Career Professional

For those who watch the Super Bowl each year, you may have noticed that the quarterback calls out a series of numbers before receiving the ball. Or you may have noticed that whenever a group of players run down the field, they always go in a certain formation.

This type of behavior happens in all professional sports: the team practises a "play", over and over, until they get it perfect. Then when they need it during the game, it is executed perfectly. Amateurs don't practice this way - only professionals do.

When it comes to your career, are you a professional - or an amateur?

Planning your career can either be practised, thoughtful, and strategic, or you can "go with the flow", deciding as things happen how you will react to them. Either way, it is surprisingly easy to be a career professional if you follow three simple steps:

• Choose what your next role will be.
• Invest in yourself by seeking experiences - and professional development - that will prepare you for that role.
• Solicit support from your manager, colleagues, family, and friends.

This week's action item: Before the week is out, commit to choosing at least one "investment" activity. Even if you don't know precisely what your next role might be, invest in yourself anyway. The greater your personal investment, the more you will develop your skills and discover your interests. You don't have to be in the Super Bowl to be a professional.

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Randall Craig is an expert on Career Development, Work-Life Balance, and Networking. For more information about how Randall can help you or your organization, go to www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com, or contact Randall by email through editor@ptadvisors.com.

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Copyright © 2008 Knowledge to Action Press and Randall Craig. All rights reserved.

Publication Date: February 5, 2008