One of the most startling things I learned during my recent Certified Executive Leadership Development Coach (CELDC) training, was that a mere 4% of people set goals. As a former high school teacher (and a parent), my experience validates that high goals and expectations result in better performance—and higher achievement. That truth remains pivotal to my work with clients today. Always reach for the gold. Why settle for peach fuzz when you can enjoy the whole, lucious peach?
Start by creating a realistic roadmap to reach your goal in 3 years, 5 years or 10 years. What do you need to put in place now to get where you want to be by then? Earning a coveted professional designation like PMP, CPIM or CCRA, can open doors to $100,000+ careers and, if you are a valued employee, your employer may be willing to make that investment in you. But you must lay the groundwork!
If you are currently in a leadership role, what are you doing to expand your perspective, capabilities and future earning power? Are you still doing business the same way today you did 10 years ago in a dramatically different environment? The world has changed. You must evolve with it to remain relevant. Plan for your future now to make sure your career grows with the needs of the company you intend to keep working for—or the company you want to grow into.
Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com