How to Self-Edit & Own Your Career
If you’re looking for tangible things that you can do right now to level up your career, Simone E. Morris offers 52 of them in her book 52 Tips For Owning Your Career. I’ve gotten to know Simone through LiveGirl, an incredible organization that builds confident, inclusive leaders. Simone is the real deal. A sought-after career coach, speaker, and podcaster, she gave me permission to excerpt a few of my favorite tips from her book. Check them out below, and let me know what you think!
Tip #23 Build a Learning Lab
Build your own learning lab to innovate, try new things, document lessons, and experiment before you take your proverbial show on the road. You're learning lab is, as the name suggests, a space to learn and grow with your career.
Get clear about what you need to learn, and use your lab to pick up new skills, hone in on your learning preferences, then create a plan of action to surround yourself with what you need to continuously learn. Think of it this way: just as you might have space to collect your books, broaden your perspective about what else is welcomed in that space. Consider decorating this space to be very welcoming and inspirational for you. For example, I used MixTiles to purchase pictures of my accomplishments to motivate and inspire me.
Tip #41 Leverage a Networking Brief
A networking brief is a simplified resume with an overview of your strengths and needs. I discovered this gem from an outsourcing company. Use it to summarize your qualifications and highlight how the person you're meeting with can help you. Every time I used it, I received gratitude for being thoughtful and not pressuring someone to help me land a job. So what's the bottom line? Give the person you’re networking with an opportunity to get to know you and make sure you outline your asks. Oftentimes, people are willing to help us, but they don't know what we want. Equally, they can be scared off if we're gung-ho with what we want and it's a me, me, me conversation. Strive to make it a win-win relationship. I know it can be hard. If you mess up, forgive yourself, and course correct for success. Go in with your asks, but also go in ready to ask the other person, “What can I do for you?”
Tip #50 Check and Fix Your Career Flat Tires
Imagine traveling in a car with nails in multiple areas of the tire. Without removal and repair, the vehicle won't be able to get you to your desired destination. The same is true for problematic areas in your career. Imagine having a bad boss, low pay, and unsatisfying work all at the same time. You wouldn't be happy at all. Without proper attention and action in these areas, your career will stall or be immobilized. The moral of the story is to pay attention to and address lingering career issues.
Order Simone's book here, and to be treated to more of her career insights, follow her on LinkedIn! Simone E. Morris, MBA, PMP (she/her/hers) Inclusive Leadership Expert
Stay connected! For career insights, book recommendations and a roundup of interesting stuff that's on my radar, sign up for my monthly newsletter.