What do top talent do differently when it comes to their careers?
This topic has cropped up a few times in my mentoring program over the last week so I thought it was worth writing a blog about.
Have you ever wondered what sets top talent apart from the rest when it comes to their career path? Many mid-career professionals may find they have reached a plateau in terms of how far they can go, or are feeling stagnant and unsure how to transition into more senior roles. It's times like these that understanding the steps taken by successful professionals may provide insight on just what it takes to move up the ladder.
During my time working across top talent programs, I noticed a real difference in the way those individuals looked at and managed their careers. They were really clear on what they wanted. They were motivated and hungry, and it was clear to those around them they were on a mission to get there. They were also unwavering in the face of obstacles, always optimistic and willing to take risks. Furthermore, they also knew that making mistakes did not define them, moreover it was a learning opportunity.
Having worked with groups of Top Talent across multiple organisations, here are some areas where they stand out against the rest of the pack, when it comes to management of their careers.
Goal Setting, planning and strategic decisions
Goals are the foundation upon which the plan of action is built and top talent set clear and specific goals that are challenging but attainable. They take the time to assess their skills and identify what they need to improve to achieve their goals.
Goals should be broken down into manageable steps, and each step should have a timeline. Setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) is critical to goal attainment. Once the goals are set, the next step is creating a plan of action. Top talent break down the goal into small actionable tasks and create deadlines for completing them allowing for changes and adjustments along the way.
Top talent do not leave career advancement to chance. They make strategic decisions that put them on the right path to achieve their goals. These decisions are centered around acquiring new skills, building relationships, and expanding their network. They actively seek opportunities for growth and development, whether it’s taking on a new project, attending a conference or networking event, or enrolling in a course or certification program.
Continuous Learning
As the job market becomes more competitive, it is essential for professionals to stay ahead of the curve. Continual learning is a critical component of growth for any career. In today's world of technology and innovation, it's more important than ever to continue to upgrade your skills and knowledge regularly. Top performers understand this, and they use continual learning as a tool to progress in their careers. Continual learning isn't just about acquiring new skills; it's also about expanding and updating existing ones. Top performers regularly participate in courses, workshops or conferences as well as on the job learning to refresh their knowledge and skills. The benefits of doing this can be seen in their work, where their increased expertise adds value to their employer and makes them more marketable.
Continual learning provides an excellent opportunity for top performers to diversify their skill set. Professionals who have a broad range of skills are highly valued in the workforce. They can take on diverse assignments and can easily adapt to new roles, projects or departments. Taking a few courses or webinars in unfamiliar areas equips top talent to take on new challenges. When top talent build their knowledge portfolio, they become more valuable to the company and as a result can command higher wages and benefits.
Resilience, Adaptability and Risk Taking
Top talent are known for their high levels of resilience, adaptability, and willingness to take risks. They are able to remain focused and determined in the face of adversity, keep their emotions in check and persevere through tough times. In today's fast-paced work environment, adaptability is becoming increasingly important. Top talent understand that change is inevitable, and they are able to adjust quickly and effectively in response to new challenges. They are able to learn new skills, embrace new technologies and adapt to new situations with ease. Adaptability requires a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges, as well as a mindset that values growth and improvement. Taking risks is also an essential trait for top talent. While it may seem counterintuitive, being risk-averse can actually hold you back in your career. Top talent are not afraid to take chances and pursue opportunities that may be outside of their comfort zone. They understand that taking calculated risks can lead to new and exciting opportunities, and that failure is an inevitable part of the learning process.
Mentoring, Feedback and Networking
The corporate world can be a daunting place, especially for those starting their careers. Having a mentor can give you the support and guidance you need to navigate the ins and outs of the workplace. Top talent understands the importance of having a mentor and actively seek them out. They often look for someone who has been in their industry for a while and has experience in the kind of work they do. Mentors can share their insights about the industry, offer perspective, and help you see beyond your current role. Constructive feedback is essential for any employee looking to improve their skills and advance their career. In most workplaces, feedback is provided through performance evaluations or one-on-one meetings with a supervisor. However, top talent often go a step further and seek out feedback from peers, colleagues, and mentors. Feedback from others can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, understand your blind spots, and develop new skills. It's important to be open to feedback, but also to know when to filter out the unhelpful comments.
Finally, a hallmark of top talent is their willingness to give back and mentor others. Mentoring is a way to pass on your knowledge and experiences to others who are just starting. It's a way to pay it forward and help someone else grow and develop their skills. Mentoring others can also help you develop new skills, gain new insights, and create meaningful relationships.
Networking really can take your career to new heights. Top talent understands the importance of building a supportive network and leverages it to their advantage. Networking can help you build relationships with people who can provide helpful insights, advice, and opportunities. A supportive network can also help you navigate workplace challenges, polish your skills, and recommend you for new roles. It's important to remember that building a network requires consistent effort and time. The best networks are built on authentic relationships.
Want to find out how to implement some of these tips into your own career strategy? Book in for a free call with me to chat.