A few days ago I received an e-mail from a person seeking advice on switching careers. This individual serves as a journalist with a leading publication in the city and is keen to move into corporate and internal communications.
She asked me for recommendations to change tracks and if certain qualifications such as an MBA do matter. She acknowledges that it probably needs more just a degree and that with her media and journalism background it might be easier to make the transition.
Her questions got me thinking about what people can do to break out of the rut, navigate their careers in communications and find their calling in life.
Irrespective of the degrees you have or the experience you have amassed it isn’t easy to decode what is the best way forward. Often, we flit from one job or company to the other hoping to find the ‘perfect’ role. Some find their ‘sweet spot’ quicker while others struggle to come to terms with the world around them.
Talking about the sweet spot – if you are a tennis player you can probably relate to that effortless feeling you get when the ball connects with the middle of your racquet giving you the maximum speed and impact. Likewise, in cricket – it is that touch when the ball flies off the middle of your bat and you know exactly where it will head towards the boundary line and past the outstretched hands of the fielder.
In the real world, to me it means the intersection between your passion, proficiency and positioning.
You are only able to make the most appropriate choice and switch when you hit your sweet spot in life and therefore your career. But what do you need to do to get there and how will you find it?
Let’s break these down.
Passion is probably the easiest to relate to. It about what you enjoy doing the most,that suits your personality and gives you the most happiness. You will experience this when what you do engages you mindfully. Social science researchers call it being ‘in the flow’. Consider letting your passion show at work and in life. Stay focused and grounded.
Proficiency is about skill, aptitude and expertise that helps you make a positive difference. Think of how you can be most qualified to make a mark. This means you need to be well versed with your area of work and are a go-to person people reach out to. Have you done enough to demonstrate your know-how in your field? Is there sufficient acknowledgement of your ability in your community, peer-group and among other stakeholders?
Finally, positioning relates to how you differentiate yourself from others out there. This is probably much harder to get a measure of. Positioning, in the marketing sense is creating a niche in the minds of customers. It is about serving the needs of the community, your organization, your team, your country and the world. Think of how you can solve a pressing issue or improve a niggling situation or drive a key agenda. You can only position yourself when you have a nose for sensing gaps that need answers to.
All the 3 circles are interrelated – you can’t just be passionate and not be proficient in areas that matter. Or be proficient in your work and yet not have the drive to get things done. Likewise, you can’t position yourself when you aren’t focused and adept in your area of work.
How long will it take to find your ‘sweet spot’? It is a journey and not a destination. By being aware of these three circles and how they fit your life and career you have a better chance of shaping your ‘sweet spot’.
In short, stay curious, connected and committed and you will find your ‘sweet spot’.
Keen to hear your views. Look forward to reading them here.
