Image via WikipediaSome believe that being a generalist is better for career growth, while others believe that the specialist functions are going towards the approach of becoming a centre of excellence (in large global companies)
Abhijit Bhaduri posted an interesting theory that our career decisions are shaped by one's personality type. So I guess type A goal focused ESTJs would prefer career planning and it would suit them too :-)
As Abhijit posts:
I for one, blame my set of choices entirely to being an ENFP!! Choice of whether to take an assignment or an employer would be initially be somewhat instinctive. I then gather data – usually by talking to many people, by reading and researching (esp what blogs have to say about the organization rather than the corporate PR drivel) and finally decide to cast my vote based on overall gut feel. Gut feel and heart count for 2 of the 3 stages in my case. I have an overall view of what I want to do with my life, career choices fit into my overall plan for life.
Dr. Madhukar Shukla gives the large picture saying that in today's world "career planning" has to give way to "career building"
it is virtually impossible to “plan” one’s career, when the very meaning of “career” is undergoing a change. At one time, “career” meant how up-the-ladder one has moved in the same organisation; it changed to a concept of “career” across different organisations – sometimes even across sectors. But in recent years, with entirely new opportunities (due to changes in business environment and emerging technologies), we have jobs/careers which didn’t even exist 5-10-15 years back. I mean, till early-mid 90’s, there was no job-profiles like a Forex Manager, Web-Designer, Derivative Analyst, Onboarding HR Expert, etc. etc.!!!
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Interesting thoughts Gautam !
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree to your views on Career planning being over-rated.
I'd like to add two more dimensions - Supervisor and Domestic/Personal needs as they tend to influence te Career planning aspect.
One may land up in a great company buy many not end up having a working relationship with your supervisor and that in most cases
act as trigger to look out ! What happens to that dream career path which stuck you during the Induction program :-)
The second is when you are faced with a Family situation which is exigent.
I'll suggest a 'Strength based approach'
First task will be to identify your core strength/Talent by whatever method you feel convinced about. (Psychometric or life experiences, Mentors etc) Identifying being the key here - as this is very personal in nature.
Once the Strength is idenfified, then the next task is to understand the available roles deeper to determine a closest match.
I've also seen some rare cases (lucky ones) where this realization is achieved with help from our parents (during high school or late college days).
To articulate this better - Marcus Buckingham of Gallup Organization has some views on this subject you can hear them on this link: http://rs78.rapidshare.com/files/211098633/NxDxYxSx.zip.
Once on the 'strength' path - events which may seem to be obstacles (Supervisor and personal situations included) will have minimum impact on longer term....