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Spring 2013
Dear
Colleague,
Happy Spring! The calendar says it spring and although it
may not quite feel like it yet, the sun is shining. What could be better than
watching the snow melting away? I suppose that may not be a great vision for
the skiers who have had a wonderful season. That’s the beauty of our four
seasons – there is something for everyone. Spring brings with it lots to
look forward to including holidays, marathons, flowers, vacations and
graduations. This May, I will experience an exciting milestone when my youngest
will graduate from Boston University. I know I won’t be the only parent
with a new college graduate as we continue to see the rise in graduation
numbers.
I just read in HR Magazine how the oldest members of
the Millennial generation, also known as Gen Y, turn 30 this year. This group
has been in the workforce for a decade and is growing rapidly alongside the
other generations in the workforce. As we all know, not only are they motivated
differently but have a range of expectations as they enter the workforce. The
one constant, however, regardless of generation, discipline or industry is
embracing the concept that not only do we need to, but are expected to,
“own your career”. I find myself using that phrase a lot in the
last few years in both my coaching and team work as well as hear my clients
using it within their performance management and learning initiatives.
Career planning has become a necessity and priority in
organizations. The difference is leaders are looking for individuals to
initiate and lead the process instead of waiting for their leaders and managers
to do so. This is very encouraging to many professionals yet challenging for
others who are used to relying on someone else to drive that process for them.
In this competitive marketplace, we always need to have a personal and
professional development plan for our careers and a clear strategy for managing
it. Like I always say, it’s the difference between being in the
driver’s seat and sitting in the back going along for the ride!
Even though we all know this and have heard it a million
times, when is the last time you assessed and explored your skills, abilities,
competencies, interests, priorities and values to assure they are in line with
your professional and personal goals and objectives as well as the requirements
for success within your field?
The economy is on the rise as is the demand for
accomplished, results-driven professionals with a proven track record who can
add value. Only you can manage your career and having a solid development plan
for yourself with specific goals and objectives is the best way to start that
process. How do you create a personal and professional development plan?
Creating Your Personal and Professional
Development Plan:
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Know your competencies, skills, strengths,
weaknesses, interests and values. Assess and evaluate regularly. Be true to
yourself!
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Do your homework and stay current in your
field. What skills are in demand and sought after? Where do you fall short?
Identify areas to be refined and enhanced as well as steps to execute.
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Be goal oriented – establish short and
long term goals. Keep a running list of your accomplishments. Where are the
gaps preventing you from reaching these goals?
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Prepare an action plan that will allow you
to fill these gaps – both personally and professionally. Reach out to your
network of peers, colleagues, managers, contacts and other resources to assist
you.
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Follow up and evaluate. Be disciplined and
make yourself accountable to a specific timetable. Revisit regularly and stay
on track. Evaluate frequently and make necessary adjustments and follow
through. As you start the process of creating your personal and professional
development plans, here are some guidelines to take into consideration -----
CAREER TIPS:
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Network, Network, Network!
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Set goals and re-evaluate
regularly
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Keep skills and competencies current
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Be accomplishment-driven and
results-oriented
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Seek out mentors and trusted
advisors
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Confidence and positive attitude are
essential!
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Always think big picture and outside the
box
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Push out of your comfort zone
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Education is very important
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Establish, maintain and nurture long
lasting relationships
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Never burn any bridges
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Practice professional etiquette
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Remember to give back to your
profession
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Network, Network, Network!
You are the only one in charge of your career. Be
pro-active, focused and driven to manage it effectively and manage it well.
Take charge and you will see the rewards. Most importantly, find and enjoy the
most fulfilling career that allows you to maximize your potential, development
and success.
Current Updates
It is very encouraging to experience another active year
and to see continued demand in the areas of talent management. The focus
remains on attracting, developing, engaging and retaining top talent as
organizations are continuing to do more with less and there’s growing
concern about sustainability. I’m very grateful to say this continues to
create much need for my areas of specialty which are executive coaching,
leadership development, management training and career development. My work
continues to be focused on the design, development and delivery of these
programs in addition to a high demand for one-on-one executive coaching.
Please be sure to visit my website at
www.ritaballenassociates.com
where you can see a sampling of topics for which I offer consulting services,
programs and workshops as well as my approach to coaching. You can also see the
range of clients with whom I work that covers all industries.
For the last year, I have been writing a monthly blog and
column, “Rita’s Career Corner” in the Global
Business Hub section of boston.com with a new topic each month and an
opportunity to post questions and “Ask Rita…” All of
these blogs can also be found on my website. This month’s topic is
“Nonprofit
career transitions bring meaning”.
I have been a Lecturer as an adjunct faculty member at
Northeastern University for several years now and am pleased to say last year
also held that role at both Bentley University and Lesley University teaching a
variety of leadership, business and human resource management courses. I have
found this extremely rewarding and enlightening as the mix of experience and
diversity continues to enrich my background in numerous ways!
I continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors
of More Than Words, a non-profit which empowers youths who are in
the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take
charge of their lives by taking charge of a business! Youth ages 16-21 work as
a team to manage their online and retail bookstore and café as they gain
skills and accountability while receiving intensive support to map plans for
their future. I encourage you to please consider joining me and getting
involved by donating books, CDs, DVDs, volunteering your time or expertise,
providing cash funding, sponsoring a book drive at your organization, using
their catering services and/or passing the word along. To learn more, please
feel free to call me or visit their website at www.MTWyouth.org.
As I wrap up my term as the President of the
Association of Career Professionals International - New England
this June, I invite you to visit our website at
www.acpi-ne.org. “New
England’s Voice on Career Issues”, ACPI-New England is a network of
career professionals in the New England area offering connection, information
and development. I hope you’ll consider joining me at one of our upcoming
events.
Please take a moment to visit my website to see a variety of
events and my other published articles. Here are a few highlights of recent
articles and upcoming events:
Many thanks for your continued support, your business and
your referrals! I am grateful for another active year and welcome the
opportunity to be of assistance and continue to provide a variety of talent
management consulting and coaching services. Please reach out and share some of
your updates, accomplishments and challenges! I look forward to hearing from
you!
Best Regards,
Rita B. Allen
Rita B. Allen Associates
| 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 110
| Waltham, MA 02451
781-890-6803
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rita@ritaballenassociates.com
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www.ritaballenassociates.com
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