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1st Quarter 2006 “The Seasons of Your Career – Is a Career Simply a Series of Short-Lived Romances, a Long-Term Safe Relationship, or a Lifelong Pursuit to Define the Soul Behind One’s Passion?” To launch my series of 2006 CEO messages, I want to focus on the broader landscape of career evolution from the standpoint that careers unfold throughout decades -- they are not defined necessarily in the beginning phase, or at any one point in time necessarily. Defining a career evolves throughout the course of an individual’s career, w hether unplanned or carefully charted. The single most critical factor to achieving success is the ability to determine, embrace and nurture the soul of your career. Short-Lived Romances Some professionals decide early that the quickest path to success – success being defined as senior level opportunities, high compensation, working for a large cap company – is to have a series of what I describe as short-lived romances. These career moments are with organizations that have aggressive cultures, the positions are broad in nature, and the professional changes jobs every 18 months to two years, believing that the acquisition of knowledge on an aggressive basis is what will earn them the top post at a large- or mega-cap company. Long-Term Safe Relationship At the other end of the spectrum are those professionals whose risk tolerance is far less than the “short-lived romance” practitioner. These individuals seek positions with companies that have tamer cultures and their employers have less aggressive business strategies. Remaining in these roles for long periods of time, this professional works diligently to meet expectations, remain connected at the appropriate levels of the organization, and ultimately becomes part of the long-term fabric of the entity. Life-Long Pursuit of Career Soul This is a different breed of professional – one who seeks to define and redefine their career as they pursue their career passions. Whether it be satisfying a thirst for broader and broader knowledge, working across varying industry sectors in their careers, or the quest to determine how well they can leverage their intellect and intangible human qualities in the pursuit of career success. None of these paths are right or wrong, just different. The economy and political climate in a country can shape one’s path. C-suite personalities, directives and office politics can influence a professional’s career direction. And, intangible human qualities that influence mightily the soul of a career can drive or hinder a professional’s success as well. There are indeed many seasons to a career. Wishing you continued success in your career endeavors….
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