Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Every once in a while, we need to take a look at ourselves, our performance, and our careers. Think of it as a self-audit. Sometimes we do this before our annual performance review. Before our manager tells us how we’re doing, we reflect back on the year and come up with our own thoughts.
Well, instead of just reflecting back on the last year for a performance review, think about taking a broader approach. Audit your entire career and use that information to develop career goals. These goals can help you stay focused and ultimately achieve what you want.
To get you started, I’ve put together a list of articles that you might find useful when doing your self-audit. You can ask yourself, “How am I doing in this area?” and “Are there things that I would like to improve on?”
The Difference Between Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Confession: I tend to use these terms interchangeably at times. Truth is, I shouldn’t. Knowledge, skills, and abilities (aka KSAs) are three different things. The reason we sometimes use the terms interchangeably is because they are all “must-haves” in our career. However, it will be important to understand the difference because the way we obtain knowledge, skills, and abilities can vary.
Having Media Literacy is a Business Competency
We’ve all been exposed to the notion of misinformation and/or disinformation. and it won’t be the last time. This is our new normal and not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Even professional journalists have experienced it. The answer isn’t to stop using the internet. It’s to get better about questioning what we read and see.
Networking: 7 Proven Ways to Grow Your Career
I’ve seen articles stating that up to 70% of jobs are never advertised and filled through a networking contact. Building a professional network takes time. It’s so important to think long-term when it comes to networking. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve seen people ignore their network only to regret it later.
We spend a lot of time in meetings. I don’t know the exact number of hours. I’ve seen statistics ranging from 3 hours a week all the way up to 23 hours a week. Regardless, it’s a lot. Participants have a role in the meeting. It could be beneficial to think about how to be a good meeting participant.
How to Work with Manipulative People
At work and in life, we encounter all types of people. And some might be manipulative. Sometimes we can chat with the person, explain our point of view, and move on without another incident happening again. Other times, we might need help because the person who is being manipulative is the boss or a leader in the organization.
I mentioned at the beginning of this article that doing a self-audit on your career can lead to developing and / or updating career goals. It’s important to recognize that goals, objectives and outcomes are different, depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. If someone has been struggling to achieve a goal, does it make sense to redefine it?
We spend way too much time working not to be working for the things that really matter. Regularly auditing your career can lead to greater clarity about what we’re trying to accomplish. It can keep us focused and on track to be successful.
Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Fort Lauderdale, FL
