5 Strategies for Successful Career Development, According to HBR
Are you looking to take your career to new heights? Do you feel like you are stuck in a rut and need a push in the right direction? If yes, then you are in the right place. Harvard Business Review (HBR) conducted research on career development, and here are the five strategies that will help you succeed.
Create a Career Narrative
According to HBR, creating a career narrative is critical to career development. Your narrative should define your goals, strengths, and passions, and how they relate to your career. When you identify your values and aspirations, you build a career plan that aligns with your desired trajectory, helping you to focus better and make more informed decisions.
Build and Maintain Strong Relationships
Developing powerful relationships is essential for career development success. Research shows that relationships can account for up to 85% of your success in the workplace. To build a robust network, you should participate in various group activities where you can meet new people, stay in contact with colleagues and managers, and cultivate positive relationships.
Develop In-Demand Skills
In-demand skills refer to the abilities you need at a particular time to meet the needs of your role, the organisation or the industry. To be successful, you should identify and capitalise on skills that are relevant to your chosen industry and the direction you want to take in your career. You can gain in-demand skills in various ways, such as taking online courses or attending conferences and seminars.
Pursue Growth Opportunities
Growth opportunities are avenues for acquiring new skills or improving on existing ones. When you pursue these opportunities, you gain exposure to other areas of the business, increase your marketability and ensure your skills are updated and relevant. To pursue growth opportunities, you can engage in cross-functional projects, seek mentorship, or take on new assignments.
Embrace Failure and Learn from Mistakes
Many people fear failure, but it is part of the growth process. Failure presents you with an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, test your assumptions, and adjust your strategy for lasting success. Building a growth mindset will help you approach challenges with a positive attitude, embrace change, and mitigate the risks associated with failure.
Conclusion
In summary, career development is a continuous process that requires effort, awareness, and a focus on your goals. By applying the five strategies mentioned above – creating a career narrative, building and maintaining strong relationships, developing in-demand skills, pursuing growth opportunities, and embracing failure and learning from mistakes – you will be well on your way to achieving the growth and success you desire. Remember, it’s never too late to start, and the time is now.
