GUIDELINES FOR CAREER DISCUSSION
Six guidelines for a successful career discussion are:
1. Know Yourself
Career planning is an on-going, dynamic process. Clarify your values, needs, interests, and aspirations. Only you can explore options and plan your career.
2. Value Yourself as an Individual
Identify your specific strengths, skills, and the unique contributions you make to your work environment. Respect your own track record and project confidence, competence, clarity, and persuasiveness when talking with your boss.
3. Focus on the Present
Communicate what you are now doing in relation to what you want to be doing. Draw attention to present behavior that will most likely positively influence your future. Be prepared to discuss relevant strengths and weaknesses.
4. Practice Clear Communication
Ask direct questions and respond with honest, direct answers. Surface hidden agendas. Actively listen, stay focused on your goals, and ask for clarification of those areas that seem ambiguous or vague to you.
5. Accept Responsibility
Be proactive in initiating topics that will help you gather valuable information. Be aware of the reality of the situation, that only you can pull together all of the pieces of your career plan.
6. Plan and Take the Next Step
Action is the goal of the career discussion. Your career development process succeeds with each step you take.
Adapted from Walter Storey, Career Dimensions II: Managers' Guide, University Press, San Diego, CA.
Six guidelines for a successful career discussion are:
1. Know Yourself
Career planning is an on-going, dynamic process. Clarify your values, needs, interests, and aspirations. Only you can explore options and plan your career.
2. Value Yourself as an Individual
Identify your specific strengths, skills, and the unique contributions you make to your work environment. Respect your own track record and project confidence, competence, clarity, and persuasiveness when talking with your boss.
3. Focus on the Present
Communicate what you are now doing in relation to what you want to be doing. Draw attention to present behavior that will most likely positively influence your future. Be prepared to discuss relevant strengths and weaknesses.
4. Practice Clear Communication
Ask direct questions and respond with honest, direct answers. Surface hidden agendas. Actively listen, stay focused on your goals, and ask for clarification of those areas that seem ambiguous or vague to you.
5. Accept Responsibility
Be proactive in initiating topics that will help you gather valuable information. Be aware of the reality of the situation, that only you can pull together all of the pieces of your career plan.
6. Plan and Take the Next Step
Action is the goal of the career discussion. Your career development process succeeds with each step you take.
Adapted from Walter Storey, Career Dimensions II: Managers' Guide, University Press, San Diego, CA.
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