You are the President of Your Career

January 5, 2009 · Comments

people working This year is slated to be tricky. If you’re an employee, it’s tough because your budget was just cut. It’s tough because some people were just laid off. It’s tough because you’re going to have to do more with what little you have. They want more from you. Oh, and were you thinking about your career as if it were something moving up and to the right? Uh, no.

The thing is, there really never was a career path for you. That was something for your dad, or you about four careers ago. But those paths are gone. There’s not really even an indent any more where they were left. So, let’s just level with you now: congratulations. You’re the president of your career.

What Businesses and Organizations Want

Here’s a secret, and hopefully this will really help. Businesses (and we can apply this to nonprofits and other organizations, too) want to do what it takes to achieve their mission. In most cases, this is simple: make more money than it spends. In non-profits and other organizations, the goals are slightly different, but you get the gist. Essentially, do your job with the least amount of friction, and get out, and go home.

Variation on the Theme: Self-Employment

You might work for yourself. Rejoice. It’s a tricky year to be doing this. You’ve got to justify yourself to your clients, and if not, you’ve got to deal with the reduction in what people can pay you. You might even be rethinking what comes next.

(By the way, if this is not so, just stop reading. Congrats. You’re doing a great job. Go out and play for 2 hours.)

In All Cases, Here’s What’s Next

You need to take over the role of president of your career. If you’re solo or an employee, this is relatively the same advice: you’ve got to take a look into the entire package of of you as a business, you as a presence, you as a developing “property.” Here are some considerations for the situation you’ve just inherited:

  • Because people just want you to do your job, assume that most people don’t care about your personal development or what goes into how you do what you do.
  • Understand that just doing what you’ve been doing won’t really work for more than a handful of months, because everything around you is changing. If you don’t change, you’ll fall behind.
  • Accept that you have to invest in yourself, and that just waiting around for others to think about your career or invest in it isn’t really going to net you much.

A Simple Prescription

For your career, I recommend that you build your future around a model something like this:

  • Practice making the work you perform reliable, remarkable, and tied to whatever your “client” considers important. That sounds easy, but as yourself whether this is true of what you’re doing. If not, is it really the right business relationship?
  • If the wave of thoughts that just flooded your head involved all the difficulties in shifting roles, ask yourself whether those very thoughts are what have held you in your current role for as long as you’ve been there. Ask yourself if you think you’re only worth a 3% annual raise (or x dollars an hour).
  • If you are not building small powerful networks of some kind, get started. Now. Nothing is a solo sport any longer. Even if you’re the only gunslinger in town, sign up for the gunslinger social network and get to know how others are doing their job. Interesting perspective on this by John Chow, actually. Read the whole piece.
  • Set your own goals in front of yourself. Make them SMART goals. (Half of you rolled your eyes because you’ve heard this. The others are waiting). SMART stands for “Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.” (See more here or even better, here). Don’t say, “I want to make more money in 2009.” Say, “I want to book 10% more business in Q1, 15% in Q2, and make 30% overall more income by the end of 2009.”
  • Chunking goals up is even better. Wanting to build a better proposal template by mid-January and then wanting to book 5 new clients using that form by March is better than putting the whole thing together in one form.
  • Going back to school isn’t always the answer. But sometimes it is. Think long and hard if you’re going back to school simply because you don’t know what else to do. There are lots of ways to train into new skills that don’t involve going back to school. School is a great place to learn what was relevant five years ago. Things are moving much faster than that. Do you really think it will upgrade your career? (Waiting to hear from my higher ed friends on this one).
  • Instead, read. Learn. Absorb. Try things out. If you haven’t created a “lab” for your ideas, for your opportunity to try things out, get started.
  • If your self-esteem is still an issue, and you haven’t bought and read Self-Esteem by Dr Matthew McKay, stop what you’re doing and buy the book. It changed my life. It probably could help you, too. (Faith helps, but that’s not my department. That’s his).
  • Learn the basics of these functions: sales, marketing, project management, journalism, and law. Even understanding some of the basic premises behind those types of roles and job functions will help you better understand how to function within an organization. I wasn’t the best engineer in my company. I was the engineer who could talk plainly about technology to the senior team. Made a world of difference.

Your Mileage Will Vary

There are lots of reasons to be negative. You have plenty of opportunities to find reasons why none of the above will work for you. You can pile excuses up, one on top of the other, for every reason why you’re stuck where you are. Gandhi said this: that we all have the same number of hours in the day, and it’s how we choose to use them that matters.

