open doors for you, and help clear the path ahead. 𝟱. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸 or as my good friend would say, at least the absence of ill luck. As you reflect on your own career path, I’d love to know: What’s the best career advice you’ve received that you now pass on to younger professionals? #CareerRoadmaps #Careermapping #PayitForward

Crawl. Walk. Run. The 3 stages of professional development.👇 -- CRAWL The goal here is to turn self-doubt into self-awareness. 1️⃣ Assessment Start by knowing your baseline. - Strengths - Skills - Opportunities - Gaps Use tools like StrengthsFinder, SWOT analysis, and reflection. 2️⃣ S.M.A.R.T. Goals Define where you're going. Then, turn your career dreams into tangible goals. S - Specific M - Measurable A - Achievable R - Relevant T - Time-Bound 3️⃣ Daily Growth Embrace the Develop Daily concept. - 15 mins / day - Targeted - Time-blocked Make consistency your ally. 4️⃣ Learning Basics Seek out foundational resources: - Courses - Books - Thought Leaders Start paying attention to your peak learning hours and formats. 5️⃣ Internal Networking - Build strong bonds with your team - Ask for introductions from your existing network - Volunteer for an internal organization or project Systematize these efforts. -- WALK The goal here is to turn knowledge into action. 1️⃣ Serious Skill Growth Drive toward proficiency, then on to mastery. 1-2 technical skills. PLUS: - Communication (Writing, Presentation, etc.) - Team Collaboration and EQ - Problem-Solving - Leadership 2️⃣ Growth Mindset Lean into challenges. Back yourself to overcome stumbles and mistakes. Study: - Carol Dweck - Angela Duckworth - James Clear 3️⃣ Mentorship Find yourself a top mentor or coach. Take advantage of: - Their outside perspective - Their years of experience - Their tactical advice Start mentoring folks who are one step behind you. 4️⃣ Learning Science Ground yourself in foundational learning principles: - Microlearning - Spaced Repetition - Active Recall Pair this with a highly-curated list of top resources. 5️⃣ Expansive Networking Get outside your bubble. - Volunteer for industry organizations - Get active and bold on LinkedIn - Join LunchClub -- RUN The goal here is to turn experience into expertise. 1️⃣ Lead Regardless of your role, start leading. - Connect - Support - Inspire Read Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, and Stephen Covey. 2️⃣ Lifelong Learning Expand your daily growth. - Curate top content - Organize and lead conversations - Structure your own unique insights 3️⃣ Share Expand your personal brand. The easiest way? - Share what you know - Share everything you know - Package it in an easy-to-digest format Consider speaking engagements and publications. 4️⃣ Cross-Functional Experience Expand your work influence across departments or organizations. - Take on larger efforts - Engage as a DEI leader - Join a board 5️⃣ Develop Others Pay forward your expertise. - Grow your internal team daily - Mentor and coach - Sponsor rising talent -- Want to talk through your 2024 goals? I'm opening up a few slots in January to connect with folks from LinkedIn. No sales pitch. Just good old-fashioned conversation. DM me if interested.

Career Growth: Where Are You? 🌱 Understanding the 5 Stages of Career Progression Career growth is not just about climbing the ladder; it's about widening your perspective and impact. Let’s explore the 5 stages of career growth and identify your current position: Stage 1: Entry-Level – Daily Goals 🌟 Focus: "What do I need to get done today?" In this stage, you're mastering day-to-day tasks, learning the basics, and understanding your role in the bigger picture. Stage 2: Developing Professional – Weekly Goals 📅 Focus: "What do I have to get done this week?" Here, you start planning and executing on a weekly basis, managing your time effectively, and understanding your contribution to larger projects. Stage 3: Manager/Senior Individual Contributor – Monthly Goals 📈 Focus: "What do I need to get done this month?" Overseeing projects or significant tasks, you’re now involved in strategic planning and monthly goal setting, expanding your impact. Stage 4: Director-Level – Quarterly Objectives 🎯 Focus: "What do I need to accomplish in the next few quarters?" Balancing operational tasks with strategic planning, your role here is vital in aligning short-term actions with long-term company goals. Stage 5: VP/C-Suite – Long-Term Vision 🔭 Focus: "What do I need to accomplish in the next 3 years?" At the executive level, you’re shaping the company’s future, focusing on sustainability and growth over a multi-year horizon. Identifying Your Stage and Setting Your Sights Where do you find yourself in these stages? Are your goals in line with your career stage? Each stage of career growth presents its own set of unique challenges and areas of focus. While some individuals may advance quickly through these phases, recognizing that development involves evolving with each stage. As you navigate this progression, it's essential to maintain a balanced perspective on both your immediate tasks and your long-term objectives. - Follow Ann P. Walsh, SPHR HR Executive for Startups | Getting People Hired | Growing Thriving Cultures 🔔 #CareerProgression #CareerGoals #PersonalGrowth #GoalSetting@