Career charting

By Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Building a successful career is arduous. No matter what you bring to the undertaking, you need a vision: not just a destination but an inspiration. Direction and drive will serve you well but you've got to see where you're headed to progress toward your goal. Start by performing a diagnostic on your dream. Consider these questions: what place would feel magical? With whom would you like to share that space? What sort of transformation do you most like to drive? This blue-sky thinking will serve to sketch out your career castle construction strategy.

Once you've done the heavy lifting of imagining your future, you can get pragmatic about assessing what you bring to the task. Online assessment tools, workplace performance evaluations, classes and seminars are all good opportunities to hold a mirror to yourself and discover hidden treasures... But success is never a solo endeavour. You need to find the right people to support, advise and stretch you to realise your dream. Mentors and sponsors are vital, and each brings special strengths and attributes to your cause.

Mentors shine as you start to define your dream. They can see and put into words for you what you may not see about yourself or be able to articulate. They can help you determine your strengths. Also, they can help narrow your focus... Do not be surprised if your mentor cannot assist in all of these areas, but can only provide some advice and wisdom.

From "Constructing YourCareer Castle"