The Skills I Built that Launched My Unique Career Brand
I sat in my office feeling defeated, wondering if there was more to my career. Despite my various college degrees, I felt overlooked for opportunities. After ten years in the same position, I realized I needed to change my approach and establish a career brand. I didn't know where to begin, so I decided to focus on transferable skills that could take me anywhere. It was a difficult journey, but with hard work and determination, I created a new path for myself and found the success I had been seeking.
Developing a unique personal brand is essential in today's fast-paced professional world. It used to be that technical expertise was enough, but now it's important to stand out from the competition. I've developed a set of skills that have helped me do just that: creativity, futurist thinking, design thinking, collaboration, discernment, innovative thinking, and strategic thinking.
To give you a glimpse into my new career, as an Organizational Effectiveness and Innovation Specialist, I aim to enhance overall organizational efficiency by improving interdepartmental connections, streamlining processes, and fostering relationships.
Each of these skills has played a significant role in my career journey, and I'm excited to share what I've learned with you.
Let's get started!
Skill #1 - Creativity:
Creativity is truly the driving force behind innovation and originality. When I learned to nurture my creativity, I discovered new approaches to problem-solving and came up with unconventional ideas and unique solutions. By embracing creativity, I was able to stand out at work and impress my colleagues and the Executive Team with fresh perspectives. I learned to think outside the box, explore different angles, and unleash my imagination to find innovative solutions to complex challenges. I took the initiative to create a particular interest group at work, called the Creative Collaboration Group. We went on field trips, hosted brain breaks, held innovative hot seats, and I even allowed a career newbie to lead. Four years later, the group still exists and even caught the attention of the newest C-suite Exec. It's amazing how powerful creativity can be!
Skill #2 - Thinking Like a Futurist:
When I first started my career branding journey, I wasn't familiar with the term "thinking like a futurist". However, I quickly learned that this skill involves anticipating trends, imagining potential scenarios, and understanding the implications of emerging technologies and societal shifts. I spent years honing this skill, and it paid off in numerous ways. For example, I wrote an article in 2021 called "Hiring for Culture Fit Kills Innovation, Do This Instead", which became relevant in 2023. By thinking like a futurist, I was able to identify opportunities before they became mainstream and position myself as an expert in emerging fields. This helped me anticipate market needs, adapt quickly to changes, and make strategic decisions to stay ahead of the curve.
Skill #3 - Design Thinking:
I learned this skill by taking the Hello Design Thinking Course with IDEO. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and iterative processes. By adopting this mindset, I gained a deep understanding of the people I served and the challenges they faced. Design thinking empowered me to create user-centric solutions, foster meaningful connections with clients, and deliver experiences that exceeded expectations. It became a cornerstone of my brand, showcasing my ability to tackle complex problems while keeping the end-users at the heart of my work.
Skill #4 - Collaboration:
Collaboration is an essential skill in today's interconnected world. By actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with diverse individuals and teams, I expanded my network, gained new perspectives, and learned from experts in different domains. I was in overdrive collaborating with my colleagues on the Creative Collaboration Group, the Cost Recovery Project, The Racial Equity Group, Allies in Community, and Youth Allies. Collaborating allowed me to leverage collective intelligence, foster innovation through shared experiences, and build a reputation as a culture add. I discovered that by embracing collaboration, I could amplify my skills and achieve outcomes beyond what I could accomplish alone.
Skill #5 - Discernment:
In the world today, with so much information at our fingertips, it's more important than ever to be discerning when it comes to what we consume. I've honed my skills in navigating the vast sea of data and insights, separating the wheat from the chaff. This discernment has allowed me to identify trustworthy sources, critically analyze information, and make informed decisions. As a result, I've gained a reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable expert in my field. Recently, I took an assessment that revealed me to be a wise mentor who gives great advice. It's been heartening to see that my colleagues often come to me for insight into their work or future career plans. I was recently recruited to serve with a group of coaches that will guide professionals in goal setting.
Skill #6 - Innovative Thinking:
Innovation drives progress, and by embracing innovative thinking, I found new ways to approach challenges and create value. I learned that innovations were less about new shiny things and more about small incremental changes. This skill allowed me to identify untapped opportunities, challenge existing norms, and develop groundbreaking solutions. I learned to embrace experimentation, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and push the boundaries of what was considered possible. Innovative thinking became the hallmark of my brand, demonstrating my ability to drive change and push for meaningful advancements.
Skill #7 - Strategic Thinking:
I used to struggle with second-guessing my decisions and feeling like my strategies weren't good enough for our long-term goals. But I've learned that strategic thinking is key to seeing the big picture and making informed choices that align with our larger vision. By developing this skill, I've been able to anticipate potential roadblocks and propel myself closer to my goals. Even though I've experienced some dry spells in the past, thinking strategically has helped me navigate complex environments, seize opportunities, and stand out in the competitive workforce.
Building a unique career brand requires a combination of skills that set you apart from the crowd. By cultivating creativity, thinking like a futurist, embracing design thinking, fostering collaboration, honing discernment, embracing innovative thinking, and practicing strategic thinking, I shaped my professional journey and launched a distinctive brand. Those skills empowered me to think creatively, anticipate future trends, solve problems empathetically, collaborate effectively, make informed decisions, drive innovation, and develop strategic plans. By integrating these skills into my professional repertoire, I created a brand that stands out, attracts opportunities, and delivers exceptional value.
What’s Next?
As you prepare to take your career journey to the next level, take a moment to access the skills you need to develop. Whether you decide to stay in your current role or make a career change, I know that building a personal brand that reflects your goals and aspirations is key to success. By investing in your growth and development, I'm confident that you will be able to carve out a unique path that allows you to thrive in your chosen field.
To start your branding journey at work, download the FREE 21-page guide by clicking here. Unlock the secrets to enhancing your career brand with 'Assess Your Career Brand Potential' comprehensive guide.
