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If you are waiting for your employer to “discover” you – and advance your career – I’d suggest taking a different approach. After all, your career is firmly in your own hands to advance, providing you take the steps to develop new opportunities or recognize those which are placed in your path.
Many of us suffer not from fear of failure, but fear of change. Just as we criticize our employers for being paralyzed and not wanting to move beyond the known or status quo, so we, too, find too many reasons not to make necessary changes to our careers.
Here are a few suggestions for keeping yourself on your toes or, as I refer to it, 1mm outside your comfort level. Constantly.
How are you keeping your perception of “self” fresh? It can take as little time as reading a book (professional or recreational) and as much as starting a new exercise regimen or diet. (I’m not even going to get into the work necessary to change your golf swing!)
How do you incorporate innovation into what you bring to the office? Depending on where we sit around the table we see the same things differently. Mentally change the seat you are sitting in at work. Try to see things from another discipline’s perspective. And make the decision you feel they would make – now that you understand that perspective. Interesting stuff.
Do you have hobbies? How important are these to you? If you find yourself enjoying your hobbies more than your current employment, consider starting a second career based off your interests. Rock climbing? Historical architectural walks? Tutoring? I don’t have to tell you that you are more than your current job or even career. Don’t let your light be hidden under your own bushel basket.
If you don’t have hobbies, please take the time to find some. Take some time for yourself and don’t feel guilty or self-serving about it. So many of us lose ourselves in the pressure that we or our employers create about our jobs or careers. This economy has created so much paranoia about job security. And, of course, this economy has created massive outplacement and displacement. Hobbies. Yeah, folks at work – or those you interview with – may notice there’s something different about you. Perhaps you are more relaxed, self-confident, contributory?
Continue to educate yourself. Connect the dots between various learnings in your personal arsenal. If you find yourself doing right brain- left brain types of courses, that’s a clue card that you may not be happy in a totally right or left brain job in the first place. Education means learning more about yourself just as it implies learning new skills or thinking.
You’ll be surprised where you may end up.
Powerful Purpose Associates is founded on the expertise of Anthony Fasano, P.E., author of the acclaimed engineering career development book "Engineer Your Own Success: 7 Key Elements to Creating an Extraordinary Engineering Career" (Premier Publishing 2011). It is a comprehensive, easy to read book, aimed at helping engineers develop their soft skills and leadership abilities to create extraordinary engineering careers. Order your copy now:
Anthony Fasano, P.E., aka Your Professional Partner, founded Powerful Purpose Associates after he realized that it was the development of his soft skills that helped him to become an associate partner at a reputable engineering firm at the young age of 27. With history as a civil engineer, Anthony is now a nationally recognized executive coach and inspirational speaker, specializing in the areas of engineering career development, as well as leadership. He uses his highly effective coaching and speaking techniques through affordable programs to help engineers develop their soft skills, work through blocks, prioritize effectively, set clear goals and achieve their maximum potential.
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