Category: Career Discovery

woman researching

5 easy steps for creating a career plan

Career Discovery

06/03/24

Tricia Gehl

So, you got the job. Hooray! Now you just need to do that job well and all your career dreams will come true. Right? Or maybe you’ve been in your role for a while, working hard and doing all the “right” things. It’s only a matter of time before you’re whisked away to the management circle. Right? Right? Well, not exactly. Career journeys don’t end the minute you get inside a company’s doors (or remote servers). And hard work alone won’t necessarily translate to guaranteed career progression. So what do you need to do to ensure your career path heads in the desired direction? Why do you need a career plan? Career paths aren’t magically generated gps outputs that determine the perfect roadmap to professional satisfaction and fulfillment. To achieve those things, you need a well thought out career plan. Career planning shouldn’t be limited to job seekers or those just entering the workforce. It can be a powerful tool at any stage of your career, and can facilitate: A clearly defined career plan empowers you to explore all possibilities and take action accordingly. Ama La Vida’s Career Planning Process Ama La Vida has created a career development process that utilizes a personalized approach for every career coaching client. The newly rolled out Blueprints™ function as a career planning process template and starting point for each coaching engagement. From there, coaches work together with their clients to tailor the blueprint to the client’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances. Ama La Vida offers two distinct blueprint options: The Career Transition Blueprint™ The above process helps clients uncover exactly what they want and create a strategy to attain it. The Career Growth Blueprint™ The above process aids clients with optimizing their current role and maximizing future possibilities. It’s not about one size fits all These Coaching Blueprints are far from a one-size-fits-all approach! Ama La Vida’s coaches take this process and personalize it to each client’s needs, timeline, and priorities. Whether you’re exploring new professional possibilities or navigating your existing career, next steps aren’t possible without a clear career vision. Step 1: Create your career vision Creating your career vision starts with self-exploration to identify what’s truly important to you. The first step in most coaching engagements is doing some deep values work. Your values are simply the things that are most important to you. Consider them your non-negotiables or your “North Stars.” When it comes to an ideal career, you’re most likely to find satisfaction and fulfillment if the work you’re doing (and who you’re doing it for) is in direct alignment with your most cherished values. Remember, your career needs to support your life, and what’s truly important to you, and not the other way around. In addition to focusing on what’s important to you, think about what interests you and where your strengths lie. Consider reflecting on the following: Exploring your values, career interests, and strengths will help you determine what it is you actually want. Step 2: Do your research Once you know what you want, it’s time to explore some jobs or industries that might help you get it. But where do you start? Free job boards can connect you with hundreds of open roles with minimal effort. Forbes recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Free Job Posting Sites of 2024. Use these sites to explore: Not sure where your skills and qualifications match up with what you’re looking to do? Do a deep dive on certification and training requirements for your desired position. Identify organizations that govern or oversee a particular industry or role to see what skill gaps you may need to close. If you’re looking to get more information on an industry, company, or specific role, consider seeking out informational interviews. Identify folks within and outside of your network who have experience in these spaces and ask them for 15 minutes of their time so that you can ask questions. Know someone who knows someone? Ask for an introduction! A half-opened door is even more likely to get you time on someone’s calendar. Part of the research and exploration process should include whether or not the possibilities you’ve uncovered are actually a good fit for you. It’s not just about what you can do, it’s about what you want to do. One way to do this is through career assessments and self-assessments. There are several assessments available in the marketplace that measure strengths, working styles and preferences, personality types, and more. Utilize these resources to suss out where you might excel or struggle, and where your talents and skills may be best suited. Be prepared for some deep introspection and perhaps even a reality check! You might be going into this research with a narrow vision of what’s tangible and attainable; keep an open mind and allow yourself to embrace your findings. Step 3: Set your career goals A big part of the career planning process involves setting clear and actionable goals for yourself. When coming up with your professional goals, consider the EPIC goals model: Some reflection questions to consider when setting career goals: Remember that your career goals are YOURS, and should be reflective of the things that you want to achieve and do not need to align with a “typical” trajectory within your career field. Step 4: Turn your career goals into a career action plan Now that you’ve established your career goals it’s time to take action! First, consider what career plan steps are necessary and which order makes the most sense for you. Thinking chronologically, a good first step might be to break things down by short-term goals and long-term goals. But, there are many ways to structure a career action plan. Planning a career change and need additional education or to learn new skills? Your first step might be to: Looking to change jobs but remain in your current industry or career field? Your first step might be to: Happy in your current role but

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What Are Your Professional Goals?

