I was meeting with a CEO that wanted to know what I am going to train the technology leaders on in my leadership training. I told him, “The training is going to help your technology leaders understand that this is their career and that they have an opportunity to make the very best of their career while working here now.”
The CEO got a big smile on his face. He appreciated and respected the idea that the people who are running the technology backbone of the company are going to be more engaged and thoughtful about how they approach each working day. He knows that as they are more engaged with their careers, it’ll be better for each member of the technology team and better for the company as a whole… Not to mention customers, vendors and future employees will benefit from the technology leaders being on their game.
Even if you’re not a “leader” in a company, when you’re looking at your career remember that it is YOUR career too. You are the captain of your own ship. Don’t wait for someone else to improve your career for you. Instead, look for ways to make a difference in your own career today.
As the year is coming to an end and you’re pondering on what you want your career to look like next year, take some time to answer the question: What do you want to be known for at the end of your life? The answer to that question will help you to know what you want to do today and tomorrow to move you toward what YOU want to be known for at the end of your life.
Keep in mind that answering this question is not typically a quick answer. You’ll want to think on it, in fact my clients love our coaching sessions that focus on helping them to nail down their personal brand – which all starts with answering this question. If you need help getting clear on your personal brand and what you want to be known for at the end of your life, you can get coaching from me to help you create the career you really want next year.
If you do know the answer to that question, keep on the path to moving toward who you want to be known for at the end of your life… and remember, that it is YOUR career – not your CEO’s career, not your spouse’s career, etc. It is YOUR career. What do you want it to look like?