Aspire

Being able to clearly articulate our career options will greatly enhance our chances of achieving career goals. Team members who are focussed and motivated to achieve their development goals are more likely to stay with a company.  They see the option for a long-term career; for some people they are simply relieved that carrying on doing what they are doing today, only better, is also an acceptable option. An open discussion between a manager and team member will also ensure that both are aligned on career and development actions and planning.

For some, a career development conversation can almost be overwhelming as the opportunities are vast. We liken it to using Google Earth to identify a holiday destination. The world is a big place, but if we start to identify some criteria to narrow our options, it is possible to gain more clarity.

In career and development conversations it can be helpful to consider the career compass as a starting point.

Career Compass

It is useful to think of your career ambition as a compass rather than the traditional ladder. Developing your career doesn’t always have to mean a move upwards for it to be meaningful and fulfilling.

Opportunities to specialise in a particular field or function (deepen) or spread your experience across industries, functions or geographies, can be extremely rewarding – but they require a different, if interchangeable, development plan.

Consider which direction on the compass you are more drawn to. This would be a great starting point for a career conversation.