Simon Brittain on Career Planning
We work with individuals, either independently or in a group setting, to identify their career goals, reflect on their strengths and areas for development, and then create a robust, motivating and realistic career plan. We take a dual perspective, considering the drivers and motivators of the individual and also considering the business context and strategic priorities. Ensuring alignment between the two is essential so that the organisation will invest in the individual’s development and so that the individual will be able to create the opportunities needed to fulfill aspirations.
Throughout our career planning work, we challenge individuals’ thinking about their current aspirations.
We begin by working with the individual to identify the key trends in the environment, and then to reflect on the implications of these for their careers.
We then use a diagnostic questionnaire to support a conversation in which we explore the kinds of environments, challenges and rewards that matter to each person. Once this conversation has established their preferences, we then consider the key competencies required in the types of role the individual aspires to.The next step involves clarifying at a more specific level the type of role, or specific role, that the individual is motivated by and has the skills for. At this stage, we also consider the development required, in terms of personal and professional skills.
The career planning process then turns to stakeholders. Formalising their thinking around stakeholders in relation to their development is often one of the most valuable aspects of the career planning process.
Lloyds Banking Group
We ran a workshop helping high-potential managers within the bank develop career plans. The workshop was delivered to a group of c.40 managers who had recently been selected to join an accelerated development programme. The event was the first of the programme and was designed to provide a forum for challenge and debate within the high-potential population. Senior speakers from within the bank illustrated the importance of individuals taking accountability for their own career development, as well as highlighting the value of gaining diverse experience in different roles.