Spring Clean Your Career Today

April is historically the time for Spring Cleaning. What a better time than now to get your dust rag out and do a bit of cleaning up of your career. It is a great time to take inventory and course correct where necessary. Here are 4 easy ways to "spring clean" your career.

Clarify your career vision - For so many women who achieve success - it happens by accident, without a clear vision or plan. Take some time to clarify based on where you are in your career today where you want to go. Is the C-Suite still your target? Are you interested in an international assignment? Does your heart really want to be home with your children? Whatever it is, be willing to tell yourself the truth and write a clear vision of career success for you.  

Craft your career succession plan - Once you clarify your vision it is time to determine the roles necessary to achieve your career success. You need to review the roles in your organization and determine which jobs you want/need on your resume to set you up for your final role. Evaluate the skills needed for your dream job and then decide which roles and in what order you want your career to advance.  Make sure that your assignments align with your aspirations. 

Enroll key sponsors and advocates - It takes a team to craft your career success. As you climb the corporate ladder, you will need a team as well. Evaluate your current network and determine who is and is not an advocate. For those who are your advocates continue to enhance those relationships. For those who need support from but may not be an advocate craft a plan to clean up that relationship. Take some time to evaluate who is not a sponsor that needs to be and craft a plan to gain their support.

Execute daily - Career success is impossible without consistent execution. You have to deliver daily with excellence. Make sure you meet or exceed your professional objectives and use your accomplishments to enroll your sponsors and advocates.

Happy spring cleaning!

Pick up your career “swiffer" and work on these 4 steps to spring clean your career and you'll likely experience a renewed sense of meaning, joy and contribution.

 

 

 

 

Cornelia Shipley, April 2016 Career Coach