Posted by Dave Lorenzo - Business Coach
The first step in Career Intensity and the Cycle of Continuous Improvement is evaluating where you are. Knowing what you do well (and not so well) helps you leverage your skills and talents to create and demonstrate value. I asked the panel of professionals:
What are your insecurities regarding your career, and how do you deal with them? What are you most confident about in your work?
I worry that I’m not a good enough designer. I have great moments of inspiration, and I just allow time to heal all wounds. You eventually accept that everything is subjective. I’m most confident about the “me” aspect. I can figure things out and get them done. I’m a really competent person. If I say it will get done, it just will. (Jill, Marketing/PR Creative Director)
Jill’s strength is her determination. If she wants to build confidence in her design skills, I would recommend that she take an advanced design course, or apprentice with a designer whose work she admires. The truth is she’s probably a lot better designer than she thinks she is, but training is a very efficient and direct way to build skills and confidence.
It’s hard to stay current on new medications, actually. I study nursing journals and look up meds on the Internet. I am most confident in my empathy for my patients and my rapport with their family members. (Jane, Nurse)
Jane has a strategy in place for dealing with the issue that concerns her, and that’s really the best any of us can do. She stays on top of the information, and she puts a lot of energy into building strong and positive relationships with her clients. That’s really where most of your energy should go. Naturally, you want to master your field to as great a depth as you can, but if you don’t have those human connections in place, no one’s going to know how much of an expert you are and you’re going to be limited in your opportunities.
I am insecure about my ability to do my job really well and to enjoy it. I find my career very, very stressful, and I feel mediocre at it. I try to be less of a perfectionist, and I use stress management techniques. I am trying to exercise more and learn meditation techniques. I am most confident in my ability to get along well with colleagues. (Michelle, College English Instructor)
I would ask Michelle to identify her main sources of stress. It sounds as though she may be asking too much of or being too hard on herself. You never do yourself any favors by judging yourself harshly. Recognize that you’re doing your best and you are making progress. The exercise and meditation is a great idea. Many of us do not take time out to take care of our health. Doing so usually has a huge impact on your overall levels of peace and productivity.
I don’t have a lot of experience managing such a large group. I just keep moving forward and trying to do a better job all the time. I am extremely knowledgeable in my field, and I can problem solve just about anything around that. (Lynn, Operations Management Supervisor)
Lynn is in a great position for growth. She has enough challenge to keep her on her toes, and her skills are well developed enough that she can handle those challenges. Lynn is committed to continuous improvement, so she will most likely flourish in her management role and make great things happen.
Take some time today to think about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as how you can leverage your strengths and circumvent or improve upon your weaknesses for optimum success. We can all improve. Superachievers are constantly evolving and finding ways to offer even more value.