"The secret to a resilient life in our kind of world is in knowing how to recycle yourself, over and over, letting go of what is no longer you, taking on new strengths, and shaping new chapters for your life, guided by your own emerging vision."
- Frederich Hudson, Pamela McLean

Job security has gone out the widow! The future is not the same anymore. Getting ahead in a volatile and unpredictable economy means engaging in a career make-over with new social media and highly developed emotional intelligence skills. Don’t fear change – embrace it!

Enlightened career changers in these continually volatile times are aware of the need for resilience, and reinventing themselves to thrive and flourish in the new economy. Now career changers must rebound and take the next steps for a sustainable future. They must refocus, get inspired and be creative to align their purpose and passion with the ever-changing needs of the marketplace.

You need the courage and reassurance that the right actions will help you reach your goals. Success awaits those who remain optimistic, and creatively pursue new and rewarding career directions.

I was recently working with one of my San Francisco Bay Area executive coaching clients. We talked about his focusing on discovering a better sense of self including his core values and identity. He was energized and motivated to ignite his entrepreneurial spirit.

Most importantly we focused on his discovering a sense of purpose...what was truly important to him. He pondered on the following powerful questions. Who am I and what are my core values? What is most meaningful in my life? What am I trying to do with my life? .Do I feel fulfilled in my life? Do I use my talents to the fullest extent? Am I realizing my dreams?

Brave New World

Today new technologies and increased global competition have eliminated many jobs. With fewer people to do the work and increased competition for jobs, we are putting in longer hours with no relief in sight.

Besides anxiety, depression and eventual burnout other job stresses come from doing work that is not a good fit, or working in an environment that is not conducive to your temperament and values. If you think you need to find another job or change the direction of your career, it is important to go through a process of self-assessment, focusing on your options, and develop an action plan to help you achieve your goals. Your physical, emotional and financial well-being is at stake!

Self-awareness is essential to discovering the right career path for you. The following four steps can help you follow the yellow brick road to a career that maximizes your full potential.

Four Steps

1. Instrumented Assessment
What are your core values? You need work that is aligned with your purpose and core values if you are to feel satisfied and fulfilled. What are your special abilities and skills? What do you consider to be your best traits and characteristics? How do you make decisions? Are you a "big picture" person or one who likes to focus on the details?

Do you have the type of personality that is more suited to a job or an entrepreneurial adventure? Personality assessments such as the Myers-Briggs and Hogan Personality Inventory interpreted by an executive coach often can help with this process.

2. Culture Fit
What kind of work culture is a good fit for you? Do you want flex-time or would you like to work from home? Do you want to be self-employed or need a more structured work environment? What kind of people do you want to work with? Do you prefer to work solo or within a team environment? What type of organizational culture will unleash your energy and help you thrive.

3. Focus and Motivation
After you have completed a thorough assessment of your values, skills, abilities and the environment that you want to work in, consider the content of the work itself. Do you like to counsel others? Do you like to teach? Do you like to write or conduct research? Do you want to manage others or be autonomous and work independently? Make a list of the things you like about your work and the things you don't like. Be specific. The Strong Interest Inventory is a good career development instrument to help focus your interests.

Next you need to match your abilities and skills with the needs of the current marketplace. The competition for jobs today is very stiff. Brainstorm the general career areas that fit your interests. Conduct informational interviews to determine what it is really like to work in those areas. What kind of skills and experiences do you need to have to secure a job in those fields? Are you motivated to make that happen? What about salary requirements?

Perhaps after conducting an honest self-assessment, you decide you really like the work you do and only need to change your environment. If you leave a particular career and decide you don't like your new job, it will be more difficult to return to your former career. It is crucial to go through a thorough self-assessment process before you make a change.

4. Action Plan
Once you know what you want to do, develop a specific action plan to reach your goal. Write it down and keep it visible. If you decide to stay put, create a customized career development plan that includes acquiring the skills and experience you need to further your career. Write your goals and objectives. Update your resume.

Network with those in positions who can provide support and help you achieve your goals. A career coach can help keep you tap into your intrinsic motivation, and stay focused in pursuit of your goals.

Summary

If you want success in your career, you must have confidence in your ability to solve problems, practice independent thinking and decision-making and be highly motivated to find the answers. Be persistent! Start with a thorough assessment of your values, skills, interests and abilities. Focus your efforts on your areas of interests and abilities, and develop an action plan by specifying goals and objectives. Tap into your intrinsic motivation to mobilize your energy and resources.

Focusing on your strengths will help you obtain fulfillment and success in your career. An executive coach can provide objective feedback and support to help keep you motivated.

Are you working in a professional services firm or other organization where executive coaches provide leadership development to grow emotionally intelligent leaders? Does your organization provide executive coaching for leaders who need to reinvent themselves? Enlightened leaders tap into their emotional intelligence and social intelligence skills to create a more fulfilling future.

One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is “Do I have the confidence to reinvent myself, grow and flourish?” Emotionally intelligent and socially intelligent organizations provide executive coaching as part of their transformational peak performance leadership development program.

Working with a seasoned executive coach and leadership consultant trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-I, CPI 260 and Denison Culture Survey can help you reinvent yourself. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become fully engaged with the vision, mission and strategy of your company or law firm.