That's why our #9to5Chick segment was launched and we are always super excited about the articles and women we feature under this segment.
For many of the women we have featured, one thing is clear, they have taken full responsibility for their careers and manage it like it is a business. We've gleaned 7 key tips on how to do this and of course, we've decided to share it with you. So make sure you share with others as well.
2. Your career is your responsibility so have a plan.
The more you see your career as a business, the more you realise the importance of your reputation and brand. Think of big companies and even emerging companies, all of these take branding seriously. So ask yourself, what do I want to be known for? What value do I bring to an organisation? How can I demonstrate this value in all I do? How can I increase performance and visibility? How can I work better with my colleagues, subordinates and superiors? The best way to achieve this is to practice self-awareness, understand your strengths and limitations and use them to your advantage. Remember you are a brand and you must protect the image of that brand.
Most times we tend to see leadership as a thing of position. It isn't. Leadership starts first with self. It is about discipline and promoting unity towards a common goal. Leadership is about influence. And if you want to influence people you must start with yourself.
So this means developing yourself. Honing your skills, regardless of whether the company is paying for that course in Dubai or not. Understand your sector. See beyond your job responsibility and how your role intersects with others. Set your own personally determined KPIs, be the master of your field.
Every company regularly accesses their competitive advantage and uses that as a tool to attract clients and customers. You should do the same. Perform a SWOT analysis. How does this compare with the best people in your field? I once met someone who said, he had a list of people in his dream job and he read their profile and enrolled in the courses they took and developed similar skills to them.
I thought it strange, but fast forward a few years and he now has his dream job. Talk about intentionality! While I am not advocating a ruthless takeover or mentality, but if you want to excel it does pay to see what others in your field are doing and how to hone your skills accordingly.
Gone are the days when people stayed in their little cubicles, churned out work and got promoted. If you want to excel in your career, you got to develop relationships. Now I don't mean paying lip service or kissing your boss' backside every so often. I mean attending industry events, regularly meeting with sector experts in your field or related areas. The best way to network is to be genuinely interested in what other people do. A lot of us believe networking is about meeting the big names. It isn't. The partnerships and friendships you make today could help in 5years' time…who knows?
I also find that many people seek mentors but don't create a continuous chain of giving back by becoming mentors as well. Find a young intern in your company and mentor them. Teach them the ropes, help them brush up their skills. Give them advice. The ripple effect isn't only worthwhile but also helps you to keep abreast with younger generation and other ways of doing things.