Last week, we reminded managers of the importance of setting time aside to meet with their employees, to talk about their career development.

We heard from some of you (both managers and employees), saying that you’d like to start working on your own career path but aren’t quite sure how to get started.

So today, we’re reviewing our suggestions to help you do just that. You’ll notice that this is a similar framework to last week’s post, but with the ownership on you.

Create a Plan

Create a plan and review it with your manager (or collaborate on it together). Consider bringing the answers to some or all of these to your initial meeting:

  • In one year, I envision myself doing ABC, which supports the overall company success because of XYZ.
  • The skills and strengths I love using the most are…
  • The skills and experience I’d like to develop are…
  • The actions I’ll take to get more experience and develop my skills are…
  • The support I need from you in order to be successful is…

If you’re having trouble coming up with answers, we’d encourage you to think about these questions.When I’m happiest and most fulfilled (whether personal or professional):

  • What are things I’m doing? What are the skills I’m using?
  • What impact do I have?
  • Who are the people I’m with?
  • How am I interacting with others?
  • How am I impacting others?

Identify Opportunities

Look to influence your manager with your ideas and encourage them to influence you with their thoughts. Consider using the suggestions below:

  • I’ve come up with a couple of special projects and opportunities that will help me grow with the company.
  • I’m curious, what opportunities do you see for me, considering what I’ve just shared with you?
  • The support I need from you in order to be successful is…

Review and Refine

Ask your manager if you can carve out regular check in meetings to review progress and look for additional opportunities to grow. Consider using this framework:

  • The successes I’ve had in my career development, since we met last time are…
  • The challenges I’ve had are…
  • The new ideas, learnings, or pivots I’m thinking about are…
  • My suggestions for what I’ll work on next are…
  • The support I need from you in order to be successful is…

Whether or not your manager is involved in supporting you, it’s still up to you to take an active role in your career leadership.

Career leadership
is looking for opportunities that excite you,
where you can show your value,
and where you can help to create success.

If your boss is too overwhelmed to invest time in some or all of this work, think about finding a mentor, colleague, or coach to support you.

Spend some time this week thinking about your career development.

We’re here if you need us!

If you’d like support
in developing your career,
contact us today.