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Building Strong Professional Relationships: The 4 Steps to Effective Networking

pictured: four people at a networking event

Building Strong Professional Relationships: The 4 Steps to Effective Networking

August 28, 2023

pictured: four people at a networking eventDo networking events feel like a whirlwind where you just exchange business cards and brief hellos? It's a common scenario, especially if attendees don’t understand how to leverage the networking event. There’s a better way to participate in these events! It's all about building genuine, lasting relationships, and I want to help you get more out of them.

Networking with Purpose: Building Bridges, Not Just Contacts

You might be wondering, why bother? Isn't networking just about expanding your contacts list? Actually… no! The real power of networking lies not in the quantity of connections you gather, but in the quality of relationships you cultivate.

I'm going to guide you through a simple yet profound 4-step process that can transform your networking experience:

Prepare for Impact:

Before you even step into a networking event, here's a trick I've found to be remarkably effective – preparation. Take the time to research the attendees beforehand. Most events have an online registration portal that shows who has registered. Grab that list and get to know their backgrounds, roles, and the companies they represent.

Armed with this information, you're not just making random conversations; you're engaging intentionally. This groundwork can enhance the meaningfulness of your interactions and even help you identify people you genuinely want to connect with.

Quick tip: Identify who you want to make sure you meet so you can keep an eye out for them and connect.

Engage with Curiosity:

I believe in the value of curiosity in relationship-building. Being genuinely interested in others not only helps me establish connections but also fosters a positive and lasting impression. People can tell when if we’re just nodding along or if we’re genuinely curious.

True curiosity fosters engagement and leaves a lasting impression. Think about it: wouldn't you prefer talking to someone who's sincerely interested in what you have to say?

Find the Balance:

It's important to both listen to others and also share about ourselves. I strive to strike a balance. I avoid dominating the conversation with my too much of own experiences. No one likes a monologue!

I've found that sharing about myself becomes more meaningful when it's woven into the fabric of the conversation. If they talk about their job, share a relevant experience. If they mention a company, connect it to something you know. Statements like, “I have a friend that works at that same company. It sounds like a great place,” make it less about “you” or “me,” and more about “us” – the synergy that happens when two minds genuinely connect.

Follow Up

This is where a lot of people trip – they don’t follow-up. Building relationships doesn't end when the event concludes. This is still only the beginning! Sending that follow-up email, connecting on LinkedIn, or setting up a coffee meeting is a continuation of the relationship-building process. Don't let the momentum fade away. Nurture those connections like you would a newly planted seed – with care and attention.

Networking is about creating bridges, not just contacts.

The next time you step into a networking event, carry this approach with you. Invest in conversations, prioritize connections, and watch how the landscape of your professional relationships transforms.

This 4-step process is a deeper look at the networking framework that I developed, called: “You You Me You.”

To dive even deeper into the “You You Me You” framework and the art of cultivating meaningful connections, I invite you to explore my book: You, You, Me, You: The Art of Talking to People, Networking, and Building Relationships.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Unlocking Career Success: The You-You-Me-You Approach to Networking

pictured: two poeple at a networking event

Unlocking Career Success: The You-You-Me-You Approach to Networking

August 15, 2023

pictured: two poeple at a networking eventWhy do you network?

Are you simply making connections, or are you striving to cultivate deeper relationships?

This distinction isn't trivial; in fact, it can shape the trajectory of your entire career.

In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it's tempting to prioritize quantity over quality, focusing simply on accumulating contacts. However, the real essence of networking lies in nurturing relationships that endure, offering mutual growth and professional development.

Balancing Network and Relationships

You likely understand the pivotal role networking plays in your career journey. But let's delve into the deeper aspect – the significance of forging genuine relationships within your network. It's not about the sheer number of connections displayed on your LinkedIn profile; it's about the depth and authenticity of those connections. The objective isn't just to add names but to establish meaningful bonds.

Investing Time and Effort

Crafting relationships demands more than superficial interaction. It entails dedication, endeavor, and effective communication. The goal is to truly comprehend the individuals in your network, creating a support system that you can all benefit from over the course of your careers.

Introducing the "You You Me You" Framework

To navigate this journey of building profound relationships, I offer you the "You You Me You" framework – a simple yet potent approach. This technique emphasizes the art of listening, understanding, and expressing genuine curiosity.

