One of the best bits about my day job is helping to develop talented women. I'm a firm believer in having a personal development plan (that works for you) and in setting yourself goals to smash. After all, as the saying goes - a goal without a plan is just a wish.
As I mentor young women inside and outside of my day job I often find myself repeating the same bits of advice. This International Women’s Day I’ve decided to share some of my thoughts:
Establish your mantra: Work out what it is you stand for, think of it like a manifesto. What’s your bold statement? Define your values and expectations. Know them off by heart.
Build a community: Work out who are your biggest champions. Build a network of people you can call on for help and inspiration. These are people who believe in you. Constantly add to this network. Be proactive about building this network.
Write your ending first: What is it that you want to be remembered for? Sometimes figuring out the end goal and working backwards is helpful. You need a good story so people buy into you.
Be your biggest fan: Talk yourself up at every opportunity. Be unapologetic and fearless. Put yourself in a 5 years older mindset.
Be in the moment: Before you know it you’ll be up the career ladder spending time managing people and processes. Enjoy where you are now - you’ll look back on it with fond memories.
And finally, here are a couple of good books I have read recently:
Unfinished Business - Anne Marie Slaughter
Lean In - Sheryl Sandberg
What Works - Iris Bohnet
Career Advice for Ambitious Women - Helen McGregor
Big Five for Life - John P Strelecky
Have you read any good books recently? #career #inspiration #women #books
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