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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
3 Ways To Reignite Fulfillment When Recognition Stops Feeling Good
Articles are abundant online that teach you how to position yourself in the workplace to receive a promotion, maintain your value in the company, and attract the recognition in your career that you've been striving for. However, what happens when the goals you previously had have all been accomplished? How do you manage the guilt of seeming "ungrateful" if you no longer experience satisfaction from your accomplishments like before? One example of how leaders can rediscover meaning in their professional lives is by identifying specific aspects of their careers that bring them fulfillment and joy. A study conducted by Perceptyx aimed to address this, as it found that only 29% of employees experience all 8 out of the 10 attributes that make a career fulfilling. This statistic suggests that many individuals are pondering this question and are seeking a more profound sense of purpose beyond what others have defined as success. Research studies have also proven that when professionals feel fulfilled in their careers, they are less likely to leave organizations. The 2023 Global Culture Report supports this notion, finding that highly fulfilled employees stayed three years longer at their organizations compared to their counterparts who expressed feelings of unfulfillment. This statistic underscores the crucial role that fulfillment plays in the longevity of your career and its impact on long-term engagement in the workplace. One reason recognition stops feeling fulfilling for leaders is that it often focuses more on the outcomes they produce rather than on who they are as individuals. This reward system usually leaves people feeling commoditized and objectified for the results they deliver rather than the perspective and integrity they bring to their work. A recent Canva study supported this sentiment, finding that only 48% of employees reported that their workplace acknowledges and celebrates their unique qualities as individuals. These findings highlight the significance of reconnecting with fulfillment driven by personal values, rather than just professional recognition. In this article, we'll explore three emotional skills leaders can use to redefine what success means to them and rediscover joy in their work, even when recognition fades. There is often an unspoken shame that accompanies no longer feeling fulfilled by the things that once brought you success, especially when those things were highly praised or recognized by others. This disconnect often arises when we expect ourselves to maintain the same level of performance without considering how much we've grown, changed, or struggled. Fulfillment fades when your definition of success stays stuck in a past version of you. That's why it's essential to ask: What does success look like to me now, even if no one else is clapping for it? Reconnecting with your version of success, as opposed to the one that receives the most recognition, is a powerful way to reignite a more profound sense of fulfillment. 'Success can come in many forms, and it's up to us to define what success looks like based on our core values and the goals we've set,' says Miguel Echols, a corporate leadership consultant and trainer. 'We create success by being willing to put in the personal and professional development work consistently, and part of how we view success should factor in the current season and our efforts.' Have you ever heard the quote, "Don't turn your passion into a prison"? That sentiment applies here. When recognition no longer feels fulfilling, it's often because you've become disconnected from what originally made the work feel joyful. If the validation you're getting isn't lighting you up anymore, it's time to reconnect with the parts of your work that feel rewarding, regardless of whether they get acknowledged or not. By revisiting what you loved before the applause, you shift your focus to other aspects of your work that fuel you and give your work meaning. That's where real fulfillment starts to return. One way to rediscover fulfillment in your career is to recognize the impact your work is having on the people you serve. When you feel disconnected from the recognition that your job is receiving, this is often due to feelings of apathy and dissatisfaction. These emotions are a sign for you to expand your definition of what impact means. Impact is about more than financial outcomes, stakeholder approval, media features, or awards. Your expertise has also led to client breakthroughs, shifts in perspective, cultural changes, and a sense of psychological safety within your organization. The legacy you're building encompasses these micro and macro shifts that can't be measured and may not consistently be recognized. Measuring your impact through the lens of impact, instead of validation, is what helps you feel fulfilled in your work again. Now that you understand the emotional strategies that will help you rediscover fulfillment in your career, here's what you can do next. The next time you notice that the recognition you're receiving is no longer rewarding, integrate one of these skills into how you reflect on your work. Shifting your perspective on what constitutes success will help you reconnect with the aspects of your career that feel more meaningful, even if they aren't the elements that receive the most recognition.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
6 Reasons Employers Are Unprepared To Support Your Career Goals
