As 2012 comes to an end and 2013 approaches, it is a great time to consider some resolutions that open opportunities for career growth and professional success. Here are 50 ideas to spark actions plans for improvement. What is it that you want to improve? Are you doing what is necessary to get where you want to go in your career? Now is the time…here is our first crack at a list in no particular order. What will you do?
1. Create a Professional Reading List
2. Join a Professional Association
3. Find Someone to Mentor
4. Find a Professional Mentor for Yourself
5. Write Out Your Professional Goals and Post Where You Can See Them
6. Commit to monthly or quarterly one-on-ones with each of your employees
7. Get a Professional Certification or Finish Your Degree
8. Join a Local Professional Networking Group
9. Sign up For Volunteer Work
10. Be Appointed to A Board Of Directors (Corporate or Charitable Organization)
11. Attend Regular Networking Group Functions
12. Volunteer for Speaking Engagements at Trade Shows & Universities
13. Identify One Thing You Don’t Like to Do or are Not Good At & Create an Action Plan to Improve on it.
14. Focus More on the Life Portion of the Work/Life Equation
15. Exercise Regularly for stress relief, good health & clarity of mind.
16. Make a Concerted Effort to “Exceed Expectations” in Everything You Do
17. Keep a Journal and Reflect on Successes & Failures
18. Set & Review Monthly Goals: Measure Success
19. Define and Review Your Career Objectives: What do you want to be when you grow up?
20. Network Internally Within Your Organization: Get to know co-workers & others.
21. Review Career Opportunities Within Your Organization & Externally
22. Define or Develop a Hobby Outside of Work
23. Volunteer For Something At Work: lead a project or join a committee
24. Access Career Counseling From a University or Career Coach
25. Create a Calm Personal Life
26. Focus Your Time on Friends as Opposed to Your Enemies
27. Grow Your Professional Network
28. Seek Out Others That Need Help/Support and Actually Help Them
29. Limit Using Email as a form of Communication. Utilize Face-to-Face/Phone to Communicate & Email to Inform
30. Make Meetings Meaningful with an Official Start, End, Objectives, Actions & Accountability
31. Use an Action Item List to Track & Communicate Deliverables
32. Be Positive in Everything You Do
33. Listen More, Speak Less: Develop Active Listing Skills
34. Focus on Over Communicating to Ensure Everyone Understands You
35. Perfect What You Are Supposed To Do Before Asking For New Responsibly
36. Support the Efforts of Your Boss
37. Take a Class Or Participate in a Webinar
38. Update Your Wardrobe to Look & Feel Good
39. Learn More About Your company
40. Learn More About Your Own Customers
41. Seek Opportunities to Develop & Utilize Your Leadership Skills
42. Meet With Your Company’s Key Accounts.
43. Update/Refine Your Resume
44. Learn More About Your Company’s Competitors
45. Do Homework Before Meetings
46. Take the Time to Fully Understand Financial Reporting & Key Metrics (ask for training on these documents)
47. Give Thanks and Credit to Others: Go out of your way to do it.
48. Take a Class on Public Speaking
49. Actively Delegate to Your Employees & Your Boss
50. Subscribe to Blogs & Newsletters to Stay Up To Date on Your Industry & in Your Profession
This list is just a start to trigger ideas for your own professional development. What will you do differently in 2013? Please post here and keep us updated on your progress. Let us know if we can help in any way.
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Good Luck!
Written by Lisa Woods,
President ManagingAmericans.com
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