I choose to use mine improving on the futures of those around me.

Congratulations. You’re the president of your career. What’s your next move?

Photo credit Bobster1985

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  • OK, I worked in a construction company for 10 year. They love me but now project is done and we're laying off. Most likely I will be laid off too sooner or later. Good thing I have passion for blogging and will try making a little bit of money off of it. Wish me luck!

    :) Liza

    P.S. Thanks for this post.
  • John Pisciotta
    Nice thinking Chris.
  • Spot-on. Ties in perfectly with #11 of my "11 Things To Keep In Mind During This Crappy Economy" (a.k.a. http://www.lohad.com/?p=2071):

    Remember where your real job security lies. It’s not in any company with whom you work … or used to work. The days of working for a large company for 40 years and retiring on your pension are gone. Your job security lies within you: It’s in your willingness to do a great job (not just a good job) no matter what it takes.
  • Chris,

    Once again you nailed this President to the floor with what he should be doing. Chase Marketing is getting a face-lift, tummy-tuck, bikini-waxing and a makeover all on the same day!

    Thank you for your focus and clarity, while the 'chicken-littles' still trumpet 'the sky is falling' to whomever is listening.

    Hope to cross paths again at Affiliate Summit West next weekend if you are in town!

    Respectfully, Nicholas Chase - www.twitter.com/nachase
  • My corporate colleagues are not a fan of me saying this (although a few of them are now impacted) the first thing a person should do after finding a new job is to start working on the next new job.

    It is clear that many companies are treating their employees as consultants. So the employees should start acting like consultants.

    You are 100% correct, it is time for people to take control of their career.
  • Thanks for helping me map things out, Chris. I've actually started getting serious about a venture of my own - I've been more or less a SAHM all my life and it's a bit overwhelming. What I'm doing is probably laughably small to many, but it's important to me and every day I'm gaining in confidence and going out there and taking chances and learning new things.

    "Accept that you have to invest in yourself, and that just waiting around for others to think about your career or invest in it isn’t really going to net you much."

    I was floundering for the past several months until a few weeks ago, I woke up and realized that it is all up to me and that waiting around for people to offer me help or baby me through just wasn't going to happen. It's been an amazing change in my attitude and my confidence and it seems like the positivity is snowballing. Most important, I'm taking action and feel in control.
  • Chris, taking control of one's life is exciting and rewarding. It was the best choice I made three years ago. I wish that I had done it sooner. I like being able to control my own destiny. It is very empowering and I remember one person saying to me when I left my corportate job. The VP (who seemed Jealous) said - "Well Steve, now you will find out what you are really worth?"
  • Fabulous! In a crazy place myself as I debate returning to the 9-5 or starting my own biz. I have all the time in the world to focus on one or the other or both. It gets a bit discouraging sometimes. I so needed that prescription to get back on track.
  • Tim
    Chris, I will be sharing this (day job is recruiting) with all of my candidates. Seriously we all have a brand to manage. I will be asking people, "Who will vote for you?"
  • There's a big element in all of this that's about indirect career growth, too. Ego and insecurity are tricky bastards, and it takes serious commitment to stare your career in the face and realize it's not entirely one dimensional.

    Not everything that furthers your career puts you in the spotlight. It's a bit like thinking like an artist, I suppose. Layers and editing. Promotions aren't always the best thing for someone who thrives on getting their hands dirty. Titles don't mean jack. A stellar client roster means nothing if you have no substance to show for it.

    We spend a lot of time lamenting the opportunities that don't ever seem to find us, but few of us have the stomach for grasping at the ones that may just slip by unnoticed because they don't arrive in a stretch limo. If you can't find the self-discipline to carefully manage your own career as meticulously as you would expect a business to steward you as an employee, you're going to continue to wonder just what happened when you weren't paying any attention.
  • Chris - this is a terrific post. It captures the practical elements of the Protean Career Theory really well. It's a philosophy I have been subscribing to for some time, while not always easy, it's rewarding. For me, I see it is building a portfolio of employable or marketable assets. Like all portfolios there's a time to shelve and a time to ramp other elements up. With practice you get better at making those decisions. Thanks for putting this out there.
  • Another great post Chris.

    There was an interesting quote from Matt Goldman, the co-founder of the Blue Man Group in the August 2008 "Inc." - “If you invent your own instrument, you’re automatically one of the top three musicians in the world on that instrument.”