Career Discovery

05/20/24

Ama La Vida

What are your professional goals? It’s a question that can make even the most seasoned professionals pause. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your career, setting professional goals is crucial. It’s about more than just climbing the corporate ladder. It’s worth taking the time to figure out your professional goals. This process is the first step to making a career plan which will be vital for your career success and personal happiness. Professional goals give direction to your career. They help you make informed decisions about job opportunities and skill development. But how do you set these goals? And once you’ve set them, how do you achieve them? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig into how to set career goals that are meaningful, and also how to write them so you’re set up for success. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a mid-career professional, this guide is for you. Understanding Professional Goals Professional goals are objectives you set to guide your career path. They’re milestones you aim to reach in your professional journey. These goals can be as broad as aspiring to a certain job title, or as specific as mastering a new skill within a set timeframe. Professional goals are unique to each individual. They’re shaped by your interests, values, and career aspirations. But regardless of what your goals are, they all serve a common purpose. They provide a roadmap for your career. Here are some examples of professional goals: When to Set New Career Goals Sometimes it can be hard to admit that your goals may have changed. It doesn’t make you a quitter, and it won’t get better if you just ride it out.⁣ Here are 6 signs it may be time to revisit your goals: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Short-Term vs. Long-Term Career Goals Short-term and long-term career goals serve different purposes. But they’re both essential in your professional development. Long-term goals are your ultimate career aspirations. They’re what you aim to achieve in the long run, say in five, ten, or even twenty years. Short-term career goals are objectives you aim to achieve in the near future. This could be within the next few months or a couple of years. These goals are often stepping stones towards your long-term goals. As you’re considering your short-term career goals, it can be helpful to think about your long-term vision. Then consider what steps you can start now to help you along the path. Balancing short-term and long-term goals is key. It ensures you’re making progress while keeping your ultimate career objectives in sight. Still not sure what direction you want to take your career? Here is a great place to start when you don’t know what career you want. How to Identify Your Professional Goals Identifying your professional goals is a personal and introspective process. It requires self-reflection and a deep understanding of your career aspirations. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you explore your career goals: Your answers to these questions can provide valuable insights. They can help you identify your unique professional goals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Once you have an idea of your personal career goals, the next step is to write them down to give you even more clarity and direction. Research shows that people who take the time to write down their goals are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to achieve them. Here’s how to start. Writing Your Professional Goals Statement Not sure how to write career goals? You’re not alone. A professional goals statement is a powerful tool. It articulates your career objectives and the steps you plan to take to achieve them. Writing a goals statement requires clarity and precision. You need to clearly define your goals and how you plan to achieve them. Your goals statement should be specific and measurable. It should outline the steps you plan to take and the timeline for achieving your goals. It should also be realistic and achievable. Set goals that challenge you, but are within your capabilities. At Ama La Vida, we take SMART goals even further. We call them EPIC goals. These are goals that are elevating, practical, impactful and clear. Before you take the time to create SMART job goals, check them against the EPIC framework. At the end of the day, it’s not just enough for your goals to be achievable, as the SMART framework lays out. They should also be impactful and inspiring to you personally. Tips for Writing a Compelling Goals Statement Writing a compelling goals statement can be challenging. Here are some tips to guide you: First, be specific. Clearly define your goals and the steps you plan to take to achieve them. Avoid vague statements and generalizations. Second, be concise. Your goals statement should be brief and to the point. Avoid unnecessary jargon and complex language. Finally, be authentic. Your goals statement should reflect your unique career path and personal values. It should resonate with who you are and what you aspire to be. Setting Your Career Goals with the SMART Framework The SMART framework is a popular tool for setting career goals. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific goals are clear and well-defined. When you’re setting goals, make sure each one answers: What do I want to achieve? Why is it important? Who is involved? Where is it located? Measurable goals can be tracked and assessed. Answer, “How will I know when it is accomplished?” Achievable goals are realistic and within your capabilities. Ask yourself, “How can I accomplish this goal?” Relevant goals help you reach your bigger vision of success. Consider, ” How does this short-term career goal get me closer to my long-term goals?” Finally, time-bound goals have a deadline. Make sure you can answer, “When will I reach this goal?” Examples of

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Overcoming Career Stagnation: How to Choose A Career Path

Career Discovery

05/06/24

Lisa Allie

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the prospect of making a career decision? Have you ever felt afraid that the wrong choice might impact your immediate future, long-term happiness, financial stability, and overall lifestyle? If so, you’re not alone. These feelings are common symptoms of a condition known as career paralysis—a state of feeling stuck due to the fear of making the wrong move. Career paralysis affects individuals of all ages and professional backgrounds. However, by implementing a comprehensive, thoughtful, and strategic career plan, you can navigate the complexities of your career path with confidence and clarity. Shifting Priorities: Career Transitions Driven by Work-Life Balance Over Salary According to Clockify.com, the primary motivation when choosing a career is the desire for a better work-life balance, cited by 56% of respondents. This preference outweighs the pursuit of higher salaries, indicating a significant shift in professional priorities. Flexjob surveyed more than 4600 workers and found compelling career-changing statistics. Professionals who are in the later stages of their careers are leaning into a reevaluation, with 19% considering a career change as a “second act” as they approach retirement. This trend reflects a desire for continued personal growth and contribution beyond traditional retirement age. A notable portion of respondents (17%) expressed a desire to pursue their passions or hobbies when they choose a career for the next season of their lives. This highlights the increasing importance of aligning one’s professional life with personal interests and values. These statistics reflect the need for professionals at all stages of their careers to consider new opportunities, continue learning and growing, and be willing to adapt to evolving circumstances. Career Planning: Laying the Foundation Choosing a career in a different industry or company does not have to be a one-time event; rather, it should be an ongoing process that evolves throughout your professional life. The first step when it’s time to choose a career is self-reflection and introspection—understanding your interests, values, personality traits, and long-term goals. Take the time to assess your strengths, weaknesses, and the skills you possess or wish to acquire. The goal here is to ensure your next job is a good fit and somewhere you will enjoy working, not just a stable job or paycheck. To dig deeper into career planning, read all about it here. Developing a Career Action Plan: Mapping Your Journey Crafting a strategic career action plan is similar to charting a course toward your professional aspirations. It effectively navigates the complex landscape of the job market. It demands meticulous planning and a keen understanding of your goals, strengths, and areas for growth. One of the initial steps in this process involves conducting a thorough self-assessment to identify your skills, interests, values, and what success means to you. Career coaches can create a personalized approach to help you identify your goals and aspirations, and support you as you create an action plan. This introspective exercise serves as the foundation for your career path, enabling you to align your aspirations with actionable steps. Conducting Research: Gaining Insights The next step is to seek out new career ideas. Take the time to explore various industries and job titles. You never know what you may discover as you cast a broad net. As you conduct research, consider data from labor statistics, and informational interviews. You can also find resources provided by career coaches, recruiters, Workforce Development Offices, college alumni job centers, and even AI tools like Perplexity.ai, Chat GPT, and Gemini. Do not shy away from asking friends and family members for ideas as well. Gain insights into different industries, companies, and work environments to determine where you might thrive. Use your research to write a short list of ideas you would like to explore further. Leveraging Soft Skills and Personality Fit Recognize the importance of soft skills—such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—in today’s workplace. Ensure that your chosen career path aligns with your personality traits and allows you to leverage your strengths effectively. Consider taking personality and career tests like the 123 Career Aptitude Test, My Next Move Interest Profiler or Career One Stop Skills Matcher to gain further insight into your aptitudes and preferences. Elevating Your Career Strategy: Beyond Practical Steps to Personal Growth Career fulfillment plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s personal growth and overall happiness. A positive career choice often intertwines with one’s sense of purpose, self-worth, and satisfaction in life. Engaging in work that aligns with identified passions, interests, and values serves as a driving force, motivating one to strive for excellence and personal growth continually. Unlocking Life’s Potential: The Power of the Passion Principle According to research cited in the Harvard Business Review, over 70% of college-educated individuals prioritize passion-related factors when making career decisions, with nearly two-thirds valuing passion above considerations such as salary and job security. The principle of passion has become a significant factor, leading many workers to engage in the phenomenon known as the Great Resignation. Compared to those with stable employment, individuals who faced job instability during the pandemic showed an even greater inclination toward pursuing their passions. Pandemic Spurs Pursuit of Passion: Flexible Job Market and Existential Urgency Drive Workers Towards Meaningful Careers The combination of a more flexible job market and a heightened sense of existential urgency, prompted by the uncertainties of the pandemic, has made the pursuit of passion seem both more rational and more feasible for a considerable number of workers. The principle of passion encourages us to live authentically and pursue a meaningful career, thus leading to a more enriching, purposeful life. Exploring Career Options: Broadening Horizons Stay informed about the current job market trends in growing, stagnating, or declining industries. You can do this by looking at current job openings and researching industry data. Also, be sure to consider your own short-term goals—like acquiring specific training or education—and your long-term aspirations, like professional advancement and financial stability. Making Informed Decisions: Weighing the Options Ultimately, you need to evaluate professional options based on your own

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Don’t Know What Career You Want? Start Here.