As you consider the “You You Me You” framework, notice the "Me" to "You" ratio within the framework. At 3:1, it underscores the importance of listening. This positions you to inquire, listen to their responses, and then follow up with more questions. The magic of this framework lies in prioritizing the other person's perspective and interests.

Elevating Interactions

The "You You Me You" framework has a transformative effect. When you ask questions and then listen to their responses, and then follow up with more questions, you create engaging and positive interactions during which the other person feels heard and seen.

Maya Angelou said it best: “…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Applying the Framework

In the realm of networking, the real power unfolds when you nurture relationships beyond the surface. So, as you step into networking events or conversations, remember the "You You Me You" framework. When you infuse authentic interest and balanced sharing, you convert networking encounters into lasting relationships.

Networking isn't just about connections; it's about the meaningful bonds that define your career. So, when you approach networking with the "You You Me You" framework at its core, you reshape experiences into enduring, valuable relationships that stand the test of time.

Next Steps

For a deeper dive into the "You You Me You" framework, explore my book, You, You, Me, You: The Art of Talking to People, Networking, and Building Relationships. It will help you uncover the secrets of transforming networking from a mere transaction to a transformative connection, shaping your professional journey.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Building Connections: Mastering the Art of Networking with Different Personalities

Two people talking at a networking event

Building Connections: Mastering the Art of Networking with Different Personalities

July 30, 2023

Two people talking at a networking eventHave you ever noticed that when you’re networking, each person you meet has a unique personality that you need to figure out how to navigate quickly? Some are easy to work with, but others can feel sticky, frustrating, or confusing. What can you do?

I’ve found that understanding and managing these diverse personalities is the key to having productive and positive conversations that enable us to build meaningful relationships.

In the world of networking, you're likely to encounter all sorts of personalities, so let's focus on four common ones: Hijack Harry, Grieving Grace, Humble Hannah, and Pushy Pete. When you understand how to navigate conversations with them, you can create more authentic connections that will serve you in the long run.

Hijack Harry

Have you ever experienced someone who constantly hijacks your conversation? You start sharing a personal experience, like a trip you've taken, and suddenly, they jump in, talking about their own trip, cutting you off. It's frustrating, right? Well, you've just met Hijack Harry.

Hijack Harry is that person who tends to dominate conversations and steer them towards their own experiences. It can be helpful to recognize that Harry probably doesn’t even realize he’s taken over; It can be helpful to recognize that it’s not a malicious move on his part.

If you catch yourself about to hijack a conversation, take a moment to pause and refocus. Acknowledge the other person's experience and let them share their story. By showing genuine interest, you build stronger connections and create a more balanced conversation.

Grieving Grace

Grieving Grace is the person you’ve just met who is going through a major loss or facing a challenging situation. When talking to Grieving Grace, it's crucial to be an empathetic listener.

Don’t assume that you understand exactly how they feel, even if you’ve been through something similar. We all experience grief differently and without knowing them well, it’s hard to know what to do. Your best bet every time is to listen with an open heart and just let them express themselves. Offer empathetic responses to let them know you genuinely understand and support them during their difficult time.

Humble Hannah

If you meet someone who is very reserved and doesn’t seem to want to share her achievements, you’re talking to Humble Hannah. Especially if you’re looking for a balanced conversation with mutual sharing, this can feel like a bit of a struggle.

When talking with Humble Hannah, you might draw her out by showing genuine interest in her experiences, accomplishments, and interests. Compliment her on her strengths and the positive impact she has on others. When you notice and celebrate her successes, you create an environment where Hannah feels valued and comfortable sharing her achievements.

Similarly, if you tend to hesitate to share your own experiences, remember that in the networking environment, you need to tell people about your achievements as part of helping them get to know you. If you worry about sounding like you’re bragging, think about it as inviting them to celebrate with you.

Pushy Pete

Are you feeling like the person you’re talking to is trying to push a sale before they’ve even given you a chance to get to know them? Say hi to Pushy Pete!

Pete is all about the sale to the point where he neglects the essential aspects of building relationships. When dealing with Pushy Pete, try to shift the conversation towards making a genuine connection. Ask questions about the business, how he got into it, and try to find out more about who he is as a person.

Similarly, if you feel yourself jumping into sell mode, remember to avoid pushing for a purchase too soon and let the relationship grow naturally. Trust and mutual understanding lay the foundation for successful transactions in the future.

The goal is not to avoid people who have these personalities; it's about being present and steering the conversation based on who you're interacting with.

Developing these skills will empower you to navigate various networking situations more effectively. You may even find that networking gets more interesting and fun because you’ve started to understand what’s happening and how you can control it better.

