If You Arent Managing Your Career, Who Is - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / If You Aren’t Managing Your Career, Who Is - Introvert Whisperer If You Aren’t Managing Your Career, Who Is? OK, I get it. Managing your career isn’t the sexiest thing to talk about, but someone has to. You spend more time working than anything else other than sleeping. Isn’t it worth it to spend that time feeling good about what you’re doing? And where you’re headed? (Click here to tweet this thought.) You can go back to thinking about your kids, your friends or the new game on your computer in just a second. Your career will “happen” with or without your attention. It won’t stand still, nor will you. Due to a variety of circumstances, such as change in business, change in boss and how well you perform your job, your career will never move in a straight line. Despite the weaving it will do, you can largely control its trajectory but it does require your attention. It’s unfortunate that too many people simply assume if they perform well, their career will take care of itself. That is a huge assumption.So is thinking management has your back. That’s relinquishing a lot of control and decision-making to either others or fate. Would you turn over your bank account to someone else’s management? Or to no one? Would you turn over your car, your child, and your future to… no one? Whatever your reasons for the lack of attention to your career, there are some pain-free things you can do to steer it in the right direction. Don’t worry, this won’t take long and it won’t suck up a bunch of your time. Pain-Free Career Management: 1. Figure out where you want to be in 6 months or the next 2 years. Sounds simple, but most people don’t even do that. a. It’s pain-free because all you have to do is think. Sure, you might want to think by asking people questions and having discussions. You do that every day. 2. Pay attention to office politics, as that will have a bearing on your career. a. Again, pain-free since all you have to do is pay attention to who’s influencing whom, who’s getting ahead or behind, and why. 3. Pay attention to what’s going on with the business conditions. a. What can I say? Paying attention is a very underrated activity, but when you do, you’ll know when big decisions are taking place that might impact you. 4. Talk to influencers and decision-makers about what you need and want. a. These people will have a huge impact on your career, but if you don’t let them know what you want for your career, they’ll assume everything must be okay. b. Simply developing relationships with these people will create supporters when your career needs them the most. 5. Take actions that matter; don’t just take action that won’t do you any good. a. Okay, this requires that you drop your game station, but action is control and isn’t that really what you want? b. This doesn’t require you to do something every day or all the time it’s taking the right actions when it will make the biggest difference. Before I let you return to the comfort of your computer surfing, let me end by saying you have more control over your career than you may realize. It’s yours to shape, and you will like the result when you start managing your career. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential. How can you better manage your career? Share your thoughts in the comments! Image: Photobucket