Setting your career goals

Setting a goal is the first step on the path to building your career. Be honest with yourself about your skills and potential and then set goals that are realistic, otherwise you set yourself up for failure, not to mention frustration.

Define your goals, do some reading, place yourself in learning situations, talk to professionals, find a mentor, ask questions and then be sure to listen to the answers and advice. Once you’ve done your research, you’ll then be able to set a realistic timeframe to achieve your goals and have a better idea of what it takes to get there. Do keep in mind that life happens along the way, so some flexibility may be required.

If your goal is to attain a management position, then take the steps as early as possible in your career to set yourself on the right path. Many companies have management-training programs, take the necessary steps to enter those programs. In addition, attain the necessary professional designations required to be a contender among your peers, who will also be vying for a management role.

If you’re already a few years into your career and have newly discovered the desire to enter the management team, utilize the skills that you have already gained. Offer your talents to an overworked manager, be the unofficial technical resource, mentor or trainer to the junior staff, create your gateway to success. Share your goals with your manager, you may gain the advice and guidance required to meet you goal.

Dedication to your goal is of the utmost importance and taking the necessary steps may require some personal sacrifice, but if you have chosen a goal that is right for you, then focusing on your goals and devoting the necessary time should be bearable.

Having a sense of humour and a pleasant personality also goes a long way, don’t be a doormat, but having a pleasant disposition, being respectful of other opinions, being flexible, being willing to learn from others, acknowledging when you are wrong, being a strong coach and being a team players are essential elements to being a good leader.

Keep your emotions under control, if you don’t know how; then learn. Check your emotional responses at the door and use reason to make your decisions. Don’t shy away from working and negotiating with difficult people, it will increase your negotiating skills and you may gain either a co-worker with whom to brainstorm or a friend.

Do not procrastinate; it’s an effective barrier to achieving your goal. Learn how to delegate, if you are not in position where you can delegate, then learn how to ask for and accept help from your co-workers, learning those skills will be invaluable when you achieve your goals.

If you are a supervisor seeking to take your career to the next level, keep in mind that loyalty is two way street, remember to treat the people that reports to you with respect, help them to build their self-confidence. Delegate, give clear instructions and give your staff a chance to do their job, give praise when it’s due and you’ll be respected as a good supervisor. If your staff feels that you have no faith in their abilities and that you don’t trust them, that will affect their self-respected and in turn, will affect their respect and trust in you.

Once you’ve determined that you have the confidence and skills needed to take your career to the next level, contact Williams Alton to provide you with suitable career options. Our consultants will advise you of the career options that are currently available and with your approval we can also discretely market you to our valued and trusted clients.