Career Clubs: Making Right Connections

Imagine having a group to challenge you when you’re about to make a bad decision and cheer you on when you make good decisions or colleagues who will help you with your next career move. Imagine for a minute having people who truly believe in you that you can trust.{{more}}

Although intended for business owners, career professionals have adapted mastermind groups into career clubs where they can make essential connections, identify and define goals and then focus on achieving them. Although the concept of these “career clubs” is not new, the idea has trickled down from senior executives and is now touching the lives of everyday workers who have goals they would like to achieve.

What is a career club? It’s a group of three to seven people who hold each other accountable for the goals and aspirations of each member and the group as a whole.

Who can join? The group should consist of committed individuals who all have something they would like to accomplish. In reality, the more diverse the group is, in terms of life and professional experience, the better the dynamics will be.

How does it work? The group agrees to meet quarterly, monthly, weekly, or daily. The meetings can be held face to face, in person, or in a virtual setting (over the Internet) or by phone. Some groups initially meet on the phone on a daily basis as a way to get their days going and focus their activity.

How long are the meetings? Meetings do not need to be long at all. Each person should be allotted the same time frame to discuss their goals and ideas; the group should then take a specified amount of time to offer support and advice when appropriate. Total meeting times can range from fifteen minutes to three hours. Two important notes about time: first, find a schedule that works for the group and stick to it; second, if a schedule does not work, change it quickly.

What kinds of goals should be set? Goals can be short term or long term or both, personal and/or professional. Some groups set a three-goal limit, but that is a choice to be made by the group. Make sure all goals meet the S.M.A.R.T. criteria—goals must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time specific.

What are some of the pitfalls? Career clubs sometimes fail miserably because the members are not committed. Though you will likely not have 100 percent attendance or participation all the time, it is imperative to try.

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert.” For a FREE SPECIAL REPORT on Avoiding Career Killers in the Workplace, send an email to info@workplacesuccess.com

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