Young Asian businesswoman leading getty The rules of career management are being rewritten. You can no longer rely on your employer to place a premium on your professional development and career advancement, not only due to budget cuts but also because of the lack of knowledge employers have about their employees' specific needs. As such, this responsibility now lies directly in the hands of employees themselves. While organizations may offer training, resources, and guidance, the days of one-size-fits-all career development programs are long gone. And that's a good thing. This shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. Understanding why it has occurred and how to leverage the following six alarming realities employers are unprepared to support your career goals will determine whether you thrive or put your future at risk. Even the most well-intentioned employers struggle to design a personal development path perfectly aligned with your ambitions. Why? Because no one knows your inner world as well as you do. Organizations often operate at a macro level, focusing on company-wide industry trends and group goals. While these frameworks serve the greater organization's growth objectives, they cannot address the nuances of your unique strengths, aspirations, and challenges. Employers can't read your mind, nor is it their responsibility, it's yours. Yet, most employees are not willing to boldly share their career goals for fear of derailing the political capital or momentum they have created. To determine your growth path, you as an individual must develop a deep understanding of what you need professionally and personally to thrive. Ask yourself: 'Have I invested enough time understanding my own strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities to chart my path forward?' Before you point fingers at your employer, take a moment to reflect on yourself. Do you know who you are and what you truly want? Many employees chase external validations, such as promotions or salaries, without understanding if these align with their personal values or beliefs. Personal growth begins with introspection. In fact, when I've asked mid-career professionals the question, 'What are you chasing?', some of the most common responses include: happiness, survival, belonging, security, harmony, peace, respect, validation, self-trust, calmness, regaining faith in my abilities, and self-worth. Yet, while they know what they are chasing, they don't know who they are or what they stand for. As a result, they struggle to act confidently toward what they really want because much of what they have achieved has been the result of following a predefined path for years. I've learned that it takes time and immense focus for someone to uncover their unique passions and strengths. This requires an intensive process of unraveling internal and external factors, something an employer is not responsible for, especially when their priority is on financial goals and objectives. Now that employees are consumers with options, one of their most important choices begins with investing in themselves to understand the skills and capabilities they bring to the table. Employers are under immense pressure to drive growth, shareholder value, innovate, navigate volatility, and survive in highly competitive landscapes. Most career development initiatives are designed to address organizational priorities, not individual aspirations. For example, your employer might provide training programs to adapt to new technologies or meet immediate skill gaps. While these programs are valuable, they may not align with the long-term, personalized vision you might have for your career. In fact, as employers invest more in AI as a professional development tool to offset the cost of third-party vendors, employees must be aware of the risks of AI-driven standardization. This could dilute one's unique skills, capacities, and talents if the sole purpose of the tool is to emphasize skills that primarily benefit the organization—not the employee. The management of an employee's career goals is more complex than any organizational blueprint, especially when you consider a company with thousands of employees. It's reflective, adaptive, and deeply personal. To succeed, you must go beyond company resources and create your own plan for growth. When items 1-3 are at play, it's hard to enforce personal accountability for one's career goals. Yet, this is the world we now live in—if your objective is to get ahead of change before circumstances force it upon you. Gone are the days of waiting for your performance evaluation to discuss your career goals. By the time that happens, hundreds of growth opportunities may have already passed you by. Those with thriving careers are the ones who take matters into their own hands. They hold themselves accountable by continuously evaluating: Accountability makes you the owner of your career, especially when the workplace and its demands are evolving faster than ever. An important aspect that oftentimes goes overlooked is one's diligence to budget for personal growth and career goals. Investing in your career is no longer an option, it's a non-negotiable priority. We can no longer assume the degree you earned 10 years ago has a distinct competitive advantage anymore. I've learned time and again that the talent spectrum is getting flatter. It's no longer just about years of experience; it's about whether one has the skills, the will, and new ideas to solve today's challenges and realize growth opportunities for the present and future. Consider creating a dedicated line in your personal budget for career growth. When you make a financial commitment to yourself, it reinforces the idea that your growth is a top priority. It also solidifies that you are finally investing in yourself for the greater good. Owning your career goals doesn't mean navigating them all on your own. To continuously grow and evolve, you need the right people around you. It means using resources wisely and thinking strategically about the growth opportunities you pursue. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, friends, and family members who inspire and challenge you. The people you choose to associate with can either propel you forward or hold you back. Your circle of support should align with your goals and aspirations and share your hunger for growth. Stay close to the leaders and lifters and move away from the loafers and leeches. Growth requires you to assemble the right ecosystem of resources. Don't limit yourself to 2-3 resources you need at least 10-12 to continuously fuel your momentum and keep moving forward. Owning your career goals is neither simple nor fast, but it can be an incredibly rewarding journey if you put your mind to it. Never ask yourself again, 'What is my employer doing to support my career goals?' Instead, ask yourself, 'What am I doing to sustain the career path I desire?'