Career Discovery

04/15/24

Amy Yandell

Can you relate? You’re right out of high school or college, you’ve got the whole world ahead of you, you’re daydreaming about your new career and feel like you have a myriad of career choices in front of you. It feels all lined up, everything is in place, there’s a plan. And then life happens and time passes, and you wake up one day and you find yourself saying “How did I get here?” and “I don’t know what career I want anymore.” Maybe life got so busy, you forgot to pay attention to what you needed, what your interests were, or what you were passionate about. Or maybe yet, you’ve only been out of college for a few years now and the promises of career clarity from your degree program – or the lack of it – have you wondering what you want to do with the rest of your life. Maybe you feel like you don’t know how to get the job you want or what that job even is. Ask yourself these questions to uncover what career you might want Before jumping into a complex job market without clarity around what it is you’re actually looking for, spend some time seeking the answers to these questions. Don’t let the external job market dictate your career path or decisions about what the right career is for you. Instead, conduct internal investigations first: revealing your vision, clarifying your interests, articulating your strengths, filling in any gaps, and deciding what the best fit is for you. For more specifics on a step-by-step guide to asking these important questions, check out Coach Brooke’s breakdown of Ama La Vida’s career transition process. What does my “dream job” look like? Spoiler: there’s no such thing as a “dream job.” Well, at least in the sense you might be thinking about it. Your dream career is the career you decide is the right fit for you that contributes to the overall life you are building and growing. Ask yourself: what are the practical things I need this career to provide? So, instead of starting with “what is the name of the career/job that I need to target,” know what you want out of the practical pieces of your career and get clear about how you need work to function in your life. What industry or industries interest me? Now that you have an understanding of how you want your career to fuel your life, it’s time to focus on what industries or companies have paths that fit. These days, there seem to be as many career options as there are people, so having a focus is key to making progress. Start a list! Whether you’re jotting it down on paper, keeping it in a spreadsheet, or using a job search platform to track, keep a list and look for patterns around what keeps coming up for you. What type of work suits my interests, skills and personality? The sweet spot of a fulfilling career for many people is at the intersection of passions, values, and strengths. Picture it as a Venn diagram of overlapping circles and we’re all aiming for that one little section that overlaps them all. A key point is that clarity around these 3 areas is effective in narrowing down the seemingly limitless possibilities of career choices. Pro tip: Some of us, in different seasons of our lives, don’t necessarily want to fulfill our passions inside our careers. Don’t feel like your work has to be the one and only answer to serving your passions, values, and strengths. Instead, understand these things about yourself. Naming them clearly will help you know how you need work to contribute to them! Research different career paths Now that you’ve focused your inquiry internally, it’s time to turn outward to see what’s out there. You’ll want to explore general information about career paths as well as specific jobs being advertised. You’ll begin to figure out what is a strong match for your needs, your interests, and your path as you continue to investigate. You can engage with O*NET Online, a robust database about all occupations from the Department of Labor. This allows you to understand in-demand careers, requirements for different paths, info on salaries, and growth opportunities for thousands of potential careers. Read different job descriptions Once you have an understanding of what paths could be a good fit, start job researching by looking at ads to see what’s out there. What company keeps catching your eye? What position(s) meet your needs and interests? Keep a list of phrases, keywords, requirements, etc. that you see that matches what you learned about yourself. Soon, you’ll start to piece together an understanding of what’s out there, what employers are looking for, and where your next step might lie. Note: This process of researching is different from searching for jobs. You are not reading every job description you see and scrutinizing it as a potential fit. You are researching what’s out there. Suspend that urge to rule things in or out based on how you feel about your qualifications and ability. Take in information, keep track of what you learn, and then look for patterns. Volunteer Now that you’ve investigated online, it’s time to turn to real-world, people-focused investigation. The best and most informative kind! Volunteering helps you build new skills, gain experience, and understand new worlds of work and impact, and can clue you in on new potential paths and opportunities. Beyond hands-on experience that you can leverage in a new way, you will meet new people in spaces new to you. You can learn from like-minded AND differently-minded people to better understand what a great fit can be for your career path. Consider either using a strength you have to help in an industry new to you OR building a new strength in a familiar industry or initiative. Opportunities abound to volunteer locally and remotely (for example, platforms like Catch a Fire provides skill-based matching

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Building Networking Skills for a Successful Career

