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7 Career Resolutions for Leaders in 2017
A new year is an opportunity to reflect, assess and set goals for the upcoming year. It’s also an ideal time to set career resolutions to maintain focus and continuously improve. Here are seven worthy career resolutions for executives:
1. Expand your networking
We know you’ve heard this before, but networking is a very important career skill, and it can open the door to new opportunities, regardless of how much experience you have Rather than networking with the same people and going to the same events, try to network in a new way this year. This will help you expand your professional network, meet new people, and provide you with new insights and perspective to consider in your own career. One great opportunity, if you haven’t done so already, is to join a board to share your expertise.
2. Keep pace with emerging industry trends
Things change fast and it’s vital that you stay abreast of the new and emerging trends not only in your industry, but in other industries that could impact your organization. While it can be challenging, knowing what is coming down the pipeline will help you make better decisions and stay ahead of the curve. Some of the ways you can stay on top of new trends including:
• Subscribing to industry podcasts
• Reading trade journals and consumer magazines
• Subscribing to popular industry blogs and social media channels
• Talking with colleagues regularly
3. Become a mentor
Everyone can use a mentor, especially one at the executive level with years of experience and knowledge to share. Working with a mentor can be a life (and career) changing experience. As a mentor you can help others work through career-related situations and be that extra source of motivation they need to put forth maximum effort. It is also a great opportunity to get to know the up and coming talent in your organization and identify the company’s future leaders.
4. Read more
How many books did you read in 2016? Even though you are busy, finding time to read will help you in your career, not matter how much experience you have. It’s vital that you keep up with the latest trends, developments, theories, and changes in your field. Read top industry blogs, academic journals, industry publications, and business books. Even 10 minutes a day of reading can make a difference. You never know when you will discover a new perspective, insight or career changing piece of advice.
5. Strengthen your leadership skills:
Being a great leader takes constant effort and there are always ways that you can improve your skills – something that will be beneficially to your organization as well.
Strengthening an industry skill, adding to your knowledge in a specific area, working on a personality trait, and trying new approaching to leading your team will help you be a well-rounded executive. Put time into strengthening your leadership abilities by working with your career coach, working with leadership experts or even attend a leadership seminar.
6. Value your time
You have a limited amount of time to work with. If you try to accommodate every request and don’t use your time carefully, you won’t achieve your career objectives. “When you respond to every request, leap at every opportunity, and try to be all things to all people, you never reach the goals that matter most. It’s often said that great leaders say ‘no’ a lot more often than others, but even saying ‘no’ must be done selectively,” says Moira Forbes on Forbes.
7. Open up and embrace change
Change is all around us, and it’s not going anywhere. Today’s leaders need to be flexible if they want to remain relevant. It’s vital for leaders to step down from pedestals and be open to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of doing things. You never know what the future will bring, but being open and flexible will help you become a quick adapter.
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