- /
- /
- /
Career Transitions – Self Reflection Worksheet
The objective of this exercise is to gain insights and learnings from your previous career moves, to support your next one. Notice any patterns of behavior or circumstances that repeat themselves.
This exercise is loosely based on a reflection in Becoming a resonant leader: develop your emotional intelligence, renew your relationships, sustain your effectiveness, by Annie McKee, Richard Boyatzis and Frances Johnston (Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press, 2008, p.113). It has been adapted by Chantelle Wyley.
Part 1: My Career History
Think about previous work transitions you have made: changing jobs, significant promotions, career changes. Briefly describe each transition and then for each transition, write a few notes about…
- What was easy for me in the transition? What was most challenging for me in the transition?
- What helped me progress? Who helped me to progress?
- What hindered me? Who hindered me?
- How did I support / not support myself in the transition?
What patterns do you see in your transitions? Consider frequency and duration of the transition, your emotional reactions during the transition, the impact on your relationships and productivity, how you arrived and entered, and how you departed/emerged.
Part 2: My previous position
Think about your previous position, your last job. Make some notes for yourself:
- What was my greatest learning from my previous position?
- What insights did I gain about myself, as a leader and as a person in my previous position?
- What did I learn about my role, my work, the environment and the organisation?
- What are my current beliefs and assumptions about change, growth, organisations and me?
- What did I notice about how I used myself in carrying out my responsibilities in my previous position? How might I use myself in new ways going forward in this position?
Part 3: Who am I and what do I have to offer?
Take a picture of yourself, a head-shoulders selfie, looking into the camera. Look at your picture, make eye contact with yourself.
Who are you and how do you show up the world?
Make some notes about the unique you and what you have to offer the world.