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
These are the 3 steps that every new graduate should take
You've just graduated, and it's time to get ready for your first adult job. This feels different from your summer jobs and internships—yet it's not. Take a pause, two deep breaths, and realize: you are not flying solo. Remember: in the workplace and throughout your career, a 'we, not 'me' mentality makes all the difference. None of us gets anywhere alone. Not even fiercely independent believers in rugged individualism. Many graduates think they don't have a personal board of directors and that they're starting their careers with an empty table. But I'm here to tell you that nobody starts from zero. It can be hard to recognize at first, but you already have a group of people invested in you and your professional journey. These are your go-to people: those you trust, respect, and who have demonstrated their commitment to your professional growth and success. Think of the 'board' as a figurative way to describe the individuals you turn to for guidance, support, input, radical honesty, and feedback. How to establish your board of directors First, start by setting some ground rules for your board: there are always open seats, and there are no term limits. Some people may only be on your board briefly; others may stay for a lifetime. These relationships shouldn't be transactional or one-way. They are respectful, thoughtful connections that you must nurture. Here are three actions you can take to strengthen your relationship with your current board members. 1. Start with an audit Ask yourself, who's already sitting at your table? Think about the people you call when you're in a personal or professional crisis, the ones who make you feel better just by talking. Think about the friends you trust to discuss school, career decisions, fashion dilemmas, or family stresses. Don't forget about teammates, club members, or organization peers whose advice you value. Reflect on those who have once sat you down to walk you through a critical decision. Even family members who offer solicited (and sometimes unsolicited) advice can be part of your board if you trust their input. These are the people who are already serving. 2. Be open to changing your board members Second, roll people off when necessary. Not everyone is meant to stay forever. As you grow and evolve, it's natural for board membership to change. Sometimes it's them, they might have life commitments that shift, which decreases availability. Sometimes it's you. You develop new priorities or outgrow the relationship. Sometimes, a person might break your trust, and a once-valued board member no longer feels like a safe person. Whatever the reason, honor the evolution. The right board changes over time to meet the needs of the person you are becoming. 3. Show gratitude Third, show gratitude. Ask yourself if you've truly done the work to nurture these relationships. Once you finish reading this, reach out to a few board members to say thank you. Whether you send a handwritten note, a text, an email, or make a phone call, be intentional. Share an update—let them know you've graduated and are starting your next chapter. Express your gratitude with a specific example of how their support helped you reach this milestone. And tell them that you'd like to stay in touch, if they're open to continued communication. This isn't a transaction—it's the ongoing work of maintaining and valuing real relationships. As you begin your new job, remember that there are always open seats at your boardroom table. Think about who you'd like to join next. What areas of growth could benefit from more support? For example, when I graduated from medical school, I wished I had someone to help me with financial literacy—someone who could have guided me through paying off debt and making smart financial decisions. Books, podcasts, and newsletters are helpful, but nothing replaces having a real person to call or email when questions arise. The most successful professionals don't achieve everything at once. They build careers by learning and applying micro skills—small, intentional behaviors that compound over time and can be implemented in real time. Congratulations, graduate. You already have a board. People are serving on it. Now it's time to reinforce, grow, and celebrate the support.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Excellent Habits That Can Set You Up For A Big Promotion
5 Excellent Habits That Can Set You Up For A Big Promotion We all know someone who seems to rise through the ranks like a rocket. People who are always getting noticed and on the shortlist for new opportunities. While some may attribute their success to luck or timing, there's often a set of power habits driving that momentum you can build to hit the big leagues. If you're eyeing that next step on the ladder, these five strategies can supercharge your journey to a well-deserved promotion. Let's call it like it is: promotions are harder to come by. In fact, a study from ADP Research showed that promotion trends in the U.S. labor force have continued to cool over the past few years. Managerial promotions fell from 9% in 2022 to 7.3% in 2024. With that in mind, if you really want to move up the ladder, you need to say it out loud. That doesn't mean a vague 'someday I'd like to move up.' We're talking about a direct, confident conversation with your manager. Spell it out, with something like: 'I'm ready for more responsibility, and I'd like to be considered for a promotion. What steps can I take to make that happen?' Why does this matter? Because in many workplaces, especially large organizations, assumptions can kill momentum. Your boss might think you're happy right where you are, or that you're not ready. Clarity crushes confusion. By owning your ambition, you position yourself as someone who knows your worth and is actively planning your growth. Managers value team members who show initiative. Show that you very much deserve that higher step in the corporate ladder. It gives them a clear signal that you're invested and opens the door to building a development plan that aligns with both your goals and the company's needs. Promotions aren't handed out to people who