Planned Career Management: Benefits and Strategies

Prologue

A few days ago, my friend and former colleague Carla called me, determined to change her professional life. After many years in the same organization, she noticed that colleagues who changed companies more regularly had faster career growth. Knowing about my work in executive search and career management, she asked me for help.  

Career Management in Executive Functions

In today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving organizations, the role of an executive is more challenging and dynamic than ever. Effective career management is crucial to navigating these complexities and achieving effective and sustainable success.  

Career Management

Career management involves a proactive approach to planning and controlling one’s career path. It includes self-assessment, goal-setting, development of various skills, organization and networking. For executives, staying relevant and adaptable is essential; not just moving up the hierarchy.  

Professional progression

A 10-year study of 17,000 executives – the “CEO Genome Project”, published in the Harvard Business Review – revealed that those who reached the position of CEO most quickly made bold career moves; including lateral moves or setbacks to build something new, big leaps in the hierarchy (with all the associated risk) and turnarounds in failing units.  

The Challenges of Executive Functions

Executives face significant challenges and responsibilities. Leading with strategic vision, driving organizational success and adapting to rapid and increasingly disruptive market changes are essential. The pressure for results makes career management vital for maintaining balance and achieving long-term goals.  

Benefits of Effective Career Management

• Personal Growth: Continuous learning and development are vital for success. Executives who invest in career management are better equipped to face new challenges and seize new opportunities.
• Performance improvement: Setting clear objectives (SMART) and regularly evaluating progress improves decision-making and professional performance.
• Job satisfaction: Effective career management leads to greater satisfaction and balance between personal and professional life, aligning career goals with personal values and aspirations. Doing what you love dramatically increases your chances of success.

 

Strategies for Effective Career Management

• Continuous Learning: Keep up to date with industry trends and acquire new skills through courses, workshops, seminars and articles.
• NetworkingCreating and maintaining a solid personal and professional network opens doors to new opportunities and provides valuable support and knowledge.
• Mentoring: Seeking guidance from experienced leaders and offering guidance to others promotes growth and development in a systemic way.
• Self-reflection: Regular self-evaluation and reflection on career goals helps maintain focus and motivation.
• Hiring a Career Management Service: This can be the difference between achieving your goals or not, in a structured, fast and efficient way. The vision of an external, unbiased person, using reason rather than emotion, with knowledge of career development and the market will undoubtedly be a valuable aid.

 

Example

André Costa (fictitious name), 45, general manager, became unemployed during the pandemic and was unable to re-enter the job market. Introverted and competent, he showed little success in the few processes available (he had the “to be”, but lacked the “to seem”). He hired the services of a career management professional, defined his purpose, worked on his personal brand, redesigned his CV and LinkedIn in line with the new brand, activated his network of contacts, improved his speech and trained in interviews and negotiation. André achieved his goals and, the last time we spoke, he was well and happy.  

Final considerations

Career management – programmed career management – is vital to the professional success of executives. By adopting a proactive approach, executives can achieve personal growth, improve their performance and find greater job satisfaction. Executive roles require continuous learning, a strategic network and regular self-reflection. Executives who prioritize career management are better prepared to lead their organizations to success and navigate the complexities of the modern business world.