3 Advancers for Career Development

With an anticipated increase of 410% in planned layoffs, there has never been a better time to bring your "A" game to your career development. Advancing one's professional career requires a focused and strategic approach. While individual paths can vary greatly depending on one's profession, goals, and industry, the following actions are effective in promoting career growth.

Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Stay updated with the latest trends and developments in your field. For instance, if you're a technology professional and have not established an internal AI research team to understand how to leverage the power of AI for your business, you're already behind the curve.
Pursue relevant certifications, workshops, or advanced degrees if they add value to your profile.
Learn complementary skills that can make you versatile and adaptable in your industry.

Networking and Relationship Building

Build a professional network through industry events, conferences, and online platforms like LinkedIn. If you are introverted, recognize that you must make conscious decisions to attend networking events.
You can foster relationships with mentors and peers who can provide guidance and opportunities. Identify professionals who have achieved some of your goals and ask them to meet with you regularly. Be prepared to pay for lunches and be surprised how many will say "yes."
Collaborate with colleagues and actively contribute to team efforts, making yourself a valuable team player.

Performance Excellence and Visibility

Consistently deliver high-quality work and exceed performance metrics when possible.
Take on challenging projects that can showcase your abilities and dedication.
Communicate your achievements and work impact to management; don't assume your work will speak for itself.

Remember that professional advancement is a long-term endeavor and often requires patience, perseverance, and the ability to seize opportunities when they arise. Take a few minutes to consider how you could apply one or more of the recommendations above, write them down, share them with your coach or a colleague (for positive accountability), and then execute them. Learn to become a master of "career chess."

About the Author

John Seville is an entrepreneurial technology and business leader. He has successfully launched four businesses during his career: Computer Consultants of Colorado, Chief Technology Consultants, (the) Center for Transformative Coaching, and his most recent venture, Ascent Leadership Group, which he started in 2018 and serves as the Managing Principal. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, John has served in multiple corporate CIO and COO roles. The Denver Business Journal (DBJ) and the Society for Information Management (SIM) nominated John for the Colorado CIO of the Year award. Connect with John by emailing him at john.seville@AscentLeadershipGroup.com