The smartest move you can make to improve your career in 2012 isn’t to set lofty goals or draw up personal mission statements, experts say, but to focus on something you can act on right now.
So what sorts of things can you begin doing today that will pay dividends all through the months ahead?
Here are six ideas – resolutions, if you will – to get you started:
Find the spotlight
With the economy and job market still shaky, this isn’t the time to stay in the shadows, said Richard Wajs, president of Toronto-based TWC International Executive Search Ltd.
“Companies facing slow growth are likely to reorganize,” he noted, “creating opportunities for people who demonstrate their passion and interest in their business and make it clear they can be a key element of the organization’s future success.”
The need for visibility is even more critical for those in the job hunt. “But it’s not just visibility – it’s focused visibility,” Mr. Wajs said. “Otherwise, you can spend a lot of time talking to people who can’t help you.”
For example, determine the key people you would likely report to at a potential employer and be where those target people are, such as at conferences or in webinars.
Hone your coaching skills
Organizations are increasingly developing leadership from within, and effective leaders need skills in coaching and development of talent, said Eileen Chadnick, leadership coach with Big Cheese Coaching in Toronto. “Unfortunately, this is something that people aspiring to top management can lose sight of in the fast-changing business environments we’re facing during this recovery,” she said.
So seek out people you think are effective at coaching employees, then observe and learn from them. Take advantage of training offered either by your company or through your professional association. And vow to be accessible and willing to help develop others by deliberately finding ways to do some coaching on the job, Ms. Chadnick advised.
Be a social media butterfly
People who use social media sites just for networking and job searches are missing opportunities to develop not only their expertise but also their professional reputation, said Randall Craig, Toronto-based author of Social Media for Business.
Several social media sites, for example, have robust professional discussion groups, question-and-answer comment trails, and blogs you can participate in on a regular basis. Get involved by posting links, videos or posing questions to open a new discussion, he said.
“In addition to the immediate benefit you get from the insights of others, the support and leadership you demonstrate in these communities is a long-term investment in your network and professional reputation,” Mr. Craig said.
Take the lead, even without the title
Organizations are relying less on hierarchy, so employees at every level need to think of themselves as leaders.
“More people need to learn how to lead and influence others even when they don’t report to you, and even if you don’t have any [staff who report to you],” said Katie Bennett, principal of Double Black Diamond Coaching in Vancouver.
Sit down and assess how good you are at influencing decisions and building collaboration. Make it your responsibility to hold others accountable, rather than relying on the boss or the team leader to call the shots.
Whether you lead others or not, people will develop a greater appreciation for your ability to get things accomplished.
Another way to expand your brand is to highlight skills or knowledge you possess beyond what your position requires, said Toronto-based corporate trainer Colleen Clarke. Volunteer for committees that are outside your area, for example, to demonstrate your range and potential. Or offer to teach an informal class on a topic you know well or are certified in. “To be known as someone with more than one dimension will be increasingly important in the coming year,” Ms. Clarke said.
Dress up for success
