CAREER TIPS IN THIS NEW WORLD ORDER
By Ellen E. Grant PhD, LCSW-R, Former Deputy Mayor
The work world is ever changing. A-I, job cuts are a present state of the world. You will need high-order skills to advance beyond entry-level management. Identifying mentors, managing others, and being aware of your own strengths are three areas, but there are others. I have summarized a few of those I have found crucial to my own career success.
Ellen E. Grant PhD, LCSW-R, Former Deputy Mayor
Set a career goal. Determine where you want to be professionally three to five years from now and identify what steps it will take to get there, such as further education. Consider whether you can reach your goal in your present organization or field. Based on your current strengths and weaknesses, as well as the competition, will you need to make a change? Assess your priorities. Is a higher salary your main goal? A title? Creative control and satisfaction?
Weave a network of contacts inside and outside your company. Get to know the managers at your level in every other department; find out who your peers are at other companies in town; join professional organizations—both for women and for practitioners in your field. Don’t forget to widen your acquaintances with white men in positions of power men in your profession, particularly. I can vouch for one way to do that. I serve on a volunteer board composed mainly of white male Republicans—quite a coup for a black female Democrat, one that I have turned to my advantage. I make it a point to introduce myself at each monthly meeting to two board members. Eventually I will know them all, will be able to converse with them as a colleague, and will be able to include them among my network of contacts.
Pass it on and give some back. Someone helped you, so help someone else. Ask them as their “thank you” to help someone else! Remember, you didn’t get where you are by yourself—you won’t stay there by yourself. Everyone had help to make it.
Become a generalist. After you have gained expertise in one area of management, such as personnel administration, volunteer to learn about another, such as preparing the department’s annual budget. You might also ask to serve on the organization’s finance committee or some other in-house task group of interest.
Go the extra mile. Hard work has never gone out of favor with bosses. Neither has innovation; sometimes a fresh new approach by a fresh new face can solve a long-standing problem.
Learn to manage your time. This is vital if you hope to achieve a healthy balance between work and play. Discover when you are at peak productivity and tackle your most challenging assignments then. Learn, too, to recognize when you’re burning out and when it’s time for vacation or a few days off. While you may think you are showing devotion to duty with long hours, your boss will not appreciate it when your work is flawed by stress. Even if you aspire to be Superwoman or Man, force yourself to delegate responsibilities. It enhances your reputation as a team player and gives your staff a change to show what they are capable of doing.
We can all get plenty of exercise by jumping to conclusions, pushing our luck, and dodging deadlines, but real exercise must be scheduled, just like the next appointment. Being physically fit will enhance and improve your mental alertness, as well as increase your energy level. Part of the physical fitness program includes eating well-balanced meals, taking vitamins, and adopting an exercise program that has your physician’s approval.
In Sum
This document outlines key strategies for advancing your career. To secure long term success you should set clear career goals; building an eclectic professional network, and give back in your community through volunteering and mentoring others.
Because I try to be Godly in my work- I live by this quote
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
– Jeremiah 29:11”