Career Enrichment

04/08/24

Peter Schuerman

Does the idea of working to develop strong networking skills make you feel uncomfortable? Many people react to the idea of going to a networking event with as much enthusiasm as taking a test – a test that they don’t know how to study for. And when you approach networking as if you’re a product that you’re trying to sell, it often leads to that cringe-y feeling of being a shameless self-promoter or a schmoozer. Regardless of how you might feel about it, professional networking provides the opportunity to make authentic connections with people. And if those connections are good ones, they lead to business opportunities and shared success. What if, instead of going to networking events with the intent to sell, you went to them with the intent to create connections that are based on mutual understanding and assistance? An authentic approach to networking This article isn’t about tricky techniques for building professional connections to shamelessly assist your job search or to weasel your way into relationships with companies you want as customers. Yes, networking skills will help you reach your professional goals, but this goes far beyond that. In this article, I’m going to challenge the way you think about professional networking so you can not just meet new contacts, but also build your confidence in networking situations, share your expertise, grow industry knowledge, and maybe even make some new friends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Career, Life & Leadership Coaching (@alvcoaching) What are networking skills? Networking skills are communication skills, like being able to speak clearly and succinctly, being good at active listening, using and reading body language and facial expressions, and even navigating and making the most of social media. But if you don’t know what the purpose of networking is, no amount of skill-building will help you get the most out of it. Networking is, quite simply, the art of creating mutual understanding that enables the creation of mutual benefit. A complete list of networking skills includes knowing the logic behind what to ask and what to share. How to improve your ability to network Sometimes people measure their networking by how many business cards they collect or give away at local events. But if you don’t understand what’s important to the people you’re trading cards with, and if you don’t help other people understand what is important to you, you’re not really networking. Networking is simple to learn but takes practice to master. The first step is to know what the “mission” of networking is. There are three things at a minimum that you want to discover in any networking opportunity – and you want them to discover these things about you, too. 3 things to focus on when you meet people: It’s all about creating mutual understanding and finding shared interests. If you can answer these three questions about someone after talking to them, you know that you are doing well. And if the other person knows these things about you, then you’re on your way to mastery. The foundation of building and maintaining relationships Let’s say you’re networking and you meet someone who is, say, a manager for a local bank. As you make small talk you learn: After hearing this, you might think: “I know someone who does corporate training – maybe I could connect them.” Or maybe you do corporate training, and it’s an opportunity for you. Or maybe you have some advice and thoughts you could share from your unique perspective. No matter what comes to mind, it will be better and more relevant to the other person if you’ve taken the time to understand them first. By first understanding someone and only then trying to help them, you demonstrate your willingness to be of service – which makes a great impression and can be the beginning of a great relationship. What are your personal networking goals? When you network, you’re working to achieve mutual understanding and mutual benefit. You can prepare ahead of time by asking yourself: You might have more than one thing you’re trying to do, but for each thing you are trying to do (#1, above), be ready to talk about its corresponding #2 and #3. And when you talk about these things, be clear and concise. An elevator pitch is approximately 30 seconds to two-and-a-half minutes. Ideally, have a 30-second version, and longer versions if people show more interest. Develop authentic connections When you think of networking as a way to “sell” people on who you are, you miss the opportunity to make an authentic connection. You might hesitate to share what you’re grappling with and what you are looking for. Being vulnerable isn’t part of a typical sales pitch. But networking isn’t selling. It’s connecting. By sharing what you do, as well as your obstacles and aspirations, you give people the opportunity to trust you, understand you, and even to give you assistance, advice or introductions. If you like to help people, don’t forget to be generous and give other people the chance to help you! After all, if you like to help others, don’t you think they might like to help you? The Benjamin Franklin Effect When someone does a favor for another person, they are more likely to feel positively towards the person they helped. Benjamin Franklin once identified a rival legislator who he wanted to win over. Franklin asked if he could borrow a rare book from the legislator’s library. The legislator was flattered and sent the book immediately. Franklin returned it one week later with a thank-you note. The surprising outcome was that this simple request for a favor led to a significant shift in their relationship. They became friends from that point forward. Franklin concluded that the man, having done him a favor, convinced himself that he must like Franklin after all, because why else would he have done him a favor in the first place? By giving someone

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PIVOT! 10 Steps to Making a Career Change

Career Enrichment

04/01/24

Brooke McCord

Let’s face it, changing careers can be scary! But did you know that the average person spends 90,000 hours at a job? If you’ve been unhappy at work, sticking it out won’t get you a medal. Instead it can lead to frustration and burnout. Changing careers can be scary or overwhelming, especially if you’ve been in your current job for a long time, but we’re here to give you a concrete action plan to help you get started. Let’s dig into how to change to a career that makes those 90,000 hours go by a little smoother. How did we get here? Have you been thinking “I need a new career!” but feel stuck? You’re in good company—Oracle did a study that found that 75% of people feel stuck in their current job. There could be several reasons for feeling stuck. Maybe someone talked you into pursuing the career path you’re currently on. Maybe you were enticed because it was prestigious. Maybe you were already on the path and didn’t realize that you didn’t want it until it was “too late. Maybe the problem is just your current situation with a bad boss or bad culture. Maybe it’s just the wrong fit. There could be a myriad of reasons for this, but let’s face it, you need a change. Our career transition process Ama La Vida helps those who are looking for a career change from their current job. They have amazing coaches across numerous industries who will walk with their clients to help them determine their next career move. And it doesn’t hurt that they break it down into 10 easy steps to help their clients with this process that could feel daunting alone. 10 steps to make a career change Starting a career transition can feel like a really big change. This article will give you an overview of The Ama La Vida Career Method process, which walks you through 10 steps in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Our process starts with you as the foundation to determine where to look, and then sees what careers lineup with you. Then we’ll walk you through specific steps to land a new role that aligns with who you are. We also have a team of career coaches who can help by coaching, providing resources, and creating action plans that move you toward your new career path. Ready? Let’s go! Step 1: Passions and gifts Let’s start easy: what do you like and what are you good at? The first step to determining your next career is identifying your passions and your gifts. Explore your passions When you think about your passion, think about what lights you up at work? Where do you lose track of time? What are you interested in doing or learning more about? These are your work passions that bring you energy. Identify your gifts When you think about your gifts, think about what comes naturally to you? What do others compliment you on? Where does your expertise shine? These are your gifts and skills that you bring to the table. Don’t rush this self-assessment – these are the things that you will likely want in your next role. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Career, Life & Leadership Coaching (@alvcoaching) Step 2: Values and purpose The next steps of this self-discovery portion are determining what your values are and what your purpose is. Define your values When you think about your values, think about the pillars that you need – if one of these pillars was missing, the house would not stand. You can usually determine what a value is by how you react when that value is violated. For this one, what are the areas of your life that are vital to your happiness or key to your view of the world? This might be family, endurance, loyalty, or grace. Name your purpose A purpose can feel like a very lofty thing, but let’s break it down. Ask yourself, what problem would you like to solve at work? What kind of impact do you enjoy making? What brings you that feeling of success? Use these answers as your starting point to determine what impact you’d like to make in your next role (your work purpose). Step 3: Explore and understand your options Once you’ve laid your foundation that is based on YOU, then you begin to explore your options in finding a new career. Brainstorm career options Start out by making a list of potential jobs. Go through each of the previous categories of personal traits you listed in steps 1 and 2, and write down every possible idea related to each of these. Keep an open mind and come up with a list of potential options – this is where we cast a wide net. Don’t forget to ask others for ideas and advice. Be sure to get input from those who know you best. Ask them what roles they think you’d be good at and why. When making this list, you can even think of roles you’ve previously worked to gather more ideas of what you want. Once you have that long list, you’ll want to narrow it down. Bring in your gifts, passions, values, and purpose to determine what is a good fit and what isn’t. Remember, you want to find a job that’s a good fit for YOU, not the other way around. Once you’ve created your list, you’ll want to understand the roles on your list. You should be able to answer what a day in the life is actually like and what the daily tasks and responsibilities are. You can do this by doing your research to learn the ins and outs of these jobs, asking for information interviews, etc. You’ll also want to fully understand the requirements. What training is required? Will you need to learn a new technology or obtain additional education? Will you have to go back