    The challenge is determining what instrument you're going to invent.
  • Rachel Kay
    The post helps me feel empowered to control my professional future in the coming months rather than let the fear of today’s financial climate deflate me and my team, or enable us to make excuses when business doesn’t come as easily. There is always more we could be doing for advancement, and if we think there isn’t then we must have given up. If you like a good challenge, now is an exciting time! I’m going to start by setting some new goals as you suggested above. Thanks for a great post. @rachelakay
  • My favourite part was the SMART goals. Thanks for that. Goal setting isn't a first thought for a "river" person and I know I've got to address this. I'm a generalist and it's a good market for generalists right now, but not if I don't set goals to take advantage of that.
  • Here here! I wholeheartedly agree. We are all free agents in this economy -- and I don't think that's going to change in the near future. For those who are wanting to read more about the importance on becoming your own "brand", check out Tom Peters 1998 article in Fast Company - "Brand You"

    For those who are interested in joining a social network with a mission to help everyone in America find the perfect career for this time in their life go to Career Crossroads 2.0

    Great post Chris!

    Sean Harry
  • stevenmilstein
    Great and timely advice Chris! For those who haven't read Daniel Pink's The Adventures of Johnny Bunko, may I suggest you watch this YouTube trailer. Also, take a look at Garr Reynolds' Career Advice '08 - SlideShare - especially slides 98-100 for a great Steve Jobs' quote

    Good luck to all!
  • Excellent points. No one will ever be more interested in my career than me. As long as I wait for *that* boss,*that* company or *those* people to do something to move my career forward, I'll likely be waiting a very long time. I need to take charge - and now.

    You've outlined several very key points and suggestions. Staying current, active and involved is of paramount importance. Classes, volunteering at a non-profit or offering to help out others in your network are all ways to keep your skills fresh while also making important professional connections.

    I'd also add - Be honest and unafraid to ask for help or advice. When going through, or even considering, a transition, most of us know many people who would be willing to help in one way or another, but we need to ask for what we need. If we've successfully built a strong network by consistently supporting others, they will be delighted to help in return should the opportunity arise. A network of the right people, not the most people, will prove to be a key ingredient to our success over time, through periods of career growth and change.
  • Perfect post for today. Thanks.
  • DaveMurr
    Awesome - I've been promoted!!

    Again thank you for the resources your provide with the post - extremely timely. I struggle with self esteem issues/confidence - so the book you suggested sounds perfect.

    I firm believer that what you believe is what you will achieve - regardless of your current situation or the environment that surrounds you. Give it all you've got move forward because at the end of the day no one can take that away from you.

    I've often read that our greatest fear is not failure - its succeeding!!
  • It´s all about bussiness and money, maybe the human factor is not really considered. I´m not saying the world is wrong, but this is not a better way to live.
  • Thanks Chris! Your post is very timely and has some good reminders as I've recently been examining my own career goals.

    I'm a GenXer who graduated college in the economic downturn of the early 90s, so I've never really expected the type of lifetime company employment my parent's generation (but not my own parents) apparently had.

    Even so, this seems a rather unfulfilling option for us corporate types: "Essentially, do your job with the least amount of friction, and get out, and go home."

    I accept the role of president of my career, but hope to find a way to get more satisfaction from it than that!

    @LPT
  • Chris,
    Excellent post - it seems to me there's a decline in attention paid to professional development by some employers, perhaps because in some organizations & industries the main goal right now is survival, or at least prolonging the slow death.

    I agree with you that going back to school is something one should think very carefully about. Going back to grad school for me was primarily about getting the degree - no one I know of does it for the enjoyment of attending classes and doing homework all night after working all day.

    Your last point about learning the basic of sales, marketing, law, project management, and journalism is excellent. I think those are the core subjects one needs to learn to properly lead and manage their own career, whether it's inside an organization, or running their own business.
  • Very eloquent. It seems that I've learned and re-learned this lesson over the course of my past 10 years in advertising and only last year did it finally stick (I hope). Great post.
  • Great advice! School isn't necessary, as you said. You can learn a whole lot from actually doing, rather than taking notes.
  • Chris,
    Excellent post. The reason that I am currently a Stay at Home Dad is because I was dissatisfied with the string of jobs in finance that was my poor excuse for a career path. So, along with taking care of my little man I am immersing myself in learning as much as I can about blogging, social networking and social media marketing in hopes that I will find a new outlet to avoid a second career crisis. I really appreciate the information you provide to help me try to wrap my head around this very quickly changing space.
    @pjmullen
  • What an excellent post. You've rejuvenated my spirit and helped to put a grasp around this next year of 2009. It will be turbulent, but as you say, perseverance pays. There's no need to sit around and mope - as your situation will only worsen.

