Mapping your career path

I have mentioned earlier that I stumbled along for much of my early career, without seeking out advice and just assuming I would do okay.

I had no plan other than I knew I wanted to reach a senior position and maybe one day run a large business. I listened to inspirational women who had “made it", walking away from breakfast and lunch sessions thinking, I just want to be her. Then heading back to my busy world and it becoming more a daydream.

It has only been in more recent years that I have actually built a focused plan. Not just an aspiration, a plan. This is definitely something I wish I had of done a little earlier, however it is also never too late.

There is no beautifully neat, upward trajectory of career. There are ups, downs and sideways moves. There might be gaps where you started a family or something occurs where you need to pause. You may choose a particular direction or you may be pushed a certain way.

All of this is okay. I do believe you learn the most in situations you had not anticipated.

If you are on your way to becoming a doctor, lawyer or specialist profession where your total focus in on achieving this particular role, your plan might be, to be the best in your field, or build your profile. With the twists and turns life takes, who knows, you may totally change direction. For the rest of us, if you have an aspiration, however not quite sure what that might look like, you need a plan!

The following approach works for me and something I have recommended to others along the way.

• Go broad, think big and forward. What is that big aspirational goal? Depending on where you are in your career right now, is this a 5 or 10 year target? What do you believe this to be right now? Your plan is not a set and forget, life changes. This includes a change in career path you may wish to take, however you need to make a start.
  

• What skills will you need to get there? Is there someone you know who you consider really successful in that role? What skills do they have and what are the skills you know would be expected in a C suite or executive role? Include both technical and soft skills.
  

• Now look at your skill set right now. What will you have to develop over this period? This may feel daunting, in particular if it feels years away. Break it down into 6 and 12 month periods. You will be amazed by what you can achieve by way of development in a 2-3 year period if really focused.
  

• Over time, as the business world continues to change, role titles and new styles of role will be created. Look at the role of chief customer officer. A relatively new role but considered by many, as now, business critical. Be focused but not too narrow. Think of two or 3 types of roles to target and map the skill sets for each. They will overlap in many areas, as all executive roles do. As you progress and develop, you are likely to gravitate towards one particular role type. The planning process will help you move towards a specific path. A path you may never intended to head down. If your end game is CEO, you are going to need breadth of skill, so learn as much as you can.

• Draw it in to a simple grid with a horizontal and vertical axis – the visual works well.
  

• Your plan needs to be a living document. Once you have your target and time frame, break it down into achievable targets and goals. Check your progress each quarter or 6 monthly.
  

• Once a year complete a deeper “self review". Are you happy with the direction? Have you narrowed your focus? Just like your CV, refresh it each year and keep it current. Capture all of the fantastic things you have done over the past year and reset what you want to achieve in the coming year. Great for the soul and building your confidence. A perfect new year activity.

Working with a plan will create confidence, puts you in control of your path and personal development and makes it tangible. Use it over your career and keep your original maps, so you can look back over the years and see how far you have come.

Make a start in your weekly “meeting with self” or on the weekend with a cup of tea. Do not forget the important role your mentor can play here. Invest the time in yourself to create your own path. Because it is yours.

Until next time.

Lisa