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Mastering the Art of Effective Networking

Achieving Goals

02/19/24

Amy Yandell

The old adage of “it’s all about who you know” was thrown out the window a while ago. Now, it’s all about “who you can GET to know,” which means you have control over opening up doors for yourself. Work trends right now are telling us people are yearning for connection and real human interaction. In fact, according to SHRM, “about 8 out of 10 employees (82 percent) say they have felt lonely at work.” As work-from-home continues to remain a trend, it is increasingly important to seek out ways to authentically build relationships with others. This isn’t just professional networking tips and tricks, but a holistic approach for how to change your thinking so you can get better at networking. We’ll talk not only about how to network better, with tips for beginners, but also how you can take your professional networking to the next level. Don’t worry if you currently hate networking. In this article we’ll share not just how to network effectively, but also some important mindset adjustments you can make to both enjoy the process more and also find a more effective way to go about it. Why Is networking important? Networking is essential to meeting new people who have what you want or are in the spaces you want to be in. It’s also critical to develop not only your connections to other professionals but also enhance your own learning and knowledge base. Advance your career Valuable connections are more effective than any other technique or practice to move closer to your own professional success, gain clarity on your career path, and land the job you desire. It’s also one of the best ways to access the “hidden job market” and learn about job leads and new opportunities that may not be posted publicly. The fact is, an ongoing approach to networking can have a meaningful impact on your long-term career growth. Advance your knowledge Networking isn’t just about connecting with others to get a leg up on a new job. Networking is very much about: Searching the internet will only get you so far in understanding trends in certain industries. Staying up to date requires you speak to real people doing the real work you’re interested in learning about. This helps you determine what skills you could grow and plug into to reach your career goals. Learning how to network successfully can grow your connections to other professionals, your knowledge of the job market, your industry of interest, and what trends are going to help you get where you ultimately want to go. Why does networking get a bad rap? Most people have an initial “ick” response when networking is suggested to help advance their career, and some people flat out hate the idea of networking. We get it! Of course, if your vision of networking is walking into a crowded event full of people in suits handing out business cards and making cringy small talk, it’s understandable why you aren’t interested in that. Let’s turn to how you can learn to network effectively in ways that match your values and authentic self that feels less that about personal gain only and more about building true connections with others. How to network effectively When we look for ways to expand our network, we want to focus on building relationships, not just through formal networking events, and incorporate some networking advice into our daily lives, regardless of whether we’re on the job market or not. These are muscles and skills you can develop over time!  Here are some tips on how to network step-by-step: Change your mindset The first step in taking a new approach to networking is to change your mindset. Instead of networking representing a focus on a one-sided agenda to drive your personal gain only, try shifting your thinking to these three simple truths about networking that are adopted by the most effective networkers: Start at work One of the best ways to meet people is to begin with those closest to you professionally: your work colleagues. Not sure where to start? Here are our tips: Learn the business First, focus on learning about the landscape of roles and jobs at your company who spend all their time, or at least some of their time, doing work that you want to learn more about. Because you have a shared work place, it will be easier to meet people, connect, and further build relationships. Leverage Slack, Teams, and other group-chat tools Second, use your shared internal communication channels to reach out to initiate conversations and get to know your colleagues. An introductory ask might look as simple as a Teams message to a colleague you’d like to get to know that says, “I noticed that our work intersects quite a bit and I’d like to learn more about the full scope of what you do and who you partner with across our company. Do you have time for a Zoom coffee so I can learn more about your work?” Stay open-minded Third, you never know when just the right person will pop up in your time at work and you suddenly have the opportunity to connect, learn something new, and share about your own professional goals and accomplishments. Be on the lookout for opportunities so you don’t miss the chance to connect with someone new! Attend industry events Attending events is one of the most traditional ways we think about networking, and industry events do serve as great ways to meet people. Industry events, whether in your current industry or a new industry of interest, provide a similar situation to meet people as at work because you already have something in common with the people there. Think outside of the box when it comes to finding industry events for meeting new people (including potential clients) and making new connections. In addition to traditional industry networking events, seek out opportunities to attend online learning events, workshops, listening sessions, new product launch events, focus

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How to Map a Clear Career Plan

Achieving Goals

02/05/24

Natalia Tamburini

Creating a fulfilling career requires more than just a day-to-day approach. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the practical aspects of crafting a clear career plan. By envisioning where you want to be in five years and establishing long-term goals, career planning becomes a tool that directs your path to professional fulfillment. What is a career plan? A career plan is a strategic roadmap that guides your professional journey from aspirations to reality. Think of it as a practical approach to understanding yourself and the opportunities around you. Why do I need a career plan? As we delve into this exploration, two key reasons emerge, shedding light on the significance of thoughtful career planning. From navigating the complexities of making decisions to the pursuit of the most aligned job, the answers lie in creating a life that resonates with our unique definition of success and strategically setting ourselves up for long-term career goals. Create a job that aligns with your definition of success If you’re going to spend ⅓ of your life doing something, you might as well make it something you’re interested in! Investing time and effort into a career plan helps you to consciously mold a career that aligns with your own personal definition of success. This involves a deep dive into your values and interests, ensuring that the choices you make are driven by genuine passion rather than external expectations. Your career plan is about being actively interested in what motivates you, and crucially, not solely relying on well-meaning advice from family members or friends. To craft a fulfilling career, you must chart a course based on your unique compass, steering clear of external pressures and embracing a path that authentically represents your aspirations. Set yourself up for long-term career goals Most people only think about career planning when they’re already actively looking for a new job, yet it is having a strong strategic foundation that offers you long-term success. Whether defining a specific career path, contemplating further education through graduate school, or deciding the next course of action, a well-thought-out plan is indispensable. By deciding thoughtfully today, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling professional future. When to start the career planning process It’s never too late When it comes to intentional career development, the notion that it’s never too late to start exploring is a liberating idea. Career planning is not a rigid framework; instead, it’s an adaptable concept that accommodates individuals at any juncture of their professional lives. Whether you find yourself contemplating a change in career field or transitioning into a new phase of your career altogether, the key is to begin the process of exploration. By exploring career options, you open yourself to a myriad of possibilities and ideas, which can give you a sense of empowerment and control over your career trajectory. It’s about acknowledging that the journey is ongoing, and every moment presents an opportunity to initiate change and set a new course towards a more fulfilling professional life. It’s never too early On the flip side, recognizing that it’s never too early to begin the career planning process is crucial, especially for those stepping into the workforce or considering entry-level positions. Starting to formulate and complete initial career plans at this stage is a proactive move. While the early phase of a career might seem like an exploration in itself, having a clear vision and pursuing defined goals can significantly impact long-term success. By initiating your career planning early on, students and entry-level workers can proactively shape their career paths, ensuring that each step aligns with their aspirations. Whether you’re pursuing a specific career field or actively pursuing opportunities, the key is to begin developing a career plan, laying the foundation for a resilient and purpose-driven professional journey. One example would be strategically planning your extracurricular activities or choosing a focus for the courses you take in school. If you already have an idea of the position or jobs you’re targeting, it can help you achieve your goals much faster. The career planning process While there are various ways to approach creating a career plan, a structured method provides a solid foundation to begin the process. Step 1: Set career goals Embarking on your career planning journey begins with a critical first step: setting clear and meaningful career goals. Here are a few reflection questions you can use to develop some clear career planning goals: Setting these career goals not only establishes a roadmap for your immediate actions but also lays the foundation for a purpose-driven and fulfilling long-term path. By answering these reflection questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of your aspirations and set goals that resonate with your values, interests, and ambitions. Step 2: Do some research Now that you have a clearer vision, it’s time to delve into the realm of research for some career exploration. There are many ways you can start researching what opportunities might be a good fit for you based on your goals, but here are a few of our favorites: Online resources and websites: There are so many wonderful resources online to help you easily understand what different career paths can involve. Networking and informational interviews: Once you’ve narrowed down some of your career options that interest you, you can dig a little deeper by talking to people with more experience in those roles or companies to help you decide which ones you’d like to pursue. Educational and training programs: Not all careers require additional education, but developing new skills can be a wonderful way to expand your career options and even improve your personal fulfillment at work. Remember, the key is to gather a diverse range of information from multiple sources. This will enable you to make well-informed decisions about your career path, aligning your skills and interests with the demands of the job market. Step 3: Work backward Once you have some goals and ideas running around in your head, you may start

