Career Alignment Road Map Step Three: Map It!

Renaissance man Les Brown once said, "Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life." He oughta know -- in his lifetime he held positions in radio and TV, authored several books, was married to a grammy-award winner, and served in the House of Representatives.  I prefer to think that maps can also be the goals that guide you in moving toward your aspirations in life, and in work.  By creating or visualizing a destination, the goals or mile markers come more easily into focus -- stops on a journey toward something, rather than the destination itself --keeping you in motion.

Drawing out and recording the path you have taken may help you to better see and remember accomplishments, career defining moments, and decisions that you have made over time -- reminding you of goals that still exist, motivations and skills you possess, and roads that may have been less taken, yet still offer possibility for the future!

Visual mapping or recording doesn't require much -- a pen, paper and willingness to explore charted or uncharted territory.  Working with a trusted friend or coach will help you to collect clues, turn over some rocks, and give you the freedom to explore and better see the connections that will inform your vision, goals, and plans!

This client and I used the personal brand map and exercise to explore the skills, experiences, values, and preferences to begin to craft a compelling "brand statement" that she now uses in her LinkedIn Profile, resume, and networking communication.  She now confidently presents herself as a leader and change agent, rather than "just a project manager," and is clear on where, and with what type of organization, she wants to grow her career.

Mary McGuinness, M.Ed., PCC is a career transition and shift-it coach based in Chicago, IL USA.
Mary uses visual coaching and design-thinking techniques and practices to accompany her clients on a journey of self-discovery that results in creative solutions, faster results, and happier, more fulfilling careers.  


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Mary McGuinness