And this is just the beginning!

If you want to master the art of talking to people and forming genuine connections, my book, "You, You, Me, You: The art of talking to people, networking, and building relationships," offers valuable insights and practical tips about these and many more personality types.

I delve into specific strategies for creating authentic connections, becoming a better listener, and nurturing relationships that stand the test of time. When you practice the principles outlined in my book, you will elevate your networking skills and unlock the true potential of meaningful connections. This will enable you to build relationships that matter and open doors to endless opportunities in both your personal and professional life.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Finding Clarity in Your Professional Journey: The Power of Career Coaching

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Finding Clarity in Your Professional Journey: The Power of Career Coaching

July 10, 2023

two women sitting across from each other in a coffee shop. One is pointing to a laptop screen that they have positioned between them.Have you ever felt lost in your career, unsure of which direction to take and wondering who could possibly help you? We all encounter moments like this when we could benefit from professional advice.

Reaching out to colleagues or managers can be helpful, but there are times when a dedicated career coach becomes essential. For example, if you want to keep your professional exploration private, or if you want to talk to someone who doesn’t have their own professional interest in your decisions, a career coach is your best choice.

But how do you find the right one for you?

One of the key aspects of working with a career coach is finding someone who specializes in your area of expertise or where you are in your journey. Let's take a look at the types of clients that career coaches typically work with and how they can assist you in getting unstuck and finding a clear direction.

Recent Graduates:

Many recent graduates find themselves feeling lost after completing their studies. They often lack clarity regarding where they want to go in their career, and they may have trouble landing a job.

As a career coach, I often work with new graduates, offering them guidance and support. Together, we delve into their motivations for choosing their field of study and identify the aspects they enjoyed the most. By thoroughly examining their academic experience, including classes, projects, teamwork, and extracurricular activities, we uncover valuable insights that they can use to find a sense of direction. For graduates who are no longer interested in the field that they studied, I help them identify their skills and experiences which can open doors to the career paths that fit them better.

Limited Work Experience:

For people with limited work experience or internships, it can be challenging to demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.

As their career coach, I help them highlight their educational background, projects, team collaborations, and any relevant summer jobs. We work together to carefully examine their experiences and identify valuable skills and social abilities that employers seek. With that information in hand, we develop a plan to explore suitable career opportunities that leverage these skills and experiences, even if they are not directly related to their degree.

Experienced Professionals:

Experienced professionals who have grown unclear about where their career path is going can benefit from career coaching. It’s not unusual to want to change directions later in your career, especially if your interests and values have shifted.

We begin by identifying their core strengths and skills, focusing on areas where they excel and have achieved notable results. We then delve into their values and desires, determining the kind of work environment, team dynamics, and manager-employee relationship that align with their personality. We also explore their interests, areas of passion, and aspirations to narrow down potential career paths.

Working with a career coach involves unraveling your unique skills, values, and interests to uncover hidden opportunities. My mission as a career coach is to help you gain insights into yourself and guide you towards making informed career decisions.

Finding a job that suits you involves more than simply applying to countless positions. A strategic approach is required, which includes aligning your skills, values, and interests with job descriptions and effectively utilizing keywords in your resume. Applying for jobs that match your qualifications significantly improves your chances of securing interviews. When you work with a career coach, you can streamline your job search, focus on the most relevant opportunities, and increase your chances of receiving positive responses.

No matter where you are in your career journey, partnering with a career coach can be a transformative experience. By aligning your skills, values, and interests with job opportunities, you'll approach your job search with confidence and focus. With a career coach as your trusted partner, you can navigate the challenging job market and discover the right path for you that leads to your fulfillment and success.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Reclaiming Joy at Work: Transform Your Unhappiness into Professional Success

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Reclaiming Joy at Work: Transform Your Unhappiness into Professional Success

June 26, 2023

woman at her laptop looking unhappyAre you feeling unsatisfied and unmotivated in your current job?
Do you dread going to work every day?
Are you feeling undervalued or like you were meant for something more?

If any of these questions resonate, it's time to take action and make a change!

But how do you make a change in the right direction? How can you be certain that your next job is a better fit?

Here are five things you can do to get clear on where you want to go from here.

Identify Your Values: One of the key factors in finding happiness at work is understanding your values. That’s because your values are what drive and motivate you to do your best work. They are the guiding principles that shape your decisions and actions. Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and what you want to prioritize in your career. Are you driven by integrity, honesty, recognition, or something else? Knowing your values will help you align your work with what truly fulfills you.

