5 Career Growth Resolutions For 2015

The symbol of the New Year is powerful. It tells us it’s time to take stock of the last 12 months and prepare for the next year. Career-wise, it’s easy to settle into a routine and forget that we have much power to build and grow our own professional lives, even when we work for someone else.
Want to take on the challenge of making your career more meaningful, profitable and positive in 2015? Adopt some (or all) of these career growth resolutions!
<h2><strong>1. I will improve my current skills and learn new ones</strong></h2>
Professional development will be an important theme in 2015. With many provinces finally adopting the Canada Job Grant, there will be money at your employers’ disposal to train you towards a promotion.
For 2015, focus on acquiring both specialized and transferable skills. Someone who is specialized but also flexible is very valuable to employers.
<h2><strong>2. I will focus on building positive relationships with colleagues and superiors</strong></h2>
You don’t always choose the people you work with, but you can make a big difference in the effectiveness of those relationships.
Learn about your communication and work styles and other peoples’ in your team. Communicate better by considering others’ needs and expectations. Make an effort towards developing social relationships with colleagues outside of work; these relationships help with team effectiveness and communication.
<h2><strong>3. I will provide extra value to my customers/employer</strong></h2>
Depending on your position and your employer, this might be easier to do for some. However, always keep in mind that competition in any field in stiff, and that those who provide extra value have a better chance of succeeding.
Extra value can come in many forms: reporting or contract negotiation skills, advanced specialized knowledge, a natural ability to motivate others. Whatever makes you unique, special or highly skilled can bring your employer extra value—and bring you extra recognition.
<h2><strong>4. I will focus on my happiness</strong></h2>
The concept of work-life balance is out; in 2015, it’s all about happiness. Some people are happy working 80 hours a week. Others would rather work 40 and spend their weekends on a motorcycle.
One way to foster career growth is to find out where to start—and where to stop. And happiness is the touchstone that more and more career experts want you to consider when making career decisions.
<h2><strong>5. I will find a mentor or become a mentor</strong></h2>
No matter where you are in you career, you can learn from someone more experienced and also teach someone less experienced than you.
Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. It can simply mean having a resource person to go to when faced with a work-related problem. When you become a mentor, you decide to pass on your hard-earned, valuable life and work experience to help improve the career of someone else.
Mentorship can be a great motivational booster, and can bring many other benefits in your personal and professional lives.
<h2><strong>What’s your career resolution?</strong></h2>
It’s your turn! Share your career resolutions with the Red Seal community!