In the last two D&B Briefs, we looked at taking credit and taking risks as two powerful keys to career advancement. In this article, we look at a third key: taking stock—that is, periodically examining what is important to you and how you define yourself.

Over time, the rewards we want and need from our career change. What title we have, what work challenges us, what constitutes life balance—indeed, what career success means—shift in definition and importance. This evolution is natural; understanding what the changes mean and creating a strategy to deal with them comes less naturally.

The Importance of Taking Stock

Periodically taking stock helps ensure we are still on the right path and allows us to make appropriate adjustments. Before taking credit or taking risks, we recommended checking out the norms of your workplace before taking action. Taking stock, by contrast, involves solely looking within to gain clarity about what is important to you and how you define yourself. Without a clear understanding of your intangible and tangible job requirements, it is difficult to recognize whether your career path meets your needs. There are no right or wrong answers; every situation is unique and personal.

The Flourishing Process

CLARITY

It is common for professionals to define themselves by what they do. While work is certainly an important part of one's identity, for many people, a one-dimensional definition is no longer enough. In addition to evaluating traditional measures such as salary and title, taking stock includes an all-encompassing picture of how your values, roles, and actions align.

Where am I now?

Begin by looking at your current situation.

• How are things going at work? Using a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with your day-to-day tasks, your career advancement, and your compensation?
• If you didn't make any changes, are you satisfied with the direction you are headed?

What's important to me?

Living and working congruently with your personal values will increase your level of commitment to a task, project, or purpose. Being grounded in these values gives you strength to persevere when the going gets tough. A clear understanding of your top priorities gives you a fundamental reference point for all aspects of your career and personal choices. Rather than "shopping" for values from a prepared list, ask yourself:

• What topic or cause excites and motivates me?
• What contribution do I want to make?
• What would be so rewarding to me that it wouldn't feel like work?
• Where do I want my career to lead?

Next, ask yourself what is important beyond work. Many people say family is the most important thing in their lives. Yet these same people find themselves still at the office instead of a school play, or on the telephone with colleagues throughout a family dinner or vacation. Some talk of writing a book or pursuing other dreams, yet work continues to take precedence. Again, there is no right or wrong answer. But if taking stock reveals that the way you invest your time is not consistent with your values or dreams, you may find you do not have the drive and passion to sustain a professional ascent.

Do I love what I do?

At first, this question may seem strange. Often, we have put so much time, effort, and money into getting ourselves to this point in our careers, it never occurs to us that we would not love it. Indeed, as one person said to us, "I'm good at my job, so I guess I like it." Separate your skills and talents from what you enjoy.

• Why are you in your current position?
• What do you get out of it?
• What does it cost you?

In short, taking stock requires you to answer one hard question: Does the way you invest your time match with what you say is important to you?

CHOICE

After looking at what you enjoy, what is important to you, and how you define yourself, it is time to choose whether to stay on your current path or forge a new one.

Happily, many people discover their current paths are taking them exactly in the direction they want to go. In these cases, taking stock presents sharpened clarity, pointing to potential course adjustments to increase the odds of reaching the targeted destination. These adjustments might include requests for support from more senior attorneys, building relationships with senior managers of other business units, or closing identified skill gaps.

Some people want to change paths and eagerly embark on their new direction. Other people talk about wanting a new path, but something gets in the way, such as not knowing what to do instead, a reluctance to consider career alternatives with lower income, or a fear of disappointing others. A mentor, coach, or trusted colleague can help explore alternatives and examine barriers.

What path do you choose today?

ACTION

Whether you decide to stay on your current course or move to a new one, identify specific actions to help position yourself for the long term, such as:

• Acquiring the skills needed to succeed in the role to which you aspire.
• Determining how to fill any skill gaps.
• Cultivating relationships with people who can influence your advancement.

Break your goals into discrete tasks with deadlines. It's helpful to look at limited timeframes so you don't become overwhelmed by possibilities. What action will you take today, this week, in the next 90 days, or by the end of the year? What structures and/or accountability measures will support you in achieving your plan?

Whatever your choice today, make the time to take stock on a regular basis, as your wants and needs will change over time. Taking stock is not for the faint of heart, but then again, neither is advancement.

Miriam Bamberger, CPCC, and Heather Bradley, CPCC, are the co-founders of The Flourishing Company, which helps emerging professionals sharpen their leadership skills to generate immediate and lasting changes in their ability to successfully manage complex work relationships.

From the May/June 20005 issue of Diversity & The Bar^®