    Collect your eggs where they may fall - make an omelet, and RUN with it! :-)
  • I'm self employed and the clock is ticking on my current contract which ends in April.
    If anything, though, I feel this economy makes me more marketable because companies know they don't have to hire me full-time.
  • Chris,

    Good post but...

    Where is the idea of loving what you do, or even just liking it? I confess, I read your post quickly, but I don't recall seeing anything about job enjoyment. Hey, I get it, these are tough times and worrying about whether you like what you do is less important than worrying about whether you can pay the rent but...

    Successful company presidents have a passion for what they do. If you want to be president of your career ask yourself: is your career even something you want to be president of? If not, trust me, no amount of money, power or prestige will make your job satisfying. At least it didn't for me.

    Jeff
    www.cerebellumblues.com
  • @Jeff - it's a great question. I think you're right in your perspectives, and it's definitely a spot where I could add more about passion. Thanks for stopping by.
  • Awesome post including some great advice for all of us. The SMART goals was my favorite part!
  • avi
    2009 is probably going to be a complete waste, nonetheless, excellent advise. Thanks.
  • Very good, Chris. Thanks for this wealth of advice presented in such an up-beat manner. As a new reader, I hesitate to make a suggestion and you might constantly do this anyway, but it could be a theme worth returning to over the coming months … a sort of 'did you try this and how did it go?' thing.
  • Great thoughts, Chris, I am making my first move by spending 3 days away going over dreams, goals and then breaking it down into plans for this year. Thanks for your thoughts. -Buddy
    www.twitter.com/leadercast
  • (1) Be President of Your Career? Definitely. Top priority.

    (2) "School is a great place to learn what was relevant five years ago." I would have agreed with you until very recently. I now think that a bit of reflective time is no bad thing. Maybe allowing time for patterns to emerge and hype to die down is the value of five-year old knowledge? Besides, the principle job of school should be skill development - teaching and creating space for the practice of critical thinking.

    (3) School or work? If the qualification is considered important, as well as learning for learning's own reward, earning degrees while remaining at work has obviously been an option for a long time. This is a heavy commitment and students are still fed in to pre-designed courses, where only a proportion of the content might be immediately useable.

    Some universities offer Masters degrees which are built around a strategic business challenge students bring to the programme. Learning 'modules' are built around flexibly planned work activites and academic credit is given for what students demonstrate they have learned from what they have done. Assessment is through artifacts produced in the course of students' work, and written assignments supplement these. Content is brought into the programme in a just-in-time way, at the point where it is practically needed.

    A slow-down is a great time to consider the abundance of opportunities available :-)
  • Excellent post Chris. I've always felt that in my job, that it has been up to me to develop myself. However, this year I plan to step it up a notch and see how far I can push myself. I'm not expecting this year to be financially rewarding, but I am hoping to get myself into a better position for when money does become less of an issue for people.
  • Chris - You nailed it. Sure wish your next one comes from the management side. You probably have, but I missed it. We are just finishing our first full year of growing our company and 2009 challenges are even greater.

    I am the employer caught in the tight spot.

    Like you said, we are looking for self motivated people that come trained. On the job training is hard to pay for today. Although, I would love to foster it as much as possible. It's just impossible to fund it today.

    The education element is also extremely relevant. Technology is changing daily (that's what we do). Social Media - need I say more.

    Last, but not least - PROJECT MANAGEMENT. If you can come up with a great idea for product enhancement or situation solution, write a total project plan (why, resources needed, timelines, integration schedules, progress reports and budget) and execute on the plan, you will always have job security. Team players that get the ball in the end zone will never be let go.

    Thanks again and I hope my comments are well received.

    Jon at zhiing
  • So much a topic of the hour Chris. You are always on target.

    I am blessed that our company has not laid off yet - but hours have been cut back. Over Christmas some had 4-5 days a week OFF.

    I work in the In Room Dining area, so our income in reliant on orders we take up, and an extra tips. Of course that means being at work at the right time (when things get busy)

    Last payday two of my associates were crying over their check, not enough for 1 week's work let alone two. I said nothing. I had been pleasantly surprised when I opened the envelope. Why? My check was double what one was proclaiming his to be.

