Professional development, similar to many things in life, could begin to slip out of control if you just take it for granted. That is why it is important to always keep tabs on where you’re in your career and how to excel. Striving for being the best at whatever you do is the only way that can ensure you a status of continued success.
With the job market being unpredictable, having confidence that your skills are top notch can bring you peace of mind and also ensure that if the markets swing, you always will be a desired employee. That is why it is important that you always make sure that your skills are valuable not only to your employer but always out there in the big market.
But how can you benchmark your success if you’re happily going through years of fulfilling work experience and growing career, here are a few points to look for to find your place in your market.
Your next big thing
What do you have your eyes set on? “Nothing” is the wrong answer. If you’re in a stage where you’re stagnant, just doing what the job requires with no ambition for big accomplishments within the limits of your job or beyond, you're probably at the beginning of falling behind.
It is important to always set your own goals that take you and your job forward. These goals don’t necessarily mean looking for a new job or seeking promotion, it can be a personal goal such as learning something new or increasing your production at a certain percentage. When your goals are concrete and defined, you will be able to measure your progress and ensure that you meet them.
Your peers
Although continuing comparison with peers may be stressful, it’s important to be able to know that you are keeping pace with the progress of others who share your background, qualifications and ambition. Make sure you pick a successful group and factor in the many differences that may be holding you back.
The point of keeping track of others’ professional development is to ensure that your have a way to benchmark your success. One way to do so is to enter industry competitions and see how you’d fare. If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, this may be your first guide and set of goals to achieve. Once you do meet these requirements and enter, don’t be discouraged by a loss. It may take you years to rank among winners, but then you will know how meaningful your work has been.
Your knowledge
Many people settle into their work routine with a know-it-all attitude. But it is important to be conscious of how much you really know. Have you been threatened by the knowledge of newcomers? Do a young graduate’s communication skills and technology capabilities make you uncomfortable?
Keep in mind: while your experience is invaluable, and your company probably appreciates it highly, it is important not to ignore the areas that aren’t your strength. It will be better for you and for everyone if you develop a fair knowledge of new and upcoming trends that helps you speak todays’ language.
That is not limited to social media or technology, but it also extends to any technical information related to your industry. Don’t fall behind and expect others to think of your extensive experience as enough. Instead, keep an open mind to learning.
Long-term goals
While you keep your eyes on your immediate goals and work duties, always see how your current efforts contribute to long-term success. In many jobs, you may get an opportunity to pick and choose duties and projects. These minor decisions define your work experience, and the more selective you are, the better you will be in the long run.
Your priority should not be what’s easier, more fun or prestigious, but what contributes as a building block of your overall experience.
Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.
