After a disappointing event at work recently, I began thinking about the vision I had for my career direction. As I reflected on my current situation and the future, I realized that I could put some strategic planning tools to work in order to break through the uncertainty and gain a fresh, purposeful perspective. With perspective, I will hopefully be able to be even more effective in moving my career the direction I want it to go.

You need to make yourself as valuable as possible to your employer in any job market, but especially a market like the current one where there are lots of people eager to have a job. Being good technically is only going to get you so far though. Technical skills are relatively easy to replace because searching resumes and interviewing people will eventually get an employer the technical skills they need. You set yourself apart by understanding the organization, building relationships and getting to know the industry.

After volunteering to help Candice with peer coaching, I suggested we have a suggestion on leading, managing and doing. Balancing these three things is important for anyone but especially anyone wanting lead more rather than simply do more.

For some time, I have felt that my next job has to have two of three traits:

1. Strategic - includes strategic planning and vision for the organization, can be a unit of a larger organization but must still be strategic
2. Staff leadership and management - having a team of direct reports, no specific level
3. IT pro development - develops the non-technical skills - including leadership - of IT professionals primarily, but also their technical skills