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Professional Development Ideas For Every Budget

Achieving Goals

11/13/23

Ama La Vida

As you think about your personal and professional growth, you need to think about how to invest time and funding into your career development. There’s a misconception that professional development tools or resources require a hefty budget, and it can keep many people from taking advantage of the incredible benefits they offer. In this post, we’ll explore how you can support your own career goals, no matter your budget. Let’s talk about professional development funding Before we go too far into options and costs, we would be remiss if we didn’t let you in on a secret: most companies have budget line items set aside for professional development for their employees. While investing in your personal and professional growth can pay dividends for years to come in your career, it’s even better if you can get your company to pay for it! What is a professional development stipend? Essentially, a professional development stipend is funding the company has set aside to invest in developing its existing employee base. Each organization might call it something different—learning and development stipend, professional development budget, education stipend, learning stipend, perk stipend—the list goes on, but the key trait is that this budget line item is specifically intended to help their existing employees grow their skills, learn new things, and stay ahead of trends. Why do companies offer learning and development stipends? They offer these education stipends for all kinds of reasons. But here are just a few: Employee productivity Simply put, as the current staff fill skill gaps, they’re able to be more effective in their current roles. This budget is straight investment into their company growth. Rather than investing in additional headcount, services or technology, learning and development stipends are designed to improve employee performance. Employee retention and recruiting capabilities Companies recognize the immense value of investing in employee development as a strategic initiative. Employee development is not just about honing skills; it’s about nurturing lifelong learners and fostering a culture of growth within the organization. By offering learning stipends and other education-focused employee perks, companies demonstrate their commitment to supporting the potential career growth of their workforce. This investment pays off in multiple ways, enhancing employee retention and bolstering recruiting capabilities by attracting top talent seeking opportunities for both personal and professional development. Employee morale Closely related to employee retention is employee morale. A crucial aspect of creating a happy workforce lies in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees who are provided opportunities for both professional and personal development tend to experience higher job satisfaction and are more likely to stay committed to their career goals within the organization. Offering a professional development stipend or covering professional development expenses communicates a powerful message – that the company values its employees’ growth and is invested in continually expanding their skill sets. How does a professional development budget work? Most companies have a specific process for requesting a professional development budget, so you absolutely should ask your HR representative or boss. These processes often involve submitting a proposal outlining the intended learning or development activity, along with an estimated budget. Once approved, employees can utilize the stipend for a variety of purposes related to professional growth, such as attending workshops, enrolling in courses, purchasing learning materials, or even hiring a career coach. The organization may have guidelines specifying eligible expenses and the maximum amount that can be claimed. After utilizing the stipend for their chosen development activities, employees often provide documentation of their expenditures and proof of participation or completion of the intended development initiative. This documentation is typically submitted to the appropriate department or individual for review and reimbursement. By implementing a structured process for the utilization of professional development stipends, companies ensure that employees make meaningful investments in their growth while aligning with the organization’s objectives and budget allocations. This approach nurtures a learning-centric environment and encourages a proactive approach to career advancement. Top professional development resources Let’s get into some of our favorite ways we’ve seen employees spend available funding from their company’s education stipend or professional development. Here are a few ideas on how to spend professional development funds. 1. Career coaching Yes, we’re a bit biased, but when it comes to enhancing your professional journey, investing in a career, leadership or executive coach can be a game-changer. Career coaching provides personalized, one-on-one support tailored to your unique ambitions and circumstances. A skilled coach helps you identify your specific goals, align them with both your personal aspirations and your organization’s objectives. Once you’ve set your goals, career coaches act as a guide, supporting you in creating a well-defined plan to achieve your goals. They provide insights, strategies, and feedback, ensuring your plan is practical and effective. Importantly, they help you stay accountable, pushing you to persist even when faced with setbacks. One of the key aspects of career coaching is its ability to focus on soft skills like building communication skills. These skills are often underestimated but play a critical role in future success. Investing in a career or leadership coach is an investment in your personal growth and, ultimately, your career success. It’s a proactive step toward realizing your potential and making a meaningful impact in your professional sphere. If you’re seeking to elevate your career trajectory and develop essential skills, engaging with a career coach is a choice worth considering, whether you’re investing for your own personal development or tapping into a professional development budget. Investment Different coaching programs can range from a few hundred dollars a month to tens-of-thousands for some of the most elite executive coaches. Ama La Vida is committed to democratizing coaching and making it available to a broader community. We couple one-on-one coaching with our unique eCoaching technology to provide reliable results and personalized support to employees beyond just the C-suite. There are so many factors to consider as you choose a coach. Here’s a helpful roundup if you’re thinking of hiring a coach, or you can book a

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What is eCoaching and How Does It Work?

