LESLIE ROHONCZY | MARCH 2024
In the fast-paced and competitive landscape of the current job market, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Here’s a powerful coaching practice that can give your career search the edge it needs.
Let’s explore career searching from four different perspectives, each represented by the Integral Theory quadrants. Grab your pen and journal, and spend some quality time with yourself, reflecting on the following powerful questions, as you embark on a journey of self-discovery and strategic planning.
VALUES-DRIVEN PURPOSE
This first quadrant focuses on what’s ‘inside you’: your sense of purpose, the values that you hold firmly, and your unique perspective on yourself and the world around you. Delving into your internal values and understanding the driving forces behind your career aspirations can provide a solid foundation. By aligning your career goals with your values, you'll not only find more fulfillment, but you’ll also present a genuine and authentic version of yourself to potential employers. From this values perspective, take a moment to ponder:
What personal core values drive my career aspirations?
What specifically draws me to a target role or company?
PEOPLE & RELATIONSHIPS
Building meaningful connections is a key aspect of any successful career search. Identifying and overcoming barriers to networking while strategically leveraging your existing support network can open doors to opportunities you may not have considered. With the relationships perspective in mind, answer these thought-provoking questions:
What limiting beliefs, opinions, or feelings about networking can typically hold me back from reaching out to others?
How might I leverage my biggest fans differently in my job search?
SYSTEMS & DETAILS
Having an efficient, organized process, an effective strategy, and tools to measure progress are all essential components of a successful career search. Assessing and adapting your approach based on measurable metrics can enhance your effectiveness, ensuring that your efforts yield tangible results. thinking about your formal and informal systems, reflect on:
What do I need to adapt to be more efficient, targeted, or proactive in my networking, applications, and follow-ups?
How will I measure the effectiveness of my career efforts?
ACTIONS & DOING
Finally, let's explore the 'Action' quadrant. Setting clear goals and taking actionable steps is the cornerstone of any successful career journey. By breaking down your goals into manageable actions and timelines, you'll create a roadmap for success and maintain momentum throughout your search. Reflect on your action orientation, and how you’re getting into action, with these questions:
What career goals and targets have you set for yourself?
What specific actions do you need to take today? This week? This month?
Exploring these eight reflection questions provides a holistic approach to your career search, helping you be more able to articulate your values, build relationships, create effective systems, and take strategic actions.
Wishing you great success in your career search – may your path be fulfilling and prosperous!