Establish Clear Boundaries: Boundaries play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and preserving your overall well-being. It's essential to assess whether your values align with the boundaries you have set for yourself. Are you comfortable with the culture and the people you work with? Do you feel supported and recognized for your contributions? By identifying your boundaries and ensuring they align with your values, you can create an environment that fosters your personal and professional growth.

Develop Your Self-Confidence: The key ingredient for achieving success and happiness in your career is your confidence. It gives you the strength to speak up, assert your needs, and advocate for yourself. Building self-confidence takes time and effort, but it's a worthwhile investment. Your increased confidence will enable you to navigate workplace challenges and make informed decisions that align with your values.

Take Intentional Action: Don't let unhappiness at work linger. Take the initiative to invest in your future and find the fulfillment you deserve. Whether you decide to find a new job, acquire new skills, go back to school, or proactively improve your situation at your current company, I encourage you to make choices that are aligned with your aspirations.

Keep Growing: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning is key to staying relevant and adaptable in today's dynamic work landscape. Commit to continuous growth and improvement. Seek out learning opportunities, stay updated with industry trends, and expand your knowledge and skills. By embracing lifelong learning, you position yourself for long-term career satisfaction and fulfillment.

It is possible for you to be happy at work. That opportunity is within reach! When you understand your values, set clear boundaries, and develop your self-confidence, you can take charge of your career and create a path that aligns with your passions and aspirations.

It's time to take charge of your career—start your journey towards happiness today.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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How to Take Your Resume from Zero to Hero

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How to Take Your Resume from Zero to Hero

June 5, 2023

Pictured: Woman sitting at a desk on a laptop, writing her resumeIn today's competitive job market, having a strong resume is essential for early- to mid-career professionals, especially if you’re looking to make a career move.

While most people focus on listing tasks and responsibilities, you can better stand out if you shift your perspective and emphasize your accomplishments.

Employers are no longer satisfied with simply knowing what you did in your previous roles. They want to understand how well you performed and what value you brought to the organization. When you shift your resume's focus from tasks to accomplishments, you demonstrate your impact. This will make a stronger impression on potential employers.

How to Shift Your Resume to Focus on Accomplishments:

Creating a compelling resume can be challenging, but it’s crucial to dedicate the time and effort. Your resume is usually the first impression you make on hiring managers, so approaching it casually can cost you valuable opportunities. When you develop an accomplishment-focused resume, you’ll increase your chances of standing out among other candidates.

One key aspect of crafting a successful resume is aligning your skills and experiences with the specific requirements outlined in job descriptions. Take the time to analyze your own skills and draw connections between your experiences and what employers are seeking. When you highlight these connections, you underscore how well you fit the role and this will capture the attention of recruiters.

Resume Formats that enable you to incorporate your accomplishments:

The Problem Action Result (PAR) method involves:

  • Identifying a problem or challenge you faced
  • Describing the action you took to address it
  • Showcasing the results you achieved

If you choose to use this one, think about the projects you’ve been on, the teams that you’ve been a part of, and challenges you’ve had to solve. This is a great format for highlighting many skills including your ability to problem-solve.

The Before-During-After approach is a little bit easier for most people. This format allows you to demonstrate growth and improvement within a role. To use this format:

  • Start with your initial responsibilities
  • Detail how you transformed them during your time in that role
  • Highlight the positive outcomes

In both cases, you have to take what stage you are in your career into account. If you are an early- to mid-career professional, you can draw from your work experiences However, if you are a recent graduate, you should focus on achievements from your education, internships, or extracurricular activities.

For example, one of my clients worked for a fraternity association and helped to increase membership by 50%. That’s a great example of highlighting your accomplishments, even if you haven’t had a full-time job yet.

That’s also an example of highlighting your accomplishments in a quantifiable form. There is power in quoting numbers, percentages, and other measurable outcomes that demonstrate the extent of your success.

These formats support your interview:

The work you put into identifying and articulating your accomplishments in your resume will also benefit you during interviews. If a hiring manager asks about your proudest achievement or a problem you've solved, you’ll be able to go into detail about this. When you have a clear understanding of your own accomplishments, you can confidently discuss them and showcase your problem-solving abilities.

Investing time in crafting an accomplishment-focused resume is a crucial step toward securing your desired job. When you shift the focus from tasks to achievements, you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of success.