Career Discovery

06/12/23

Ama La Vida

Working with a coach can massively transform your personal and professional life, and offers a personalized approach to professional development that can help individuals achieve their full potential. Through communication and feedback, coaches can guide clients to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their goals. This process can lead to increased confidence, productivity, and performance, benefiting not only the individual but also their teams and organizations. The coaching relationship is a collaborative effort where coaches provide guidance, support, and tools to help clients set and achieve their goals. By working with a coach, individuals have access to a professional who can help them develop their skills and provide valuable insights that can positively impact their personal and professional life. While working with a coach can offer many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks in a coaching relationship. For example, coaching can be expensive, which may make it inaccessible to some individuals or organizations. Beyond all this, coaching can be very dependent on the coach themself. Every coach and coaching program brings its own process and approach, which can make it difficult to measure consistent results. Another hurdle is the difficulty in maintaining progress between sessions, since this part requires personal commitment and consistent effort. Without proper dedication, it can be challenging to maximize the impact of coaching sessions. Despite these potential drawbacks, many individuals and organizations have found coaching to be a valuable tool for personal and professional development. Enter: eCoaching. Why we built an eCoaching platform In our mid 20’s, before we founded Ama La Vida, we were worn out management consultants who knew we were in careers that we wanted out of. We had done all the “right” things: got phenomenal grades in college, landed highly sought-after jobs and quickly moved through the ranks of our respective organizations. On paper, things looked great. But in our hearts and minds, we knew we needed and wanted more, for ourselves, our careers and how we spend the vast majority of our waking hours. We were both coincidentally introduced to coaching, where it promptly changed our lives. As we transitioned out of our consulting roles and into our new passion-filled startup adventure, we noticed many of our peers feeling exactly the same as we had felt – stuck, without hope, and unsure of how to get out and giving in to the notion that work isn’t something you are meant to enjoy. We knew we needed to democratize coaching and make it more appealing and accessible for all who need it. Through coaching, we could activate people to move toward healthier and more fulfilling workplaces. When we started our coaching journey, we quickly realized that there were many people who were stuck and unsure of how to get out of their current situations. We knew that coaching could help, but it was often too expensive and inaccessible for many individuals and organizations. That’s why we built our eCoaching platform. We wanted to create a solution that was more affordable, flexible, and scalable, without sacrificing the benefits of traditional coaching. Our eCoaching platform is powered by trained and certified coaches who have developed evidence-based methodologies that are rooted in adult learning, positive psychology, and neuroscience. This means that our clients have access to a framework that is repeatable and provides consistent results. Our platform uses reflective questions and thought-provoking ideas to help clients gain insight for themselves, rather than just providing a series of training videos. With our eCoaching platform, clients have access to professional coaching tools which can provide guidance, support, and insights to help them set and achieve their goals. They can embark on a self-reflective journey and reach their own insights, feeling completely in control of their ideas and solutions. Our platform is an online platform that mimics the experience of working with a live, human coach. It’s composed of predominantly coaching-based questions and is also enhanced with coaching videos, insights, activities, tips, resources, and challenges. Our eCoaching platform is the perfect solution for those looking to benefit from the power of coaching sessions without breaking the bank. What is eCoaching? Let us be clear: our eCoaching is not distance coaching. Distance coaching implies that you’re meeting 1:1 with a live, human coach virtually or remotely. While our coaching memberships do include 1:1 virtual coaching sessions, that’s not what we’re talking about here! Intead, eCoaching is an online platform that mimics the experience of working with a live, human coach. This innovative technology-based solution was developed by Ama La Vida’s trained and certified coaches. We used the principles, models and methodologies developed by the International Coaching Federation and those applied in our everyday, live sessions with our clients. How does eCoaching work? Our eCoaching tools are composed of predominantly coaching-based questions. This is what’s called a “coaching approach” and it’s designed to help you explore and unravel your thoughts, feelings, desires, actions, goals, and what’s been impeding your progress. This question-based coaching approach empowers the user to embark on a self-reflective journey. You reach their own insights and feel completely in control of their ideas and solutions. The program is also enhanced with coaching videos, insights, activities, tips, resources, and challenges. These extra tools give you a fresh perspective and new ways of thinking to ensure you continue making progress. The platform and its programs were developed using evidence-based coaching models and methodologies. They are rooted in adult learning, positive psychology, and neuroscience. Let’s dive into these a little deeper. Positive Psychology The eCoaching process focuses not on what was or what is, but instead on what could be.  In every eCoaching module, individuals are prompted to understand obstacles, develop solutions and commit to new ways that they can apply these solutions to increase their fulfillment and performance.  The focus is on extracting potential for the future, not only identifying potential, but also devising application-based strategies to reach it. eCoaching also helps individuals to transform negative thinking habits and reappraise ‘problems’ to identify solutions. The individual is

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10 Must-Ask Questions for a Fulfilling Career Journey

