At the beginning of executive coaching engagements I like to ask my clients the following question:
What will success look like to you in one year from now?
I also recommend this question to my C level executive search candidates before their interviews. It’s an innocuous looking question that may not seem terribly sophisticated, but it’s a simple and powerful way to focus your attention.
After a bit of prodding most people realize that the answer will involve a commitment from them to visualize career progress within a specified time period. For many people — even highly successful people — the question tends to cause a bit of consternation or even a mild case of downright avoidance. But after digesting its meaning and putting fingers to keyboard or pen to paper, they’re able to develop a picture that makes them feel both excited (as in, “Wow, if that scenario happens then I’ll be in a much better place, career-wise’) as well as a little anxious (as in, “Wow, what if I don’t reach my objective by this time next year? I’ll feel worse than I do right now.”).
The follow up question can also induce some stress:
What are ten steps you can take to reach your goal?
(I used to ask for three steps but I’m typically coaching highly ambitious people who are used to accomplishing their objectives so asking for ten steps helps to generate out of the box answers.) It isn’t enough to have a ‘dream with a deadline’ unless you’re naming and then taking concrete steps to make it possible. After all, if your employer deserves a well thought out project plan before you begin the build and run phases, then doesn’t your career deserve the same meticulous attention to detail and accountability?
Even if you haven’t engaged a career coach or you’re not preparing for an interview, block out some time in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted (your phone won’t mind if it’s left in another room) and paint a picture with words of what success will look like in one year from now. And don’t forget, it won’t mean more than any other New Year’s resolution if you don’t ask — and answer — the next question and then begin to take concrete, measurable steps.
Good luck with your goals for 2017! Feel free to contact me if you need any help getting started.