If you are a successful professional, a quick reality check for you !

Wow ! it’s time for introspection.

This check list comprises some random thoughts that keep hitting my head, and some questions that I direct at my friends who speak to me to discuss their career and jobs. These may or  may not be applicable for every one, so if you feel you are super successful (as per your own self assessment) and don’t want any third party advise – skip it – there are better things to read in this world.  For others, these questions can be an interesting read. For those who are looking for some insights & value addition to better their professional pursuits, try to honestly answer these questions the next time you are with yourself.

This checklist – a compilation of simple innocent thoughts & questions can be of value to most of us, specially when we look at some kind of introspection focused at our career.  You are welcome to rephrase the questions and add your own questions to this list.

Lets begin !

You the Brand vs You the Employee of Some Company

    • Are you known for who you are or the company you belong to (your job) ?
    • If you are an amazing performer and one of the hot shots at your business, is it because of your capability or because of the brand you are working for ?  Remember, at times its easier to grow and deliver when you are working in a top brand or a cash cow brand.
    • Lets say, one fine day you have to switch to a lesser known brand, a start-up brand, will you still be able to make a difference ? Will you still be  as successful ?

If you are so successful, is it because of you:

    • Why have you been successful in your present job ? Will you be able to re-create the magic else where ? Remember: A good number of professionals fail  or struggle in “non familiar” turfs.
    • Is your being a success about you, or your employer,  or your boss, or your team members ? Where does your capability come into picture ?

If you have an amazing work exposure and experience, are you really needed for the job you are holding as of now ?

    • Does your employer really need your kind of experience for the position you hold ?
    • Can your job be done by some one with lesser experience ?
    • Why are they paying you so much to do nothing ?
    • Why are they paying you peanuts to do some thing so valuable ? Are your efforts really adding value ?

Future orientation, are you ready for the future.

    • Do you have what it takes to move to the next big role ?
    • Do you have what it takes to prepare for your next career move within and outside your company ? Are you sure ?
    • Where all can you get absorbed, once you decide to exit ?
    • Where all can you get absorbed, once you get fired ?

Why were you not offered the job, you interviewed for last week or last month ?

    • Have you any idea, why you could not make it for the amazing position in your last job interview ?
    • If you are looking out for a job, why are you not able to find a job ? Is it the economy, past experience, your capability or some thing else ?

There’s more to it …

    • What’s your identity, beyond your business card ? Lets say, you visit your alumni reunion & you don’t carry your business card and are not allowed to speak about your professional life. Do you have enough anecdotes, stories, thoughts to share ?
    • Are you able to find time for things beyond you work ? Are you passionate about “life” beyond work ?

Well, hope you have browsed past the above. In the first read let these pointers just be some questions and some generic pointers.

If  however, you can align with my intent at writing this post – do review these points in a serious, thoughtful and introspection mode some time later.  Hope they add value.

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Praveen is the Founder & Principal Consultant of KHEdge, a boutique HR & Business Process Advisory firm. Over last 15 years he has advised & worked with promoters, founders, business leaders, HR leaders in areas of - Business Strategy, HR Strategy, Organisation Design etc.

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