Remember, your resume is an opportunity to showcase your value and make a memorable impression on potential employers. So, take the time to evaluate your experiences, identify your accomplishments, and create a powerful resume that elevates your professional brand.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Finding Your Footing After Being Laid Off

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Finding Your Footing After Being Laid Off

March 27, 2023

Image: Laid off workers with boxes leaving a buildingLast week, your job was solid. You were “in the zone,” feeling confident in what you were accomplishing, feeling valued as an employee, and receiving accolades on your work.

This week, you are no longer with that company because of a reduction in force. You've been laid off!

What happened? You were told that you were doing a great job and now you are no longer with the company.

This experience can spin anyone’s head around.

Unfortunately, this scenario happens all the time. Employers are forced to let go of talented people like you. It is never about your performance. You didn’t do anything wrong! You are simply one of many people affected by a business decision.

In this situation, it’s important to get clear about: (1) how to think about the layoff, and (2) how to talk about it.

First, let's look at how to think about being laid off.

In the chaos of getting laid off, these are important points that I want you to remember.

Getting laid off is not about you.

Employees who are laid off often interpret the layoff personally, as though the company targeted them to leave the company.

It’s vital that you remember: The company made a business decision about the role that you were in, not about you as a person.

This can be a difficult distinction to make, especially because you were emotionally tied to your position. Your identity may have been tied to that role and when that role was taken away, it can feel like your identity went with it.

Remember: You are a multi-dimensional person who has many other roles in life. You are a friend, sibling, wife, husband, colleague, coach, volunteer, a musician, a crafter, a teacher, as well as your professional title. Your professional title is only one aspect of you.

And also… you are a conglomeration of a multitude of skills and knowledge. That job was just one configuration of all of your abilities. When you leave the job, those abilities go with you, and you will reconfigure them into your next role. Your abilities are part of what make you who you are. Your last job is just one configuration.

I agree that your position at a company is an important part of who you are because you are compensated for your role and contributions. At the same time, WHO YOU ARE is more than what you do and where you do it.

When people lose their jobs, they tend to forget what they accomplished. They lose their confidence in their ability to do the work they have been successfully doing for many. You have many accomplishments to feel proud of! You added value to your team, you served the company, and you were respected and admired by your peers and leadership. These facts are still true! Make a point of remembering those things because it will help you maintain your confidence throughout your job search.

Second, let’s look at how to talk about your being laid off.

When my clients are laid off, I help them with their “Public Statement” about why they are no longer with the company. I make sure they aren’t saying, “I was fired,” because they weren’t! I also don’t want them to say, “I was laid off,” or “I was let go,” without adding the business’ reason for the separation.

For example, you could say:

“My position was eliminated because of [insert business reason here]." Maybe there was a merger or acquisition. Perhaps they decided to outsource or took the company in a different direction. Go back to the reason why the reduction happened and keep in mind that the decision was made about the position being eliminated, not you.

Next, say something like: “I was proud of the work I accomplished for the company and my goal is to add value to the next company as well.” You may wish to name your most recent accomplishment or you can keep it general. Either way works.

Why this all matters

Remember when you succeeded at that job before you were laid off?

YOU did that, and no one can take it away from you. The accomplishments belong to you not the company, so take those accomplishments with you when you leave.  

Your skills, qualifications, experience, and attributes that make up who you are have not changed. You just aren’t using them any longer at your former company. Your next company will benefit from what you have to offer.

And lastly, I invite you to think of your career as a journey. There are still adventures to be had! You won’t always know what’s down the road, but you will have a say about your options and choices. Use what you know and what you’ve learned along the way to design the life and career you want for yourself. You’ve got this!

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Are you concerned about being laid off?

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Are you concerned about being laid off?

January 9, 2023

pictured: sillouette woman at desk with her head in her handsHearing about layoffs at your company can be alarming. It’s not something you can control and so they make you anxious. Or sometimes they’re a complete surprise because the company has kept it quiet, so you don’t even see it coming!

You might be thinking:

  1. My position is safe because of the role I do with the company. I am too valuable for them to let me go.
  2. My manager loves the work I do, and we get along so well, I would not be put on the list to be let go
  3. I hope it happens to me because I have not been happy in my job for a long time.

The truth is: No position is safe from being eliminated.

If your company is in a cost-cutting, reduce-headcount mode, they’ll do what they need to do.

What YOU can do is prepare yourself for it.

