Smart Career Moves for Smart Women: How to Succeed in Career Transitions

Description

Written for the businesswoman and professional, this book offers insights and guidance on making the right decisions about career paths and shows ways to strategically prepare for a career transition, be it a promotion, change of sector, setting up one’s own business or even changing careers altogether. Women are looking more and more at a change of work set-up (to ‘at home’ and hybrid models) and what they want out of their careers and wider life. In easy-to-follow steps, this book demystifies the unwritten rules of making a successful career transition. The reader is provided with a highly practical guide to navigating professional changes at all career points and of all types – as well as a toolkit to facilitate the practice of these new skills and approaches. The book encourages professional women to stop, reflect, and do the groundwork on where they want their career to go. It provides the tools to identify what they want, prepare for change, and cultivate the necessary skills and self-confidence key to a successful career transition. The insights and actionable steps contained in this book make it an invaluable resource for professional women looking to achieve success and navigate the transitional stages of their career, re-enter the workplace after a career break, or who simply want to develop the tools and skills to make smart career moves. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents About the author Acknowledgements and thanks Preface – my personal story of career transitions Introduction – taking control of your career Embracing change This book as your personal career coach – start your coaching journal now Part I: Identifying what you want and making it happen 1 What you want to do is who you are Work as identity The importance of finding fulfilment and purpose 2 Knowing yourself better = better career choices Understanding your values system Your successes show what you're strong in Identifying your transferable skills What makes you unique Getting to know your work style What if you're not able to make a big change right now? 3 Navigating change and acquiring the tools to do this A positive (growth) mindset towards change Visualising your goals REFLECTION Part II: Preparing for change 4 Preparing for change – understanding your choices Employment or self-employment? Working setups Managing money 5 Exploring new pathways and opportunities Where are the opportunities? Creating your own opportunity Professional qualifications as a currency for progression Testing the water 6 Thinking creatively about your next career transition Doing something different within your current sector Making a business out of a hobby Bigger and better – with a business partner Tech startups Teaching Creative disciplines REFLECTION Part III: Getting to where you want to go and cultivating the skills that underpin successful career transitions 7 Transforming ideas and wishes into concrete opportunities Researching options and making it happen Getting a foot in the door Returning to work after some time out A note on managing expectations and being kind to yourself 8 Learning the new Learning about your environment – getting the full picture Learning the new self-employed environment Making friends with the legacy of your predecessor Establishing credibility Developing an appropriate work style 9 The people factor Understanding other people's behaviour with emotional intelligence Teamwork – building trust Building a relationship with your new manager Building a relationship with your team as the new manager or boss 10 Communication skills – communicating for purpose Communicating effectively Receiving feedback Dealing with unacceptable behaviour 11 Getting support Building and nurturing your network Getting back in touch Finding a mentor 12 Moving into power Gaining experience in management skills Power in the service of the team When to assert your authority Showing empathy Which management style? The art of delegation Inspiring your team 13 Planning your future career development REFLECTION Part IV: Believing in yourself 14 Aiming for satisfaction in your career journey Finding self-confidence – the concept of being good enough Avoiding the perfectionist trap 15 Practising being who you are Appearing confident Beating impostor syndrome Being resilient REFLECTION Conclusion – change is your choice Toolkit References Further reading Index