Career Recharge: Part 1

Operation Career Recharge Series: Part 1 — Set the Stage with Annual Planning
Contributed by Martin E. Murphy, CPCU

You are happy in your current position and organization, you enjoy what you are doing, and you are still learning on the job. What is the secret to keeping it that way? When it comes to job happiness and success, you need to keep yourself in the driver's seat. Although there are many factors that are out of your control - new bosses, company changes, industry developments, etc. - there are many things you can do to keep your job alive, exciting, and fun. In this series of 12 articles, you are invited to take part in Operation Career Recharge. You will learn how implementing activities such as annual planning, daily organization, networking from within, life/work balance, and more will help you thrive in your current role.

At the beginning of any new year, you must make sure that you have set the stage for success during the coming year. What is success? According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, success is a favorable or desired outcome. You cannot have success without having goals or a plan to work towards and, ultimately, achieve success at. At the backbone of every successful professional is a plan, most commonly an annual plan.

An annual plan gives your day context and purpose. Every day you are not just going through the motions; you are working towards the achievement of goals. Think about the goals that you want to reach this year and the initiatives you want to see implemented. Many of these tasks will be goals that will help you accomplish critical objectives within your team, department, or organization. Some will be personal goals. Think about tasks that will help you to continue learning and further developing your transferable and technical skills. Follow the steps outlined below to create and utilize an annual plan that sets the stage for your success throughout the year.

Put your annual plan in writing. You are more likely to commit yourself to your annual plan if it is writing; it is like making a contract with yourself. Plus, it is easier to share a written annual plan with others than it is something that is only written in your mind.

Break down major goals into smaller more achievable tasks. Year-long and big project goals can often seem daunting; but when they are broken down into smaller tasks, they seem more attainable. For example, if one of your annual goals was to generate $3 million dollars in sales, at the end of January, you would most likely feel very overwhelmed when you have only made a small dent towards your objective. However, if you break down that goal and its corresponding action plan by month, you will feel better about your progress. Additionally, this will allow you to more easily measure your progress towards the achievement of your ultimate goal.

Create clear goals. Make sure that your goals are specific and measurable and have deadlines. Use quantifiable objectives, when possible. Be extremely detailed; keep in mind that you will be sharing this with others that cannot read your mind. In the end, there should be no question as to what your goal is and whether or not you completed your goal.

Be realistic. Be honest with yourself about the job that you are in and how it may impact your ability to achieve your goals. Don't set yourself up for failure by creating goals that you are incapable of achieving, because they are beyond your scope or authority.

Ensure that your annual plan is in sync with that of the organization. Does your company have an annual plan? Did they announce corporate goals for the year? If so, review your annual plan to make sure it is parallel with the direction of the organization as a whole. Demonstrate that you are a team player; make sure that completion of your goals will directly or indirectly aid the organization in the achievement of its goals.

Discuss your annual plan with your supervisor. Set up a meeting with the sole purpose of discussing your annual plan. Bring a copy of the plan for your supervisor. He/she will be impressed by your self-motivation and organization. Your boss will be able to add insight into ways you can realize your goals, as well as the feasibility of your goals based on the organizational or departmental direction. This is also an excellent opportunity to find out what he/she expects from you and any goals he/she would like to see you accomplish in the coming year.

Review your annual plan on a weekly basis. Make an appointment with yourself every Monday morning; even mark it on your calendar or set Outlook to remind you. At this time, shut your door and put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" to avoid interruptions. Take out your annual plan and carefully read through it and the corresponding action plans for completion. This reminder will help you stay on target that week and get you one step closer to completing your goals.

Create and regularly update a document charting your progress towards goal attainment. By putting your progress in writing, you have a clear idea of where you are in terms of your goals. Measuring your progress will give you that extra push when needed, as well as self-satisfaction as you get closer and closer to achieving your goals. Give yourself permission to change course if you need to in order to hit your goal. Update your goal measurement chart every week when you read through your annual plan.

Schedule touch points with your supervisor. Every quarter, at minimum, schedule a meeting to discuss your progress. Bring a copy of your plan and charted progress for your supervisor. This is a prime opportunity to ask for advice and brainstorm solutions to potential obstacles. It will also prove your dedication to your job and the goals you have set for yourself.