are just 'okay' at their jobs. They're earned by those who bring their A-game consistently. This doesn't mean burning out or over-delivering on every task, but it does mean that the quality of your work needs to stand out. Be the person your team knows they can count on. Become synonymous with dependability and excellence. Always show that you are leadership material. It is essential that not only do you meet deadlines, but you also have to differentiate yourself by catching work details that others might miss. You have to take ownership when things go wrong and know how to fix them fast. When your output reflects not just skill but pride and professionalism, you're sending a loud message: 'I'm ready for more.' Everybody knows that 'teamwork makes the dream work'. However, people who get promoted aren't just team players; they are team builders. They know how to rally colleagues, collaborate with managers, and uplift junior team members. That's leadership in action. If you want to move up, you need to show that you're capable of more than just executing tasks. You have to show that you can influence, mentor, and mobilize a team. Offer help to coworkers when they're swamped. Include junior staff in decision-making processes where possible. Always treat people with respect, regardless of their title. Show your managers that you are worthy of that promotion by building trust within the team. In every job, there's busy work, and then there's work that moves the needle. The people who get ahead aren't the ones who simply do more. They are the ones who do the right things. Start asking these questions: What are the company's top priorities right now? What projects or outcomes make the biggest impact? What matters most to my boss? Once you've identified those answers, align your efforts accordingly. When you consistently work on high-priority tasks and high-impact projects, your value becomes undeniable. Always remember that a promotion is not a reward for being busy. It's recognition for creating results that matter. Be strategic with your time, and you'll quickly become indispensable. Chances are, nobody else will notice your career highs and excellent work progress a month or two after it happened, so a golden rule of career growth is to continuously track your accomplishments. That's why the fifth excellent habit is all about metrics. Start keeping a simple document with your key wins, outcomes, and contributions. Include things such as revenue or cost savings tied to your work, projects completed ahead of schedule, positive feedback from clients or internal teams, or any metrics, KPIs, or performance targets you helped exceed. Then share these with your manager regularly, not to brag but to make it effortless to recall. You might add them to the team's weekly checks or quarterly reviews. This helps your boss build the business case for your promotion because you've already connected your efforts to results. When promotion time comes, there's no guesswork. You've made your impact visible and powerful. At the end of the day, getting promoted isn't just about time served or seniority. It's about becoming the kind of professional who's so valuable, so effective, and so growth-focused that leadership has to take notice. These five habits form a rock-solid foundation for career growth. They not only get you noticed, but they will earn you a high level of respect and will show that you can be relied upon. Step into the leadership mindset, and let your actions lead the way. With the right habits, it's not a question of if—it's when. Rooting for you!
Geeky Gadgets
08-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
LinkedIn Secrets for 2025 : Why Your Old Strategies Are Failing You
What if everything you thought you knew about LinkedIn was holding you back? In 2025, the rules of professional networking have evolved, and sticking to outdated tactics could mean missed opportunities and stagnant growth. While many still chase likes and shares, the real power of LinkedIn lies in fostering authentic connections and driving meaningful conversations. Imagine a single, well-crafted post sparking industry-wide dialogue or a thoughtful comment positioning you as a thought leader in your field. These outcomes aren't reserved for influencers—they're within reach for anyone willing to embrace the platform's unique dynamics and adapt to its algorithmic shifts. This exploration dives into the strategies that actually work on LinkedIn in 2025, offering insights that go beyond surface-level advice. You'll uncover how to craft posts that resonate, use tools like Sales Navigator for targeted outreach, and harness AI to streamline your efforts without losing authenticity. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a professional looking to expand your influence, these actionable techniques will help you navigate LinkedIn with purpose and precision. The question is: are you ready to rethink your approach and unlock the platform's full potential? 2025 LinkedIn Success Strategies What Sets LinkedIn Apart? Unlike platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, LinkedIn emphasizes professional relevance over viral trends. Its algorithms prioritize meaningful conversations and interactions, making it a space where quality content and authentic engagement matter more than flashy visuals or high-frequency posting. One critical aspect of LinkedIn's algorithm is its focus on the first 60 minutes after a post is published. During this window, the platform evaluates engagement levels to determine whether the content should be shown to a broader audience. This means that crafting posts designed to spark genuine discussions is far more effective than chasing superficial metrics like likes or shares. For example, a well-thought-out post that invites professional dialogue or shares valuable insights is more likely to gain traction than a generic update. Understanding this distinction is key to using LinkedIn's unique strengths. Engagement Over Vanity Metrics On LinkedIn, comments hold more value than likes or shares. A thoughtful comment not only boosts the visibility of a post but also positions you as an active and credible participant in professional conversations. Engaging meaningfully with others' content can help you build stronger relationships and enhance your reputation within your industry. To maximize your engagement strategy: Focus on quality over quantity by posting less frequently but making sure each post adds value. by posting less frequently but making sure each post adds value. Dedicate time to commenting on others' posts or responding to comments on your own content. Engage with posts that align with your expertise, offering insights that contribute to the discussion. This approach ensures that your LinkedIn activity is not only visible but also impactful, helping you establish a reputation as a thought leader in your field. LinkedIn Strategies for 2025 by Richard Bliss Watch this video on YouTube. