written by Nick Roud, Career Coach
What surprises me when engaged with professionals here in New Zealand to work on their Career Direction is the numbers of people un-happy in their current career. Does that sound familiar?
Typically a client will reach out to me to have a couple of career coaching conversations as they are just stuck in concrete and can’t seem to move forwards. They are not looking for answers just a profession sounding board. Since 2006 I have seen many professionals grow and now many of those original individuals are running some of our most successful organisations. It’s impressive to see how they have each grown both professionally and personally.
Recently I got invited into the office of one of my first 10 clients. He is now CE of an organisation that is starting to branch out to other parts of the world and under his watch the Balance Sheet is in a very healthy state. We discussed his own career trajectory and the importance of having an inner-circle of people he could lean on to discuss. He said I was one of those few he would regularly check in with. For all of us it’s important to have a few trusted people we can really go to work with. I am blessed to have three such people located in various parts of the world who I check in with once a month, it has really enabled me.
For many their career is hugely important, they focus hugely on ensuring they are the very best they can be. I am so proud to sit alongside many professionals and just share conversation. I have written many times how important our careers are and if you are not happy then its up to you to get in touch and let’s together put a plan in place. We can’t wait for someone else to solve your thoughts its up to you. Only you can take a step forwards and this is usually the hardest part. I recently was engaged by a client in Melbourne. She initially called and we discussed how I work, fees, timeframes etc and towards the end of our conversation she said I was very expensive! In a moment I agreed and said expensive and very good at what I do. We both laughed and the following week we started working together. She is now the CE of a major technology company and starting to build her bench. We still joke about my comment, but as I say to many people you get what you pay for!
Over time we all come to realise just how much we each spend at work and the importance of doing work that is not only meaningful but making the very most out of your own strengths. Gone are the 9-5 jobs, we are more dialled in than ever before, technology has got a tight grip over us and we therefore should really look at the work we do and ensure it’s the work we really want and should be doing. Many clients have come in for a chat only to realise that they are not aligned with their organisation and together we plan strategically their career move. Be you a CE or a graduate taking stock of your career direction and giving it an annual review will ensure when times comes to retire (if that is such a thing) you can look back and say, I did a good job!.
Careers like humans come in all shapes and sizes, one size doesn’t fit all, but if you look deep inside you will find your place, a place where you do belong and you will be the very best you can be.
Career Coaching with Nick Roud Coaching is for individuals who want to be the very best they can be. To discuss your own career direction reach out to us on nick@roudcareers.co.nz
Nick Roud has been partnering professionals since 2006 and currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand. He is a Master Certified Executive Leadership Coach and works with professionals in a 1:1 format. Confidential conversations with a huge focus on you and your results. His work is Globally Accredited and Award Winning.
Find more blogs, videos, podcasts on careers and or leadership here.
