Navigating Your Career: Insights for Effective Management
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Career Management
Managing your career goals requires careful consideration, much like advising your clients.
Achieving Fulfillment in Your Profession
Many individuals often inquire about the role of in-house counsel. I found it challenging to convey this to my children, who left my workplace with the notion that we merely "send emails, chat on the phone, and attend numerous meetings."
I also faced difficulties explaining my position to other professionals. Initially, I summarized our work with the term "risk mitigation." This seemed fitting, as a significant portion of our efforts is dedicated to identifying and minimizing risks for our organizations.
However, upon further contemplation, I recognized that in-house counsel prioritize risks differently. We have a plethora of potential dangers to consider and exercise considerable judgment in allocating our limited resources.
Which issues are currently attracting regulatory scrutiny? Are we particularly vulnerable to certain risks due to our specific profile? Would the repercussions of non-compliance be more severe in some areas than in others?
Our Role Is Not to Eliminate All Risks
Importantly, the most effective counsel understand that it is neither feasible nor beneficial to eliminate every risk. Attempting to do so could jeopardize our organizations' viability.
Consider it this way: We find ourselves squeezed between two opposing forces. On one side, our business colleagues relentlessly advocate for new opportunities, ever eager to take risks and push the envelope.
On the other side are regulators, external counsel, and advisors whose aim is to restrain us from causing harm while pursuing business objectives. Their goal is to help us minimize risks to our operations.
Do We Use Risk Management in Our Careers?
Throughout the years, I've engaged in numerous conversations with colleagues about their career aspirations. The focus often centers on our goals, development, and potential next steps.
"Am I progressing quickly enough?" "Will this position or promotion facilitate my career advancement?" "What is the optimal route to becoming a general counsel?"
This perspective reflects the business side of our roles, and I understand it well. My own career advice (which I will elaborate on later) includes the mantra: "Always advocate for what you want."
However, what often gets overlooked in this equation is a realistic assessment of the costs involved. How well do we evaluate the price of our ambitions in terms of personal time, hours spent with loved ones, and other significant priorities?
We routinely counsel our clients with the understanding that "No, we do not seek all business at any cost. We aspire to grow sustainably and in alignment with the company’s values."
Growth Involves Trade-offs
In essence, advancement—both for organizations and individuals—entails explicit costs, sacrifices, and trade-offs. Your career aspirations come with conditions that merit careful reflection.
Despite the emphasis on work-life balance and the strides many of us have made in achieving it, increased responsibilities often lead to longer hours and heightened stress levels.
Is relentless effort a prerequisite for success? Your perspective will differ, and I will explore this in a future article.
However, it is likely that progressing in your career will not solely yield positive outcomes. You may be willing to accept these costs, but it is crucial to recognize what they entail.
As I conclude, consider this: Have you been managing your career like an open-faced sandwich precariously balanced on your hand, or are you also contemplating how to address the risks tied to your ambitions?
Take care.
Don't overlook essential advice. Click here to follow Career Paths.
Chapter 2: Video Insights on Career Management
Explore effective strategies for managing your career at any stage of your professional journey.
Uncover the essential career advice often overlooked but critical for achieving success.