Aspiring professionals and established leaders alike have long pondered what sets successful people apart from the rest. While there’s no single answer to this question, a career advisor at Harvard Business School has identified a rare and valuable skill that successful individuals possess. Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio, a senior career advisor and executive coach at the school, notes that highly successful people manage their careers as if they were businesses.
This approach is not a common one, and many people tend to fall into their careers without much forethought or planning. However, those who apply business strategies to their professional lives tend to achieve greater success and fulfillment. In this article, we’ll explore the four key elements of managing one’s career as a business, as outlined by Thanasoulis-Cerrachio.
Developing a Clear Career Vision
To manage one’s career as a business, the first step is to develop a clear vision of where one wants to go. Successful people do not just drift aimlessly through their careers; rather, they set long-term goals and develop plans to achieve them. This proactive approach enables them to stay on track and avoid feeling lost or unfulfilled.
Building a Strong Personal Brand
Just as companies need to establish a strong brand to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, successful individuals need to build a strong personal brand. This involves identifying one’s unique strengths and value proposition and promoting them in a strategic manner. By doing so, individuals can stand out from their peers and attract the attention of employers or other key players in their industry.
Developing a Strategic Network
Networking is critical to professional success, but it’s not enough to simply attend events and collect business cards. Successful people take a strategic approach to building their networks, identifying key individuals who can help them achieve their goals. They cultivate relationships with these people over time, offering value and support in return.
Continuous Learning and Skills Development
Finally, successful people never stop learning and developing their skills. They view their careers as a journey rather than a destination, and they constantly seek out new opportunities for growth and improvement. This might include attending courses, reading books, seeking out mentors, or simply staying up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.
Managing one’s career as a business is a rare and highly desirable skill because it provides individuals with a sense of control over their own destinies. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them, they actively seek out and create opportunities for themselves. Additionally, this approach helps individuals stand out in a crowded job market and fosters a continuous growth mindset that is essential for ongoing success.
In conclusion, successful people possess a rare and valuable skill that involves managing their careers as if they were businesses. By developing a clear vision, building a strong personal brand, cultivating a strategic network, and continuously learning and developing their skills, they are able to achieve greater success and fulfillment in their professional lives.
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