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by Elizabeth Lengyel
You’ve been going 6-to-late; exhausted by running the
supersonic treadmill of life and wish you had a
different job. But
you can’t because you have no time and you’re left spent at the
end of every day. Conversely, you’re gut tells you that everything
would be different if you could only find the right career match.
You could stop hitting the snooze button every morning and get back
into enjoying the game of life.
You might be surprised to learn that thinking like a CEO will teach
you a lot about career planning. Wonder how? Then read on and learn
how being a CEO has everything to do with mapping out a successful
career.
1. As a Chief Exploration Officer, your first step is to engage
in self-exploration. It is the key to career planning and
decision-making. The better you know yourself, the more informed
career decisions you’ll make. One of the best ways to hone in on
your natural talents, interests and strengths is to re-visit your
childhood years, dreams and passions. What did you love to do? Who
did you enjoy being with? What did you like to play most? What were
your favorite sports and interests? Did you have any hobbies? Where
did you picture yourself in the future? The past often holds the
best clues. You might also want to seek the help of a trained career
counselor or coach to help you define career options that fit your
talents and interests, and help you explore current and future
labour markets and trends. Narrow down the choices and seriously
examine one or two career options that fit you. Trust your heart or
intuition. It most often leads you in the right direction.
2. As a Chief Educational Officer, you need to examine the
competencies and skills required in your choice of work. Once you
determine one or more career options, list the skills and
competencies you need to move forward. What do you need to know? And
what do you currently know? Make a plan to fill the gaps whether
through school, apprenticeship, reading, volunteering, etc.
3. As a Chief Experiential Officer, you need to talk to the
people who are actually in the career you’ve identified for
yourself. It takes you from dream mode to reality check. Seek out at
least 5 people who are working in the career field you have
identified. Hint, the more people you interview, the better. You
will find common themes and information that will be invaluable to
your career planning process and final decision. Don’t hesitate in
making the calls. Most people love to talk about themselves and
their expertise. If possible, ask to meet with them in person. It
provides a more high touch approach. When you meet, be candid and
curious. This is your opportunity to learn from people who are
working what you’re still thinking about. Preplan some questions
carefully. Do they enjoy their job? What kind of education and
experience do they recommend? What do they like and dislike? Ask for
their recommendations and what they think you need to be successful
in the career. You might also want to think about inviting one of
them to be your mentor as you move forward in your personal career
aspirations and goals.
4. As a Chief Engagement Officer, you will have to stay on top of
your game. Stay self-motivated, energized and engaged in the career
planning process. Here’s the truth. Career planning, exploring and
making career choices take energy and time. Think about what you
will need from yourself, as well as from your environment, schedule
and support network to keep yourself engaged and moving forward.
Think about what nourishes and nurtures you. What feeds your energy
level?
5. As a Chief Employment Officer, you are your greatest resource
in finding the right employment. In the end, the career planning
process leads you to finding the right job for the right money. A
combination of statistics and interviews continue to prove that
networks are the number one resource to finding your next job. Stay
well connected and share your plans. In the end it is you who’s
going to turn career planning and aspirations into reality.
So if you’re ready for a career change, remember how to think
like the CEO you are. You’re life is waiting to have wings.
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