My article as posted on Headhonchos.com on August 29, 2012.
Career Q&A features expert insights by Bina Jhaveri, Executive Coach, on dealing with career related confusions related to career growth within the industry.
Q: I have 12 years of experience in this hospitality industry. I am happy with my current role as an L&D Manager and the organization that I work with, but I am not sure about my career growth. What are the options I have in future? A: I would like to acknowledge that you seem passionate about the hospitality industry. With 12 years of experience behind you, I hope you are proud of where you are today and how far you have come.
The Positives: Your mention of working with an organization that is one of the recognized names within the industry, especially when it comes to L&D. Your being in this very special role of L&D Manager means you are already considered a value and an asset to the company, so congratulations are in order! You have also mentioned that you love the company and your role, two other big positives.
Deeper Self-Assessment: While I am not clear on how long you have been in this role, if you are beginning to question your growth potential, you must understand this on a much deeper level in order to access the net of the situation.
Ask yourself the following questions and answer with honestly, confidence and belief:
1. Why am I questioning my growth potential in the first place? I love my industry and I am also committed to my company and my role. Do I doubt my capabilities on some level, which is creating a question regarding my growth potential?
2. Have I been in this position for a few years now and am I not being recognized or am I fearful of something which I am not clear of? Could it be that I am getting ahead of myself instead of embracing my current position with contentment and surety?
3. Have I exhausted my role in its entirety or do I have more to learn and prove? Have I clearly communicated to my boss that I am ready for a change or do I expect him/her to know automatically?
4. Am I branding myself enough & welcoming recognition or do I shy away from receiving praise? Am I open and able to see new opportunities or do I wait for others to tell me?
5. What motivational factors are driving me to grow now? Is it monetary, satisfaction oriented or a new challenge all together that I am looking for?
6. If I was to move to the next career phase, what would it be? Will it simply be a new title or a whole new career path? If I am offered a new role, am I really ready? Can I articulate what it looks and feels like? Do I have a plan for myself or am I in a bit of a complacent place at the moment?
Gaining Clarity: By answering these questions, you will understand deeper intentions which will in turn, help you close this dilemma. Sometimes, we think we want change but we don’t know what that change looks like. Other times, it may not be change that is required but rather bringing passion back into our jobs (especially if you already love what you do) and finding the extraordinary in the day to day ordinary. Once we do that, our efforts get recognized automatically.
Power is in the Present: Focusing on the now and doing your best in your current role will automatically extend a bridge forward for you and take you to the next level. At times, putting too much thought into the future, takes away from our present state of being. That begins working against us over time. People recognize action and actions always speak louder than our words. Act with passion, intention & enthusiasm to ensure you embrace your current role to the max. It will surely open doors for you, sooner than later.
Bina Jhaveri has over 20 years of global professional experience, including since 2011, as reputed business consultant, writer, an intuitive strategist, executive and spirit coach. She works with professionals from several corporates, forging unique partnerships, helping them attain and exceed their goals whilst generating path-breaking results within their lives. Bina is also a writer by passion, who writes for several lifestyle magazines & blogs.
*The ideas expressed are the writer’s personal opinion and are not being made in any official capacity.