    The difference? I work hard, don't complain, am always willing to stay later for those who want to go home early because there is nothing happening. (Invariably once they leave the action starts). And this week when hours were cut the most, the one who works the least has the 5 days off.

    Plus I made it known I wanted to cross train (in banquets, restaurant - even the bar). So when banquets needed some extra help guess who they called? And it was during that slow week we just got paid on :)

    So thanks Chris for these suggestions. We are certainly very much in control of our own career. This is no time for slackers or drifters. They will end up joining those I pass in the morning sleeping on the street.

    But work, plan, learn new things. Be flexible, useful to your company and clients, and if you are contracting out be aware that your clients too are on a budget. Do you need to charge crazy prices any more? Or a reasonable price that keeps a client happy and coming back.

    This is a time of sifting for sure.
  • 2 New books that might help people- Relevance by Tim Manners and The Knack by Norm Brodsky. Relevance is case study after case study showing that in order for your product/service to be successful, it needs to be relevant, meaningful and solve a problem for someone. The Knack is a great handbook of business and economic skills everyone needs- whether it's dealing with your family income like a business, or knowing what's going on in the office/business. In hard economic times, you've got to know where you are and understand how to weather the vagaries of things like cash flow to keep your ship from being swamped.
    As Chris might say, you've got to be the captain of your own ship, and not wait around hoping someone else will tell you what to do, where to go, or even how to do it. You have to be creative, look for opportunities, and take advantage of them when they come up. It's about building a strong foundation, and understanding that's a strategy for long term success rather than hoping for a miracle. And once you realize you are in charge of you, you become less of a deckhand and more of a captain of your own ship, each and every day.
  • HigherEd friend chiming in here.

    Regarding self-employment -- I think technically we're all self-employed. Sure, some of us may work for someone else, but no one is going to hand you career opportunities on a silver platter without you taking the lead and going after things you want on your own. If everyone treated their job as though they worked for themselves, imagine their potential?

    Going back to school: First, a disclosure. I've been working in higher ed for over a decade now, and I've been pursuing my MBA part-time for 3.5 years now (one more to go). However, I definitely agree that going back to school is not for everyone. In the region where I live, schools are so far behind the times. Undergraduates are not given much relevant information that will help them spring board their career when they graduate. A great majority of professors have been teaching for ages and aren't in touch with current, cutting edge skills, which some would argue are essential basic skills to go out in today's work force.

    When students at my university ask me where I got where I am today, I told them I did a ton of reading and learning *outside* the classroom, and networking, networking, networking. There is so much more information "out there" that we're not learning in classes (including my current program) that can help supplement what you already know or are currently learning *inside*. It's up to you to take that information and how you package it in your head to use it to your advantage as you decide what your next move is going to be. Sitting in a classroom is taking time away from networking and learning more. In my opinion, going back to school is just part of the deal - the other part is committing lots of time supplementing what you're learning with networking and other reading opportunities.

    I passed along this post to a good friend who has been out of the work force for about 6 years, focusing on raising her family. There are a lot of great takeaways in this article for someone like her, who is trying to figure out how to jump back into career-mode after this hiatus. Good on you.
  • I've been reading your blog for a while but never commented on it for a couple of reasons:

    - I am young, an undergrad who just got my CV sent off yesterday, not experienced enough to really grasp what you were saying.
    - Technological barrier: I am considered among the very few who really "get it" in the Vietnamese tech sector, but unfortunately following all you guys on Twitterati and reading your blog prove too much for me. I believe there's a cultural difference in technology just as there is in anything else.

    But yes, now's the time for me forward my greetings to you, and everyone else as far as the Blog and Twitter are concerned.

    I've applied as a Business Analyst, I love to do it and hopefully will end up being a Product Manager. Vietnam 2009 will not be that tough as it will be in the States, but there are problems and layoffs too. For many reasons, I'm really excited about this new year, this potential new job, and everything else. We're in a young industry that's destined to take off, and we're lucky enough to have you guys as examples (I'm not referring to the financial sector, but the tech one :P). I'm trying as much as possible to be the president of my career and the CEO of my life. Thanks :)
  • @Anh - I know a few Vietnamese American twitter types. What's your twitter name? May I make an introduction?
  • Chris - this is a very timely piece, and dead on. Love the comment on higher ed - the real education comes through doing, not studying. I believe the best investment people can make is in developing themselves, in whatever way they choose to do it. We are our product, and we have total quality control over the value we deliver to the world. If we sit back resting on our laurels, we live a mediocre life. We were born to with greatness, and it's our responsibility to discover ways to unearth it, polish it off, and put it to good use!
  • Really good post, Chris, and one so many folks need to read. Thanks so much!
    Cheers- Bethe
  • I couldn't be happier after reading this post. With many professionals hanging their heads low and hunkering down for 2009, now is the perfect time to invest in "you."

