Five Steps to Growing Your Career
October 14, 2020One of the many great things about working at Goodwill is that everyone can expand their skills and grow their career. There are many stories of individual associates going from an entry level position to a leadership role within the organization. In addition, there are many individuals in the community who got their start at Goodwill and left for positions of greater responsibility at other organizations. In each of these circumstances, the individual, their family, and the community at large benefit.
So, how do you grow your career? Here are five key steps you can begin to implement today to grow your career and fulfill your life’s goals:
1. Own Your Career
This first step is the foundation for career advancement. You must own your growth. Not your supervisor, not your department head, not senior leadership.
YOU.
For many, this is a mindset change. The key point is that you own your life and where your career goes. What do you want to do in life? Where do you want to be in 3-5 years? When you are at the end of your career, what do you want to look back and remember with pride? All of that is up to you. It’s your life. Take charge
2. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Most people don’t get promoted by doing the same thing over and over again. People get promoted by trying new things, taking chances and volunteering for new assignments. The more that you are able step out of your comfort zone, learn new things and stretch yourself, the more successful you are going to be. Sure, you are going to make mistakes. We all do. But you learn from those mistakes and make better decisions moving forward.
3. Build Your Own Support Network
Who are the people that motivate and inspire you? Who are the people that see the best in you, when you begin to doubt yourself? Who are those people who always tell you the truth even when it is difficult to hear? If you don’t have that network, begin to build it. These are people who may have already advanced to a position that you aspire to. Maybe this is your store manager or your director. Maybe it is someone you know in your community. Maybe it is a family member who has overcome adversity to rise to a leadership role. Share your goals with them and ask them for their input and feedback.
4. Be Flexible
The best leaders are the ones that adapt to various situations and circumstances. Does an issue require you to change your process and mindset? Do you need to look at something a different way? Does someone else have a valid point of view. Being flexible, especially in this time of uncertainty, gives you the ability to react quickly. For example, maybe a position becomes available that you are interested in, and qualified for, but it is in another area. Being flexible allows you to consider the pros and cons of the role and make the best decision.
5. Be a Lifelong Learner
The world and the world of business is constantly changing and evolving. Consider during the last several months how many have adapted to a work from home model, when previously that option was very limited. Being a lifelong learner allows you to gain new skills and ideas that differentiate you from other candidates. For example, getting an associate degree will help build upon the skills you learned in high school. Once you are done with your associate degree, you are halfway to your bachelor’s. Getting additional knowledge, skills and education will only serve to better you as a person and professional and help you grow in your career
While not an exhaustive list, these 5 steps will help you to become your best you. Remember this is your life and your career. Own your future. Begin today.
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