Most of us don’t just stumble into the perfect career—we have to plan for it. My brother? He’s a tech genius. No flight plan needed. He just built things, solved problems, and the opportunities came flying at him.
For the rest of us? A little strategy goes a long way. Passion can be the wind that gets us off the ground, but we need a solid flight plan to keep our careers soaring. Whether you are launching into a new career, changing jobs, or climbing the corporate ladder, a well-structured career plan is essential. Here’s how to create one:
A well-managed kite flight is about sustaining altitude while adjusting to shifting conditions. Career success follows the same principle—long-term growth requires ongoing effort and alignment with personal values.
Reassess and Realign Periodically
Regularly reflect on your career progress and adjust your goals as needed.
Keep refining your flight plan based on evolving interests and market dynamics.
Give Back and Mentor Others
Share your knowledge and experiences to help others rise.
Cultivate a leadership mindset that inspires and uplifts your team.
🛬 Landing with Purpose: Long-Term Success
At some point, you’ll want to look back and ask: Did I fly in the right direction?
Did I build something meaningful?
Did I help others along the way?
Am I proud of where I landed?
Your career, like a well flown kite, can soar to great heights with the right planning, adjustments, and perseverance. Whether you are launching, pivoting, or climbing higher within your organization, a well-thought-out flight plan will help you navigate with confidence. Stay grounded in your values, embrace the winds of change, and enjoy the journey to professional success!
Twelve years ago, a client asked me to conduct an executive search for a Director of Human Resources. After a prolonged search with several twists and turns, my client hired Maryanne – who had been Director of Human Resources for a large financial services company in New York. Maryanne’s background was top notch. She had recently won numerous awards for diversity and hiring initiatives. She had ten years’ experience in HR design and implementation of innovative and strategic programs.
My client was very excited about hiring Maryanne. They were facing challenges with new executive leadership and exponential company growth. It was a fast-paced manufacturing environment with multiple facilities in several states. My next steps were to support Maryanne’s relocation and onboarding. Maryanne arrived on-site in Seattle in May of 2013. Her husband Dave dropped her off at the lobby entrance. Maryanne introduced me to her husband and their puppy, Cody. I am a dog lover – the spark of our new friendship.
One Saturday, several weeks later, I got a call from Maryanne. She and Dave were on the Ferry to Whidbey Island where I live. They had heard about a dog park on Whidbey. They were going to treat Cody to a new experience – and would I mind if they stopped by to say hello. We all enjoyed a lovely afternoon – Cody especially – a few acres to chase birds and deer.
I had made a new friend – Maryanne – and of course, Dave and Cody as well. Both our friendship and our career journeys have connected at crossroads these past twelve years. One notable example was supporting the human resources change management effort for a large telecommunication merger and acquisition. We both felt like we were running in a marathon – we had to focus one step-at-a-time. Other examples include hiring initiatives for several biotech startups – where we built from the ground up. These kinds of partnerships and collaboration can test the mettle of a relationship.
Over these past years, we have both learned to leverage our common relationships and continue to create an ongoing practice to nurture our networks.
We’d like to share them with you:
Give Before You Ask – An ongoing practice – “Dig your well before you need water.”
Offer referrals and connect people with mutual interests.
Give positive feedback on their achievements and career milestones.
Share information on job postings and position opportunities you have learned about that may match their experience.
Offer to write Linkedin recommendations and endorse skillsets.
Stay Active in Professional Associations
Join and contribute to leadership associations or industry-specific groups.
Offer to speak at events, mentor others, or write thought leadership articles.
Engage in Ongoing Conversations
Set reminders to check in with key contacts quarterly or annually.Send a quick message to catch up or share an article that might interest them.
Invite connections for a virtual coffee chat or in-person lunch.
Leverage Social Media – Linkedin, Twitter for Professional Growth
LinkedIn helps to stay in touch, share insights, and engage your connections.
Twitter allows you to follow companies, and potential job openings.
Follow industry leaders and participate in relevant discussions.
Join professional groups and actively contribute to conversations.
Post updates on your expertise, projects, and lessons learned to stay visible.
Attend Industry Events & Webinars
Participate in industry conferences, networking events, and virtual meetups.
Make it a habit to introduce yourself to new people at each event.
Follow up with attendees via LinkedIn or email to reinforce the connection.
The Ongoing Benefits of Networking
Networking isn’t about a one-time connection; it’s about building relationships that continue to evolve. The ongoing relationship I have with Maryanne is a testament to how personally meaningful professional relationships can be. An added and ongoing benefit is that our relationship has brought us both new and satisfying career growth opportunities.
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