Before you say what you want next, answer these 3 questions
This month I started a new tradition on LinkedIn called Failure Fridays. I post a failure every week so I can try to get to the learnings faster (aka stop losing sleep over them). AND to normalize failure and show the real work behind any successful person/business. Also for the commiseration. Everything feels less intense with a little commiseration.
My last post got some traction - it was about how you have to practice talking about yourself and what you want next at work. But a key component was missing from this. How do you even know what you want next?! That is what today’s newsletter is about.
The Situation
I’m trying to understand what actually energizes me so I can move toward a career path that feels aligned, especially now that my priorities have shifted. Most of my career progression has happened because opportunities came to me — expanded scope, mentors opening doors, roles evolving. I’ve never really had to intentionally define what I want next. Now I’m realizing I don’t quite know how to articulate it — or ask for it.
(From a Career Clarity Workshop participant before attending)
My Take
Clarity first. Everything else gets easier after that.
If you’re anything like me, you have approximately 2-3 million thoughts and possibilities about your career in your head at any given time.
Here are three questions we should all be asking ourselves to get clearer on what’s next. (I like to do this at least 2x per year or before my next career development convo).
1️⃣ What brings me energy at work?
What type of work gets you excited? Who do you work with that brings you energy? Under what circumstances do you thrive in?
This is often the clearest signal for what you should double down on.
2️⃣ What am I actually good at?
What problems do people consistently trust you to solve?
What impact do you create that others might not?
If you asked your peers/leaders what they would consider you an expert in, what would they say?
Know your impact. Only then can you articulate your value clearly.
3️⃣ What do I want to learn next?
What skill, exposure, or type of challenge are you really wanting more experience in?
This is especially helpful if you aren’t sure if you can get any more growth from a role or team.
When you can clearly answer these three questions, you can:
• articulate your value more confidently
• walk into your annual review with intention
• network with purpose
• position yourself strategically in interviews
• un-swirl some of those thoughts in your head
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t actually know my answers yet,” that’s probably more common than not!
It’s exactly why I started the Career Clarity Workshop. We go through several short exercises to sort through your thoughts and get you the clarity you need and an action plan to move towards it. I also walk through my own decision process to leave Amazon and start Leadership Lab using all of these exercises.
Regardless how you get to this clarity, it won’t happen by accident. So carve out some time to answer these for yourself! (Or just join the next workshop because it’ll force you to!)
