Kula Consulting Blog

If you want to improve your odds of reaching your career goals, you need a knowledgeable support team.

Lance Armstrong didn’t just buy a bike, ride it a lot and show up for the Tour de France. The race was the icing on the cake. It simply demonstrated the committed team supporting his efforts.

Closer to home, one of our recruiters set a goal: begin rigorous training to reduce her chance of developing diabetes. Within six months, she reached her aspiration of completing a marathon as part of a group called Team in Training.

Her team is comprised of: her doctor, personal trainer, dietitian, running coach, team leader and other runners and walkers with the same goal. Although she had to do the hard work, it was easier with the help, guidance and support of Team In Training.

We all will get closer to our goals if we have a strong team helping us reach them.

The question then becomes, who should be on your career team?

• A mentor or two. A mentor is someone who has been there and done that; knows you well and agrees that your goals are realistic.
• A career “entourage” comprised of friends who are honest and frank with you, former workmates and colleagues who are making the “right” moves in their own careers. These people are your sounding board and feedback loop on ideas and career options.
• Professional references who will provide a 360 degree view of your job performance. Develop a listing of managers, peers, subordinates, and project team members who know you well and are able to articulate who you are and what you have accomplished. Call and recruit them and ask them to be a part of your team. Keep in touch with them throughout your career.
• Family and significant others are important members of your team. They may have work/life balance concerns that you should listen to before making a career move. These are the people who will be personally impacted by your career choices.
• Here’s a shameless plug for Kula Consulting: You need a combination of Jerry Maguire and a career coach. This role may be filled by a recruiter you trust. And, no, that isn’t an oxymoron. A good recruiter listens to you, gives career advice, AND can show you the money. A good recruiter knows the job market, has access to great career opportunities, understands how to chart a career path, and is a good negotiator during the job offer phase of a career change.

Jot down a list of people you know who could be part of your career team, and call them.

Feel free to call me or my staff if you have further questions about the benefits of a supportive team. To learn more about Team In Training visit: www.teamintraining.org