    I'm investing in "me" a number of different ways in 2009: plowing through the second year of my MBA, meeting everybody and everyone I can (because I can't let Chris Brogan have all the fun), and getting involved with a number of conferences, events and workshops. To stay focused, I picked one sentence to describe my professional goals, and I stick by it:

    "I'm not looking for a great company to work for, I'm looking for a great company to lead."

    Keep sharing the wisdom Chris. Every good president needs a trusted advisor.

    Brandon
  • Chris,

    Mine is @anhhung , and yes, I look forward to the introduction. The Vietnamese Twitter community has like 2000 people, we're pretty small but very close to each other :)
  • Tim
    Interesting post - thanks Chris!
    One thought related to the education piece, that could be the solution a lot of people need in tough economic times, is self education. There are a number of resources popping up to help provide structure and an outlet for this... i.e. www.personalmba.com
  • The rate of change is speeding up in the corporate world, making job tenure (even during good economic times) shrink. The only constant you have is your personal brand - you need to be the president of Me, Inc. In the future, you will be switching between working for Acme, Inc and Me, Inc with shocking regularity. Your brand - or professional reputation - will be your greatest asset as you navigate this new employment landscape. If you have lost your job and received a package from your employer, now many be the perfect time for you to think about going out on your own. The first step is personal branding - what is authentic to you, valuable to your target audience (ideal clients) and differentiating from your peers (competitors)? When you are clear about that, you can embark on a business plan.

    In the new world of work, we can not rely on our employers to manage our careers, we must do so every day with everything we do. And 'Me-too' won't cut it. You need to know exactly what makes you unique and valuable and use that to stand out. If you are looking for a job in this economy, that is critical because there are numerous others touting similar credentials and experience. If you think of yourself as your job title, you won't make the cut.

    What's your personal brand?

    Best.
    William
    www.williamarruda.com
  • Great motivational! Slowly, but surely . . . I am moving toward having my own SUCCESSFUL business, and it is getting more doable every day. It really is about having enough motivation to have excitement, energy and tenacity.
  • Marketing is second only to good content and presentation. It's a requirement for almost every successful blog.
  • This article really motivated me to think about my future plans of my career.
    But it's not quite clear until know..
  • This post got me thinking--and worrying.

    Our economy crashed because of we created perceived value (stocks, housing) to quench our thirst for more ROI and for more stuff (consumer debt was to be funded by our ever-increasing home values).

    But if, in this "me, now" social media world, we again focus on ourselves so entirely, could we get into a game of building faux personal value as well, just to keep up with the other guy?

    What would it look like if that bubble popped?

    Before 2008, we thought the market would correct economic inefficiencies. We were wrong.

    Can social media correct ours?

    I wrote about it here:
    http://www.intermz.com/blog/2009/01/06/could-social-media-cause-the-next-recession/

    Thanks for the post.
  • So timely and so true! You never cease to inspire me.

    I had the same thoughts about loving your career as Jeff Shattuck, so I am excited that you affirmed them and look forward to reading what else you have to say.

    Thanks for the post!
  • Biggest thing that stuck to me is investing in yourself. I remember when I first got out of college and the way things were then. You had to have a stellar resume and cover letter (not that you don't know), but that has expanded ten fold into a stellar portfolio, blog, community, online or offline presence and personality - you've gotta show your chops and let potential employers see what you're made of, aside from some words on a piece of watermarked paper.

    If you can't take the time to invest in yourself, what makes you think a company will?
  • Kate
    Chris, I'll echo what others said: Excellent post. Like others, I'm a job seeker, and it's tough out there. Thank you for all the work you put in to these posts.
  • Interesting note about being able to "speak plainly" to senior management about technology. It does make a world of difference in many ways. By educating them about technology, you're likely to be treated better than normal engineers and often become privy to the inner workings of the business at a level most are not. This is possibly worth a blog post in and of itself.
  • What a fantastic post, you're damn right. I'm going to make sure I hit my goals in 2009, or even exceed them! I've got some good ideas and I'm going to make sure that I get them on paper, or make them happen.

