Own Your Trajectory: Building a Career That Reflects Your Leadership Vision 

It is easy to imagine that the road to becoming an executive is paved with a systematic approach to professional development.  However, what I have discovered in my years of executive coaching, is that few executives have carved out the time to take an intentional approach to their own development.   

My clients are high achieving executives, Founders and Creatives.  They have done exceptional work, taking opportunities as they presented themselves and competed for advancement when necessary.  I admire each of them for their unique strengths, for their commitment and their resilience.  Most have had their share of crucible moments when they doubted whether this was the path for them.  Through it all, they have maintained their focus and kept the best interest of their people in mind.  But when I ask them about their own career trajectory, few have given much thought to the future.  If they are thinking ahead, it is about the business rather than their place in the business.  The unfortunate truth is that, without a vision of where they are going, they are unable to objectively evaluate whether their knowledge, skills and behaviors are the right ones to get them to their desired future.   

Executive coaching provides leaders the opportunity to think more strategically about their future.  At the end of each executive coaching engagement, the client reflects on what has changed since we began.  Without fail, clients express that one of the most valuable byproducts of executive coaching is becoming more intentional in how they think about their own career trajectory.  Rather than taking on every opportunity that presents itself, they now consider how it fits into their longer-term vision, how it plays to their strengths and whether it is the right stretch assignment.  They also become more proactive in thinking about the gaps in their leadership and taking targeted steps to close those gaps.   

I encourage leaders to carve out time to think about their future, the impact they want to make and the path to get there.  Rather than waiting until the next mandatory training, consider taking a more proactive approach.  

Here is a 3-step process to do exactly that: 

Step 1:  Assess Your Starting Point 

Establish where you are right now.  What do you most love about what you do? What are you good at?  What drains your energy?  Where do you struggle?  What matters most to you at this point in your life?   

Step 2:  Create an Aspirational Future 

Choose a time frame at least 18-months out.  Now, rather than try to imagine what exactly you will be doing, imagine instead waking up and looking forward to the day ahead.  From the moment you wake up in the morning, how are you spending your time?  Imagine a perfectly average day.  What about your day gives you energy?  Who are you working with?  What strengths are you using?  What values are you honoring?  What do you want more of/less of?  

Step 3:  Explore the Gap 

Between where you are now and where you want to be, there is a gap.  This gap may reveal the need for a re-ordering of priorities, a different approach to your current job or even a new role.  This kind of analysis takes time and reflection, but embedded in it is your own personal roadmap for professional development.  It may reveal skill gaps, the need to invest in professional relationships or even, an executive coach to help you transform your insights into something more concrete.