The
3 Hardest Questions
About Your Career
One of the best parts of my job is helping people strategize about their careers . Success at work plays a large role in how we view our overall successes in our lives . If someone doesn ’ t feel like they ’ re succeeding or fulfilled at work , they probably don ’ t feel like they ’ re living a very fulfilling life .
My team and I have advised many people from various backgrounds over the years . From billionaire entrepreneurs who are looking to brainstorm ideas for the next stage of their careers to private equity titans who are solely focused on deal-making , I ’ ve learned that background doesn ’ t always matter . People from nearly every background still have the same challenges when it comes to career management .
Luckily , there are three questions you can ask yourself to help decide the next steps in your career .
First , you should ask yourself where your skills lie . You also need to gain an understanding of the work that you ’ re willing to do . Once you ’ ve found the sweet spot between your skills and what you ’ re willing to do , you ’ re ready for the next step .
You then need to ask yourself about potential career paths . It ’ s best to come up with three career paths that you could realistically follow . While one could be a promotion or growing in your role , you should also consider working for other companies or even starting your own business .
The final question you need to ask yourself relates to the people you know . You need to think about 10 people who can help you get your dream job . It ’ s not about putting a blast message to all of your friends and followers on social media . Instead , you should focus on those that know your work ethic . Start with bosses who know of your work ethic and are well-respected . Any clients or customers that truly appreciate your work should also go on the list as well as well-connected friends and family , and even a recruiter or two . Once you ’ ve created a list of 10 people who could help , send them all a message asking for ideas to help you land your dream job . Those brainstorming sessions could easily turn into referrals if done right .
Maybe one day , career management will be automated and our dream opportunities will approach us . But until then , it ’ s going to take hard work to reach your goals . If you don ’ t know where to start , try asking yourself these three valuable questions . n
About the Author
Dr . Geoff Smart is chairman & founder of ghSMART , a leadership consulting firm that exists to help leaders amplify their positive impact on the world . Dr . Smart and his firm have published multiple New York Times bestsellers . He stays active in his community and has advised many government officials .
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