Home Library Translate
A A A
Share »
Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on LinkedIn
Connect »

Blog: Career Management

Menu

  • This Blog's Home
  • Guest Writer Submissions
  • Policies
  • To Subscribe to a Blog
  • About
  • Feedback

Climbing The Career Walls In Our Lives

By Marcia Zidle on September 6, 2011

climbing the walls in our livesWe have all experienced walls or challenges in our lives.

They may be personal; they may be professional; they may be both. No one is exempt from career challenge, disappointment and even failure.

There are a variety of ways to attack these walls – some more effective than others. How you handle the walls can be a defining point in your leadership and in your career. Here are five common ways.

1. Just level it.
If the wall is causing a problem, we just need to get rid of it. It’s in our way. This approach requires nothing but mindless action. At least we know we’re doing something. We flail away at the problem with minimal success. We act with no sense of purpose or deep understanding of the outcome. But the problem can come back and transform into one big hairy monster.

2. Replay the tape.
Sometimes, we assume that all walls can be conquered with the same approach. It worked before, it should work again.We stare at it and remember last year’s plan. But all walls are different. Fresh approaches are needed and expected in today’s constant changing environment.

3. Delay, delay, delay.
The wall is in front of us, but we hope it will go away. However, it will not shrink or disappear. Rather, it will become more menacing the longer it is allowed to stand.

4. Deny, deny, deny.
We can conquer this situation; but why should we? It really is not a problem. But, we know it is. The wall creates a personal fear. We avoid the struggle. However the challenge must be engaged.

5. Climb over with the 3 A’s.

  • Do an assessment. Step away and gain a clear perspective of the problem. What is the real wall I’m confronting? Why does it exist? Have I created it through my behavior?
  • Then create an agenda asking these questions. How am I going to attack the wall? What are the best approaches? What is my plan?
  • Finally take action. Throw procrastination out; dump denial and move forward. Your confidence is up; you understand the actions it will take; and you have prepared.

Readers, is there one or more that you automatically utilize? Does it work for you or cause you more challenges?

Career Success Tip

Believe in your ability to climb over walls. Visualize yourself dealing with a specific challenge successfully. First assume it’s possible; second rehearse doing it in your imagination; third do it; and fourth congratulate yourself and celebrate. You’ve taken charge of your life and career.

Do you want to develop Career Smarts?

  • For more resources, see the Library topic Career Management.
  • Start with the  Career Success System.
  • Sign up for Career Power: 101 success tips.
  • Fast track your career. Be part of a Success Team.
  • Need a speaker? Get the Edge Keynotes-webinars-workshops.
  • Find career and leadership boosters in the Smart Moves Blog.
  • Copyright © 2011 Marcia Zidle career and leadership coach.
« Previous Next »

Search Our Site

Meet This Blog’s Host

Marcia Zidle, a certified career strategist and business coach, works with high potential, high impact executives, managers and professionals to advance their careers and grow their leadership capabilities.
[Read more ...]

Recent Blog Posts

  • Watch Out For These Bad Habits: They Can Stop Your Career
  • Getting the Recognition You Deserve
  • Your Career Goals: Are You On Track or Side-Tracked?
  • Communication: Make Small Talk Big Talk
  • New Job and New Boss: Get Off On The Right Foot
  • What Are Your Career Goals For 2013?
  • What’s Important to an Employer?
  • Career Advice For Young Professionals and Leaders
  • The First Six Months On the Job: What You Need to Do!
  • Asking For Help Can Help Your Career

Categories of Posts

  • Basics and Overviews
  • Career Advancement
  • Career Planning
  • Career Resilience
  • Career Transition
  • Change Management
  • General Resources
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Job Search
  • Leading Others
  • Professional Development
  • Success Tips
  • Uncategorized

Related Library Links

  • Changing Your Behavior
  • Personal Development
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Management Development

Library's Blogs

  • Boards of Directors
  • Building a Business
  • Business Communications
  • Business Ethics, Culture and Performance
  • Business Planning
  • Career Management
  • Coaching and Action Learning
  • Consulting and Organizational Development
  • Crisis Management
  • Customer Service
  • Facilitation
  • Free Management Library Blogs
  • Fundraising for Nonprofits
  • Human Resources
  • Leadership
  • Marketing and Social Media
  • Nonprofit Capacity Building
  • Project Management
  • Quality Management
  • Social Enterprise
  • Spirituality
  • Strategic Planning
  • Supervision
  • Team Building and Performance
  • Training and Development
About Feedback Legal Privacy Policy Contact Us
Free Management Library, © Copyright Authenticity Consulting, LLC ®; All rights reserved.
  • Graphics by Wylde Hare LLC
  • Website maintained by Caitlin Cahill

By continuing to use this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.X