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on LinkedIn strategies that you might find useful. Crafting Content That Resonates The format and tone of your content play a significant role in its performance on LinkedIn. Posts that are text-only or include authentic, personal images often outperform videos or stock photos. Additionally, LinkedIn deprioritizes posts with external links, so it's more effective to place links in the comments or edit your post later to include them. For instance, a professional sharing a personal story about overcoming a workplace challenge, accompanied by a candid photo, is likely to resonate more than a polished corporate video. Authenticity and relatability are key to connecting with your audience and fostering engagement. To create content that resonates: Share personal experiences or lessons learned that align with your professional expertise. Use a conversational tone to invite dialogue and encourage interaction. Avoid overly promotional content, focusing instead on providing value to your audience. By prioritizing authenticity and relevance, you can create posts that not only attract attention but also inspire meaningful conversations. Using Sales Navigator for Targeted Outreach For sales professionals and business developers, Sales Navigator is an invaluable tool that enables precise targeting and outreach. This advanced feature allows you to identify prospects using filters such as job changes, company affiliations, and specific roles within organizations. Key benefits of Sales Navigator include: Targeting individuals who have recently changed jobs , as they may be more open to new opportunities or partnerships. , as they may be more open to new opportunities or partnerships. Identifying professionals at competitor organizations to gain insights or explore collaboration opportunities. to gain insights or explore collaboration opportunities. Focusing on decision-makers or influencers within your target companies to streamline your outreach efforts. By using these filters strategically, you can tailor your approach to connect with high-value prospects, increasing the likelihood of meaningful interactions and successful outcomes. Collaborative Strategies for Team Success Collaboration within your team can significantly amplify your LinkedIn presence. One effective method is the 'Hero Post' strategy, where team members collectively support a designated post each week. By adding thoughtful comments and sharing the post within their networks, team members can extend its reach and spark broader discussions. This approach offers several advantages: Boosts the visibility of individual posts, making sure they reach a wider audience. Strengthens the team's collective presence on LinkedIn, showcasing a unified and supportive culture. Encourages mutual engagement, fostering stronger professional relationships within the team. By working together, your team can maximize the impact of your LinkedIn activity, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved. Integrating AI for Smarter Engagement Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, can streamline your LinkedIn activity by assisting with tasks like drafting posts or comments. However, maintaining personalization and authenticity is essential to ensure your interactions remain genuine. AI can be particularly useful for: Generating content ideas based on trending topics or industry insights. Summarizing articles or reports for easy sharing with your network. Automating repetitive tasks, such as scheduling posts or managing follow-ups. For example, you might use AI to draft a comment on a colleague's post but refine it by adding specific insights or personal anecdotes. By integrating AI thoughtfully, you can maintain a consistent LinkedIn presence without compromising on quality. Avoiding Common Mistakes Many professionals struggle to adapt to LinkedIn's unique dynamics, often making mistakes that hinder their success. Common pitfalls include: Treating LinkedIn like other social media platforms by focusing on likes and shares rather than meaningful engagement. Posting excessively, which can dilute your reach and reduce the impact of your content. Failing to engage with others' content, missing opportunities to build relationships and credibility. To avoid these mistakes, prioritize fostering genuine conversations. For example, instead of simply liking a colleague's post, leave a thoughtful comment that adds value to the discussion. This approach not only enhances engagement but also strengthens your professional network. Core Principles for LinkedIn Success To thrive on LinkedIn in 2025, focus on these core principles: Engage meaningfully with others' content to build credibility and foster relationships. Use tools like Sales Navigator to identify and connect with high-value prospects. Collaborate with your team to amplify visibility and create a supportive network. Use AI tools to streamline your activity while maintaining authenticity and personalization. Prioritize quality over quantity in your posts and interactions, making sure each action adds value. By adopting these strategies, you can enhance your LinkedIn presence, build influence, and achieve tangible results. Whether you're a senior executive, a sales professional, or a business owner, LinkedIn remains a powerful platform for professional growth—provided you approach it with intention and strategy. Media Credit: Learnit Training Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
