Welcome to IGNITE, a publication of End View Solutions, LLC. We are excited to join you on your career management journey. Whether an Early Career professional, or a Mid-Level professional or manager navigating your current role and plotting a path for future advancement, we support your career plans.
As the EndView Solutions Managing Partner, a first-generation college graduate and one who held professional and leadership positions in Fortune 50 companies during a 25-year career span, I learned many lessons and enjoyed much success. Some lessons were through practical experience (including the “school of hard knocks”), and others through observations, training, mentoring and coaching. Understanding the workplace, organization culture, relationship building and business expectations, and then applying this knowledge in my roles, set the cornerstone for personal best success at various stages of my career.
At EndView Solutions, paying it forward is who we are and what we do, sowing seeds of hope, enlightenment and encouragement into the lives of others. We are committed to sharing insight that challenges you to ignite your gifts (natural abilities) and talents (skills) to elevate your career. Our desire is that you achieve your personal best success in each stage of your career. You determine what success looks like – your vision, your success – we are the “whisperers” along the way, spurring you to greater heights.
As we start this career management journey with you, think about these things…
1. Am I Becoming What I Want to Become? This begins with the premise that you know what you want to become in your career – that you have a short- or long-term vision in mind. If that vision is not clear, then it’s a good time to determine your career aspirational target. The Any Road lyric (adapted from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) is relevant, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road’ll take you there.” And when you get there, it may not be where you want to be in your career. Ask yourself: What is your passion – that thing that you would do even if not paid? What would you do if money were no object? What can you naturally do without giving second thought to how to do it, and it does not feel like work? Establishing focus will help you decide how to use your gifts and talents, living out your vision and purpose.
2. How is My Current State Contributing to What I Want to Become? Your current state may be a stepping stone or a holding pattern on your way to becoming what you want to become. In every state, there are lessons learned or taught. Ideally, lessons are affirmative (What to Do), yet there are “What Not to Do” lessons that are equally powerful. Take time to make a list of five to seven things that you are learning or teaching others during this state of your career. Ask yourself how to use this knowledge to manage and further develop your career. Engage a trusted advisor to work with you through this analysis to give insight beyond your own perspective – sometimes others will see in you that which you do not see in yourself.
3. What Adjustments Should I Make in Becoming What I Want to Become? Maybe you are well on your way to becoming what you want to become. Yet, there is usually opportunity to do something differently to accelerate your progress. Taking into account your own learning and inviting insight from your trusted advisors, identify one or two actions that will boost your career and do them. “Success awaits those who steadfastly commit to any requisite sacrifice” – Ken Poirot. Success is from your view…Your Vision, Your Effort, Your Success.
Lillian Davenport, SPHR, SHRM – SCP, CTACC, Principal, End View Solutions, LLC
