Define Your Footprint, Take the Next Step
April 2009
You may have considered or calculated your carbon footprint or your water footprint. But have you considered your career footprint? Your career footprint is who you are and what you portray – or how you are perceived – by others. Often times our career footprints are made by walking on autopilot, putting one foot in front of the other. But what happens if we choose to side step? What happens if we choose or are chosen to take a step backwards? If we have defined our career footprint and are aware of all the components, then we can choose the path our career footprints ultimately follow.
Five Components of Your Career Footprint
1. The Real You
We all have various roles we fill every day. Knowing who you are, your strengths and weaknesses, your skills and abilities, and where you want to go in your career all define the real you. Take some time to write down your career strengths, weaknesses, skills, accomplishments and goals. Invest some time in exploring the real you.
2. Your Confidence
Portray your confidence in your words, body language and actions. Research has shown that even by faking confidence, you will begin to feel more self-confident. Confidence is understanding and embracing the real you. Take hold of your confidence in your career and your goals today…or at least fake it!
3. Your Reputation
Reputations are built in small steps over time but can be shattered in one misstep in one second. Add to your understanding of the real you by exploring your reputation through the eyes of others. Review your performance review, feedback on projects, and accomplishments reservoir. Take small steps to move your reputation and what others perceive in the direction you choose.
4. Your Network
Who knows the real you and can help move you in the direction you choose? Ensure your network is made up of the people who can help you advance towards your career goals. Reach out to those who can be a mentor or can provide insight into future opportunities. Read the 825 Basics article on Growing Your Relationships for tips to enhances your network.
5. Your Options and Opportunities
You may have heard the saying, “luck is when opportunity meets preparedness.” Scan your environment and be aware of options and opportunities that are available to you now whether you are ready for them or not. Position yourself to be available when the right opportunity arrives. Don’t just wait for opportunity to knock!
If you aren’t honest about your real self, lack the confidence, don’t understand your real reputation, and haven’t established your network, your options and opportunities will be limited.
Next year on St. Patrick’s Day instead of saying you were lucky, you can respond, “No! I was prepared!.” And you for sure won’t be fooled about your career footprint on April Fool’s Day.
Make defining your career footprint a priority on your way to a healthy, fit and high energy career.
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