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(adapted from Sherry Cadorette's Career Planning article
in the July/Aug '99 issue
of ExecutiveFemale magazine)
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You've probably never attempted to drive a car from the back seat. Yet you
may be driving your career as such...going to work, doing what you "should" do, and then
wondering why your career seems so stagnant or is moving in a different direction than you
wish to
go.
Step into the driver's seat and follow these navigational guidelines to get
your career pointed in the right direction!
CHECK YOUR VALUES
Values hook into powerful beliefs and principles that guide your actions,
opinions, and desires. The key is to choose work that best reflects your deepest
values. A career path that does not resonate with your core values can be a
source of profound dissatisfaction. What values are important in your life now? (see
checklist below) Are your values different than when you began your present career? If
so,
has your career kept pace with your changing values? If not, what values are
not being honored?
To identify your career values, review the following list and add other values
that come to you. Your top values may have multiple marks.
- Place a V to the left of those
values which represent your current personal values.
- Place a P next to values being honored
in your present work.
- Place an F next to values not
present now that you wish to honor in the future.
ACHIEVEMENT - having a sense of accomplishment
SERVICE TO SOCIETY - contributing to a better world
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - doing work that requires strength, agility, or physical exertion
LEADERSHIP - influencing others to achieve results
CREATIVE EXPRESSION - exercising my imagination
MONEY - reaping significant financial rewards
SECURITY - performing my work without worry about possible unemployment
MANAGEMENT - achieving goals as a result of others' efforts
POWER - having control over resources
INTEGRITY - working ethically and honestly
CAREER ADVANCEMENT - being promotable within the organization
LOCATION - living in a convenient and suitable geographic location
RECOGNITION - receiving credit for work well done
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Now ask yourself: Are these top values
consistent with my present career choice? Trade-offs may be required to attain greater
fulfillment for certain values. Are these trade-offs acceptable?
INVENTORY YOUR TALENTS
Everyone has natural talents. Talents, unlike skills, cannot be learned
-- they are an innate part of who you are. In fact, when you use your natural
talents, it may not seem like "work" to you. Engaging in work that taps into one
or more of your talents may be very energizing for you, and your employer/clients
will benefit from your ability to share natural talents which others cannot bring
to the table.
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- Place a C next to your talents
being used in your current career.
- Place a U next to your under-utilized talents
that you would like to do more with.
- Place an L next to those talents
you would prefer to use less.
LIST YOUR SKILLS
Skills are areas of expertise developed through education, training, and practice.
You probably already have many skills that are critical to your career success, from the fundamentals
of reading and mathematics to the ability to plan, negotiate, and communicate. List every skill
that comes to mind. Do not limit yourself to skills you only use during your present circumstances.
Think of skills you used earlier in your life or when you've done volunteer work.
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What additional skills will help enhance under-utilized talents and make you more
marketable? (Example: If you choose to utilize your talent as a singer, learning to read music may
enhance your talent and make you a more marketable singer.)
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