When employees hear about layoffs, they typically become reactive. They immediately start applying for jobs outside the company. Their moves can be desperate because they’re busy being afraid and they want to protect themselves. While this totally natural, it’s not necessarily the best first move.

Getting laid off is an opportunity, even if you aren’t happy about it. I invite you to be smart about your next career move. Instead of suddenly applying for jobs, choose to be intentional.

Your best bet is to get clear about your plan. What will you do if it happens to you?

This is less about taking action and more about planning for your best move.

First, assess what you want from your next position by evaluating your current one. What sort of work do you want to do, for what type of company, boss, and industry? What do you like and dislike about your current boss? Do you like the culture where you are? What about your current role helps you to do your best work, and what prevents that? What motivates you the most?

Next, consider your opportunities. What is your industry looking for now in skills and experience? Do you have the updated skills that will make you marketable to other companies?

These questions might seem difficult to answer before you activate your job search. And you’re right. They are a lot to think about. But it’s worth the time and effort. Knowing what you are looking for will speed up your search because you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for.

The best way to be prepared for a potential layoff is to get clear about what you want next. This is where you can take control. It will reduce your worry because you will see the opportunities, have clarity about your options, and be in a great position to hit the job market!

Where do you want to go in your career?

Use this guide to create your own career path. You can choose your own adventure.

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Let’s Set Your Career Intentions for the Coming Year

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Let’s Set Your Career Intentions for the Coming Year

December 26, 2022

Pictured: Woman in yellow sweater at desk with pen and paperEvery year around December and January, I spend a lot of time thinking about my career intentions for next year. Honestly, the deep question in my head is, “What do I want to do differently next year?” But it all starts here…

  • What do I want to accomplish?
  • What kind of work do I want to do?
  • What changes to my business (and to my life!) do I want to make?

Perhaps you think similar things?

To help create some structure for setting your intentions, here’s a little insight into my process.

First, I reflect on the past before I move to the future. I like to marvel at my accomplishments and look at what I was not able to achieve. In both cases, I want to understand why these things happen.

Were they on my wish list? Or were they something I really wanted to achieve? How intentional were these results, both good and bad?

For example, one of my career intentions for last year was to speak more in front of a live audience. I’m excited to say that I did this! Some were live and some were through Zoom, and they all count.

I also like to think about external events. What things outside of me impacted my outcomes?

This past year, the impact of Covid continued to linger. Some people still don’t feel comfortable with face-to-face events or returning to the workplace. Companies are still determining if they want their employees to be in the office full time or with a hybrid schedule. Layoffs are causing stress in people lives, especially if they’re worried that they might be lay offed right before the holidays.

Topics like the Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting consumed the minds of many employees, leaving people feeling insecure about their future. These factors certainly affected people’s lives and I am sure our career intentions as well.

All of this reminds me that I’m not really in full control over what I do and don’t accomplish. There are so many things happening around us that influence those outcomes. That’s why it really helps to be clear about what I want to accomplish. Especially considering all the external influences, knowing my intention helps me make good decisions throughout the year.

In line with that, I like to select words that help me focus and remind me of my intentions. This past year, I had 3 words: Adaptable, flexible, and resilient.

My next step is to use what I learned in the previous year to help me set goals and intentions for the year to come. I’m still working on those. 😁

Are you doing some planning now?

Use these steps to help you plan your career intentions for 2023:

Step 1: Look at last year’s career intentions and what you accomplished.

Make 3 lists:

  • What were your intentions one year ago?
  • What did you accomplish?
  • What didn’t you accomplish?

Step 2: Which goals from the previous year do you want to bring forward to the New Year?

Step 3: What new goals do you want to add to your list?

Step 4: You can’t do everything, so trim your entire list of goals down to 3-5 goals and then prioritize them. What is the one thing you will work on first?

Step 5: Identify up to 3 words that will help you stay focused on your intentions.

Walking through these steps will give you a good start towards creating your own career intentions for the new year!

To help you dig in and do this hard work, I invite you to keep this in mind:

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” (Yogi Berra)

In other words, if you are not clear about what you want to achieve, then it will be difficult to achieve them. You’ll find yourself working on something you don’t believe in and wondering how you got there.

Take the time to set your own career intentions, and you’ll find yourself on track with a fresh perspective and a plan for your future career!

Wait... did you find this helpful and you want more? Download the worksheet below and dig even deeper!

Where do you want to go in your career?

Use this guide to create your own career path. You can choose your own adventure.

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