Do you occasionally get that feeling of being “stuck” in a place where you just don’t seem to know what is getting in your way? This is actually what many mid-level professionals are experiencing in their careers and workplace. If the same thing is happening to you, then you should learn about these techniques and actions that can get the gears of your career moving when they seem hopelessly stuck in neutral:
- Look within yourself. With total honesty, analyze whether your own life-goals are still a good match with the values and objectives of your organization or company. There is no point in working for someone whose goals and values are conflicting with yours.
- Analyze Your Goals and Ideals. If your goals and ideals are going in a very different direction, ask yourself “If I were in another organization, what would I be doing differently? Is it possible to incorporate this vision into my current job?” This way, you will know to yourself that what you are doing right now is still according to your own life goals. If it is, then it would make sense for you to stay right where you are. Otherwise, it may be time for a change.
- Monitor the Way You Spend Your Time. Over 1-2 weeks, take something with you (notebook or electronic device) to record your major activities. Ask yourself “Ideally, how would I structure my time to accomplish my responsibilities, and stay in touch with my “vision” for how I contribute to this organization?”
- Avoid Getting Overwhelmed. The next time you are stressed out by how much you need to do, make a list of all the things you need to accomplish. You should then take 15 minutes to do the simplest things on your list that do not require much time to complete. Take the next 35 minutes to focus on tougher tasks without interruption. Remember to take 10-minute breaks before you start the process again.
- Create a visual one-page performance plan. To successfully run your team, it is important that you make it clear to yourself and your subordinates the purpose and goals of your department and of the organization or company. This will ensure that you are all on the same page.
- Spend time with key executives. Set a regular time every other week to meet with your own managing executive to review your team’s progress and ask questions about future directions.
- Touch base frequently with your team. Take a few minutes to ask “How are you doing?; how are things going?.” Hear them out and not just listen to what they say.
- Conduct effective meetings or problem-solving sessions. Have an agenda. State a time frame for the meeting and stick to it. Ask that participants come prepared to discuss the topics on the agenda and keep your team focused to effectively use your time.
- Become a “lifelong learner”. Personal and Professional Development is a choice. You may feel that you have no time to participate in further development – but there are many ways you can be better in what you do in less time. You should take advantage of certain materials, such as books, audio programs, seminars, a class or a professional association meeting. They can save you months of hard work as you learn new and faster ways of achieving your goals.
- Cultivate a Total Plan that Moves You from “Stuck” to “Thriving”. An effective way to acquire a totally new perspective is to use a few personal hours to visit an area where you can do some volunteer work that is totally different from your usual activities. What you may discover can enliven your personal and professional life in unpredictable ways.