Career Discovery

03/13/23

Amy Yandell

Have you been feeling stuck or that you don’t have any prospects to advance in your career? Maybe you’ve been trying to figure out how to request the raise that’s years past due? Perhaps you’re overwhelmed by the deluge of titles, companies, paths, job boards, and certifications out there? Or are you feeling like you hustle and grind the best way you know how but it’s just not getting you the results you want? Take a deep breath. Press pause and suspend the dizzying pace of hustling, proving yourself, and grinding for a minute. Let the world keep spinning around you. It’ll be there when you press “play” again. For now, breathe and open that wondering and wandering part of your brain where amazing ideas come from to consider a different approach. Spoiler alert: That certainty and clarity you seek for your next career decision? It’s not wandering around out there on your dot.com machine. It’s been right there inside you all along. The Magic of Questions 2023 already has me asking myself BIG questions about life, work, purpose, and the world. If you’ve spent any time with me, you’ll know I’m a question-asker. I was always that kid who raised their hand in class to ask a question and was politely told through clenched teeth “Ok, Amy. You’ve asked your 3 questions for the day. Let someone else have a turn.” Asking questions, though, is an extraordinary way to grow and that’s what I LOVE about coaching; the whole profession is based on asking powerful questions! Questions open opportunities to think beyond our usual scope of understanding. Questions don’t tell us what’s wrong or right. Questions give us permission to think without limitations and can spark ideas we’ve never considered. Clarity is the Goal Thinking about career advancement is overwhelming. It seems like we simultaneously have no options and are unprepared and/or inexperienced to do anything differently; AND, there are way too many options and paths and we don’t even know where to begin. Clarity is about what you need, what you actually want, and where to access info and connections that lead to growth. Clarity makes this process manageable and life-giving. Gaining clarity lets you set boundaries around your exploration into next steps. Seeking this information from within will set you up to hold your own needs and wants up in relation to opportunities you discover or that are presented to you. Sort of like a litmus test for weighing your options. Grounding yourself in a foundation of your values, skills, and interests enables you to center your own goals and your own version of what development and advancement mean. Ask Questions Internally First When we’re facing a possibly pivotal moment in our lives, our tendency is to look outward for the answer to questions, especially when it comes to work. We query job boards with an infinite combination of words and phrases, we read about different companies’ cultures and how they treat their employees, or we watch videos of other people demanding raises. These are, certainly, part of the journey. But when we don’t have a strong foundation and articulation of our values, skills, and interests, it just turns into a free-for-all of scrolling and wandering around online, losing hours going down rabbit holes, and looking up 3 hours later with nothing to show except confusion and a little disappointment in ourselves that we lost that time with no results. We can get hypnotized by claims of the “right” way of asking for a promotion, the “trusted” path to director-level, the “sure-fire” way to hack a career transition. Something about all that doesn’t quite feel “right” for our specific situation, but hey, what do we know about all this? Here’s the key: You are the expert in your life. If we don’t have clarity about ourselves, our own goals, what drives US the most, how can we look externally and expect to “figure it out?” Getting clear on yourself first means that, when you do face the world of work to find answers about next steps, you have your own language, standards, values, and clarity to shape your questions and decision-making. You are unique, so one-size-fits-all is never going to work. Answering the questions below often unlocks access to agency you didn’t know you had, confidence to state your needs, and comfort and clarity to go after what matters to you. 10 Questions to Own Your Career Development For you to get the most out of this questioning process, it helps to suspend any expectations of yourself, any norms of “this is just how things are,” or any perceived limitations of “it’s always been done this way.” Go deep. Get in there. Rustle around. If an idea is sparked, write it down. If you can’t face it now, save it for later. This process is yours. You get to define work, success, and advancement for yourself Examples: financial reward/security; drive my passions; provide an income so I can live my full life outside of work; stellar and comprehensive benefits; make a difference Examples: accomplishments; promotion/raise; learning new skills; overseeing people; a specific job title; focus on relationships; focus on strategy vs. details; less responsibility; growth outward not upward; climbing a ladder Bonus question: Is my idea of success and advancement based on my own needs and wants, or is it shaped somewhat by societal/familial expectations? Do I need to reckon with this or am I ok with it? Examples: I want to be a millionaire by the time I’m 35 (don’t you dare shame yourself for this!); I need to know I’m making a difference in the world; I don’t want the pressure of changing the world, I just want to do something that uses my skills and then enjoy my life outside of work; I want to be THE global expert in my field. You get to articulate your values, skills, and interests around work and advancement You don’t have to do this alone. Sure,

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Build Your Career Toolkit: 10 Must-Read Ama La Vida Blog Articles

Leadership Coaching

03/06/23

Jillian

Building a successful career can be a challenging and an overwhelming process at times, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 articles to help you take control of your career development starting today. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, or you’re looking to take the next step, these articles will provide you with the tools and strategies you need to succeed.  Ready to start building your career toolkit today? Let’s get started: 1. HOW TO BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR DEVELOPMENT Learnership, put simply, is the skill of learning. This includes identifying and pursuing quality learning opportunities and taking charge of your own learning. Learnership means choosing learning paths that align with your unique interests, and selecting the skills, habits, and content that will support your evolution. Interested in learning more about how you can be in control of your development? Be sure to read the full article. 2. WHAT IS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT? Leadership development is any training, development, or education that supports employees in becoming the best they can be. The following will provide some helpful information on what leadership development is, why you should care about it no matter who you are, and one specific framework you can use for developing leaders. 3. THE AMA LA VIDA “LAID OFF TOOLKIT” If you are experiencing a period of transition due to layoffs, the process can feel overwhelming. We’ve collected a list of resources to help guide you through the process. Be sure to read the full article and see what resources can help you today. 4. HOW YOU CAN BE A GOOD LEADER TODAY (REGARDLESS OF TITLE) Leadership is not just about a title or role, but rather a mindset and the ability to make an impact on others by treating them with respect and dignity, making them feel appreciated and seen, and helping them to grow and become better people. To read more about what makes a good leader (hint: it’s more than a title), you can click on the link to the full article. 5. 3 STEPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS Difficult conversations can be uncomfortable for us all. Often, they are avoided due to a fear of conflict, uncertainty about authority, and a desire to maintain the status quo. However, research shows that handling conflict carefully can lead to improved teamwork, reduced risk of new issues arising, and more creative ideas. Here are three ways to learn more about how to approach and prepare for difficult conversations 6. A FEW SELF-CONFIDENCE TIPS WHEN YOU’RE FEELING DOWN Self-confidence, simply put, is your perception of YOU – what you think and how you feel about the constellation of talents, skills, abilities, experiences, personality, etc. that are uniquely you. Here are 10 tips to help improve your self-confidence when self-doubt arises. 7. CAREER ADVANCEMENT MADE EASY Career advancement can be difficult and stressful for many people, as it may involve seeking promotions or transitioning into new roles with increased responsibilities or different skill sets. However, there are five key activities that can help alleviate these stressors and facilitate you reaching your goals. To learn more about these activities, click on the link to the full article. 8. HOW TO REACT TO NOT RECEIVING AN INTERNAL ROLE WITH GRACE When you don’t land that internal promotion, there can be a range of emotions that bubble up. After giving yourself time to be with those emotions, it’s important to take a step back to reflect big picture. Here are some key questions to think about that can help you react with grace if you don’t receive that promotion. 9. TIPS TO HELP FIRST-TIME MANAGERS LEAD WITH PURPOSE Being a manager for the first time can be intimidating, but by leading with purpose, you can be a successful leader, and gain the respect of your team and others in the organization. Discovering your purpose and crafting a leadership vision can help guide you as you take on your first leadership role. Click to read to learn more about how you can do this. 10. HOW TO ACE YOUR FIRST TEAM MEETING AS A NEW MANAGER As a new manager, it can be overwhelming to lead your first staff meeting and share all the information with your team. Here are three tips you can use to have an amazing first staff meeting, and set the tone for the culture you want to build with your team.

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