The Professional You
#LifeStrategizationSeries
Who you are is who you are and to some degree without a significant event or catalyst, won’t change.
The sum of the professional you is determined by who you are, what you know, what you are equipped to do and what you are motivated to achieve. The good news is that this isn’t a static equation or a finite answer.
The definition of the professional you is determined by the principles and approaches that guide day to day decisions, actions, behaviors, and outcomes also known as your Professional Strategy.
Having a clearly articulated Professional Strategy will help you as you build the professional you and potentially give you competitive advantage over peers. Your Professional Strategy framework will typically impact performance, organizational fit and/or interpersonal interactions.
Here are the framework buckets:
- Uniqueness – you have a unique skill-set or combination of skill sets that sets you apart in your field or profession. Your goal is to meet a need that organizations didn’t know would benefit them. Keep in mind – the skills need will need to add value to the organization. You create a niche environment for your work.
- Efficiency – you develop a keen ability to assess and identify process improvements that add value to the field or profession. Your goal is to minimize wasted time and energy. You work to standardize actions/tasks where possible and get the most done in the least amount of time... you know, efficiently.
- Synergy – you focus on creating relationships and bonds to accomplish goals and meet needs. You strive to find or develop win-win solutions to ensure there is the least amount of negative impact on the people and relationships. Your goal is to maintain close professional relationships
So how would you define your strategy?
Keep in mind, these are broad buckets and do not mean that there won’t be times when you have to allow the situation or environment to temporarily change your focus. Having a clear understanding of what framework allows you to thrive will help you find the right fit for the impact you want to have.
Once you identify which strategy (or combination) you want to target – assess where you are today and adjust your approach until you get to alignment.