I have been asked at least a dozen times in my career what I wanted to do next or what role I had my sights on. I must confess I HATE that question! In my 30 year career, there has never been a title or a box on an organization chart that I said: “yeah that’s what I want to be!” Never!
Several years ago I invested a great deal of time, energy and angst to develop a personal mission statement. Part of doing that work helped me develop an evaluation tool for myself when I am contemplating a new opportunity. I use three lenses as I look at any new role.
- Will I be able to do good work that makes a difference?
- Will I have an opportunity to learn?
- Will I be working with great people?
I have been blessed over the years to have had some great opportunities in my career and as long as I have been using these questions they have never steered me wrong.