5 steps to taking control of your career
Career planning can be a really difficult process, the problem is that as practitioners and sports coaches we overcomplicate it and end up confusing ourselves.
So here is a simple 5 step plan which you can implement today which will give you some clarity and clear the fog away from the start line.
1. Understand where you want to be
You need to know loosely where you want to be. Or at least have an idea of the types of things you aspire to further down the line. For example…
Managing a multi-disciplinary team
Work abroad
Earn x amount
Work in the topflight league/competition
2. Conduct a needs analysis of that role
Study the people in the types of roles you want and see if you can find job specs for these roles even if they are expired. Understand what it is which will not just get you an interview but get you the offer.
3. Where are you currently?
You now need to see how your skills and knowledge stack up against the requirements of the roles you aspire to. Be honest, and open about where your gaps lie in each specific ‘core competency’ on the job ads.
4. What do you need to do to close the gap on the end goal?
Now comes the fun part. Take the exact same approach as you do with your athlete's physical development, and systematically map out how you will fill the gaps to ensure that you close the gap on the end goal. Where are you lacking, and what skills, tools, resources, and support do you need to be able to level up.
5. Plan intentionally and prioritise your personal development
Now you have a long list of areas to work on. Time to prioritise them and assign specific tasks and timelines to each one. For example, if your agility or tactical knowledge is not where it needs to be, create a self-development block for yourself and make this your highest priority. Of course, all areas need to tick along, but, when you want to improve in anything you need to be intentional, consistent and follow the strategy.
This my fellow practitioners is the basics of Career Periodisation.
This is a simple 5 step guide which will help you to start shifting your mindset towards how you can build the pathway you want.
This is very simple, but it is not very easy.
That is why Dan Howells and I have joined forces to bring you the Career Periodisation for S&C Coaches Manual. This manual will guide you through these steps and many more, and provide you with a clear structure and process which will give you the unfair advantage over the field.
You can find out more information about the launch HERE. We look forward to sharing more information in the coming weeks.
