Career Compass

"The work world will not be a place for passive workers with an employee mindset. It will require active, continuous career management, which means constant upgrading of skills, regular career "checkups," and superb interpersonal skills."

"A knowledge economy requires a lot of discretion in what, how, when, where, and even why work is done."

"A career pattern driven by internal choice rather than external structure will be the most valuable to individuals and will therefore add the most value to the employing organization."

"Strategic career management in the twenty-first century will require self-management above all else. It will require knowing your own mind and life's goals, not just doing a job, and especially not just with one employer."

"Reality testing must generate a constant awareness of your expertise, your reputation, your goal alignment with the organization's goals, and the quality of your contribution."

"Successful organizations will pay attention to total work hours expected, flex-time, family-friendly practices, virtual work environments, community relations, and other humanistic issues essential to an increasing number of valued employees."

"Perhaps the most secure way to position yourself to achieve strategic career goals is to build competencies. Competencies are defined as the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful in a particular role."

"When you work with a career advisor or mentor, you must own the process. Know what kind of assistance you need, and learn the advisor's or mentor's role and expectations of you."

"It is usually very valuable to get feedback from your manager, mentor, or other trusted advisor on the viability of a goal. Define the goal, and make it as measurable as possible before asking for feedback."

"If you approach your job changes intelligently, you can navigate uncharted territory successfully."

"Strategic career management means proactively managing your whole career, even when charting a new course in midcareer."