    @Erik - I agree, that's part of what I do. I translate all the social media/blog/technology stuff that senior managers hear/watch/read and apply it to what we do or want to do.
  • Hi Chris,
    Very nice post.
    We are on the same wavelength once again.
    Just last week on my blog I posted "You're ALREADY the boss. It's just up to you to decide if you are going to act like it."
    Of course, your development of the theme was much more thorough and entertaining!
    Happy new year,
    Scott
  • Kyle Roussel
    Very timely Chris.
    I especially relate to the 'going back to school' part. I've been told that not having at least a bachelor's degree means that I don't have any "table stakes" when it comes to getting a job, or having credibility. So I mulled that over and actually had an appointment today at a university about getting back in.

    Am I doing the right thing? One thing you're right about is that I'll be taught things that were relevant in a world that no longer exists. Should I go through with 5 years of part-time schooling or ramp up on my own? Only I can answer that for myself, but the differering opinions from folks I respect don't make it any easier.

    -Kyle
  • Jonathan
    Yes, yes, of course, of course - you have always been responsible for your own situation; you have always been the author of your life. Nothing is different when it comes to career: you are where you are because YOU made it that way.

    That said, let's play devil's advocate a bit, shall we? Organizations are made up of people. The success of the organization is a direct reflection of the committed action taken by the people in it. Committed action arises from both rational and emotional commitment.

    When organizational leaders demonstrate that they don't care a fig for the concerns of their chattel (oops, I mean "associates), people respond in predictable fashion: they disengage. Their productivity drops, and the organization's ability to achieve its goals diminishes. Many of those people are doing exactly what you advise - and your advice is utterly true and quite smart, by the way - they are working on "brand you" out in the marketplace, looking for greener pastures.

    Organizational leaders must understand that the time to invest in the people who make their organizations run is right now. This isn't a bleeding-heart, "oh, let's just take care of everybody" perspective, it's a business mandate: find the people who really make it work (that doesn't necessarily mean the people who blow the most sunshine up your skirt, by the way), find out what matters most to them, and help them get it WITHIN the confines of your organization. The best and brightest ALWAYS have options.

    When people see that the leaders in their organizations know them, hear their concerns, respect their points of view, and honor the work that they do, those people's emotional commitment rises and so does their productivity and profitability. Organizational leaders MUST learn how to cut the fat without damaging muscle, or they will do worse by cutting headcount costs than they would have otherwise.
  • I work largely with leaders to transform themselves and their organizations in changing times. I absolutely agree with your recommendations. Here are a few thoughts - consistent with your ideas and I hope a couple of additional ideas:

    1. Be proactive- look around and see what you need to improve to compete in the new - changed environment - how do you differentiate yourself?

    2. New skills can be developed in school if you need to develop some foundation skills and if you will benefit from a recognized credential like MBA or advanced degree preferred for a position. While people with MBAs may not be smarter - we (yes I am one and I teach in an MBA program so that is my bias) recognized that the degree opens some doors so if it helps differentiate you - consider the benefits with the costs of time and $. If you are early in your career - the time to get benefit from it is longer than those later in careers.

    3. Keep current - yes by the time text books are written and class material is developed it could be old or it could be really new - if you are studying with research faculty who are creating the latest research. I teach what I am working on so my students often get the newest research - before it is even published. AND- keep reading - sources like this blog MUST accompany scholarly work - find the balance that works for your field.

    4. Develop your emotional resilience. These are trying times by most measures - if your life is going well just turn on the news. How do you personally find and keep balance? Do you have a good physical activity practice - best if it includes nature - walking the dog outside is great. Do you have a centering and balancing practice like yoga, meditation, or religious faith that you feel supported by? Do you have friends who make you laugh? Do you have a "tribe" that you trust and rely on? We all have tough days and weeks. Having a range of healthy practices will enable us to navigate the difficulty with grace. This is really important if we are leading people and they are looking to us for guidance. Our behavior sets the emotional tone along with the organizational direction. Emotions are contagious - if you do not sneeze on the food of friends - do not let your cranky emotions spill onto their productive day.

    We have some great opportunities to take stock and build capacity now. This can be a great adventure as well as a challenge. Data would suggest that people engaged in their own development are both happier and more successful.

    If you are interested in leadership development as described by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great - specifically Level 5 Leadership, I invite you to check out the following link for additional ideas about how you define the qualities you might want to develop: http://metcalf-associates.blogspot.com/2008/12/... - this is the beginning of a series of posts on leadership levels – all are available on the blog.

