Building a satisfying career

Wouldn’t we all love to leap from our regular 9 to 5 boredom to a long-standing love affair with our career? Transitioning from a job to a career, moving from coffee-getter to decision maker in your tribal organization, requires a “SMART” plan.

‘S’ for specific: Clearly define your objectives with your supervisor. Establish the specific outcomes you would like to achieve and come to an agreement upon them with your supervisor.

‘M’ for measurable: Set goals that can be evaluated in meaningful, concrete terms. Determine early on how your success and progress will be measured in your own eyes and the eyes of your manager.

‘A’ for achievable: Make sure you have the tools and resources necessary to reach the agreed upon goals. Do you have the support you need? The tools you need? The resources you need?

‘R’ for realistic: Agree to goals that are within your grasp to advance your career, based upon your understanding of your job.

‘T’ for timing: Be sure to set deadlines into your plan and stick to them, whether they are a month, six months or six years. Achievable goals for success have deadlines and if those deadlines are never being met, maybe it’s time to reconsider the realistic achievability of your goals.

For more tips on how to establish a well-paying career, attend the insightful and innovative workshop on this topic at Falmouth's upcoming Tribal Secretaries Conference in April 2009!