    Enjoy the adventure!
  • tWhile I agree that going back to school is something that should be very seriously considered, I'm not sure it's accurate to make a blanket statement that what one can learn in school is not current or relevant.

    Having been a student a few times, and now as a college professor, I'm all too aware that college courses have a reputation for being outdated. However, I think in some cases, that is starting to change.

    I can't speak for all post-secondary education, but In the School of Media and Design at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where I teach, much is being done to keep on the cutting edge of the industry. This is done by inviting professionals working in the industry to sit on advisory boards, to help structure the curriculum and content to be more timely and relevant. It's also done by ensuring that the college professors are actively working in their industry, and bringing forth their own real experience for the benefit of their students. As a result I'm happy to be teaching a Web media course this semester that is focusing on social media - teaching students to understand the world of online communication and collaboration and particularly how it applies to business and their own careers.

    Sorry if this sounds defensive - that's not my intent. I just want to ensure that people know that higher learning CAN be a positive, rewarding and useful experience when approached in the right way.
  • Absolutely loooved the wrap-up sentence. Great style finish.
  • Right on! Last year I gave a talk at Verizon titled Who's Career is it Anyway? I lack patience for people who cry the blues about how their company doesn't do anything for their career. Of course, I believe they should, but who said they were obligated too? The investment that a company is willing to make in their people will vary, but one thing holds true. It's up to each individual to manage their own career success.

    Back in my corporate America days, my employers didn't always pay for the classes I took to improve my communication, management skills, coaching skills, etc. Books are cheap and these days there are so many great FREE webinars on every topic imaginable. Or, read blogs - like this one!

    There just isn't any excuse. I worked to remain lay-off proof then and now as a business owner. People are buying. We just might have to work a bit harder or pay more attention to the opportunities that at first glance might not seem like they will lead to something. I keep my attitude straight and stay on my priorities and coach others to do the same!

    PS...Chris, I did your 3 words exercise and took my mastermind team through your process. We all love it. My 2009 words are: First, Bridge and Infinite.

    PSS...I've always heard SMART goals defined as Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Timely. I like your slight variation. Simple goals that lead to something powerfull down the road sounds like a smart (forgive the pun) idea to me.
  • What a great post to help kick off 2009 - thanks Chris!
  • I have watched so many of my friends, and former colleagues fall due to the collapse of newspapers and now local news. Yet so many saw this right with me and never did anything on the personal front to shield themselves or at least prepare themselves for the worst by attaining new skills. I seem to get new news every other day about a layoff or buyout. There is no way I could watch all of that happen and think I'm immune. It's just not possible. I just posted a status update a few days ago on Facebook that said :"Angela is...working on career security." Do you know that one of my former colleagues responded saying:"Let me know if you find any." I mean, come on. You create it yourself, you don't just find it. i was particularly annoyed at that comment partly because I know he is one of the complainers who said i was "lucky" to have a print, broadcast and web journalism background. That is not luck, I knew that my skilss should be diverse and i still know that. At any rate, my point was, the next time you find yourself spreading gossip about a layoff, don't. Use that energy to create some career security of your own. This is no joke. I'm glad you wrote this post. I will now step off of the soap box.
  • Great post, Chris. Thanks!
  • Sit in the front row of your life!
  • Bonnie Parrish-Kell
    Chris, you're right about most academic classes - many instructors aren't as active in their topic. However, most continuing education classes I know are taught by folks who are doing what they are teaching and are pretty darn active in their professions.

    I tell my SEO students right off that this 6-week/18-hour SEO and online marketing class is simply an introduction. They will have to continue reading, testing and discussing search engine marketing PLUS becoming knowledgeable in marketing communications, social media and its correct usage, and other aspects of operating a successful business. It's exactly what I do. Luckily, I enjoy it!

    Keeping up with changes may be stressful but I find it leads to greater opportunities and more peace of mind.
  • Powerful post. I like this way of looking at things. We've all read that we're in charge of our own actions, but you've framed it quite nicely by portraying each individual as President of his or her Career. Very nice, empowering. As a former college adviser, I'd say that it very much depends on many variables as to whether returning to school is a good idea. I would recommend researching your industry or intended field and talking to both academic resources and those currently working in that area. There are many great reasons to go back to school, but you must be intentional and purposeful in your pursuits. Don't just go hoping to find a way to make money or get ahead.
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