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Setting goals crucial for career longevity

by Cyndi Tebbel | Insurance Risk & Professional Feb-Mar 2011

Planning for the future is the key to career success, so here are some tips from those who know what it takes to get there.

Celebrities routinely confess to having been obsessed with becoming an actor/singer/model from a very early age. Insurance, on the other hand, is populated by professionals who routinely acknowledge that they didn’t choose this industry, it chose them.

“I just fell into it” is a common refrain from veterans and newcomers alike, most of whom also say that it was the best decision they never made. Luck, however, rarely features when it comes to career longevity.

Just like a car, a career needs regular maintenance to keep it finely-tuned and, as the politicians like to say, “moving forward”. That’s where goals come in.

Goals come in all shapes and sizes, from the obvious (a promotion), to the aspirational (an overseas posting) and the simply practical (better control of your time). Not everyone, however, has a clear-cut aim in mind.

If that’s the case, it may help focus the mind to answer some basic questions such as:

• the type and size of company you’reinterested in working for;

• the role that will suit your personalityand passions;

• the level of responsibility you’recomfortable with, and;

• the importance of salary, benefits and professional development.

Work out where you want to go

Troy Filipcevic, Executive Manager Technology at Vero, says that when you know where you want to go, getting there is easier.

“At work it’s easy to get sidetracked. Setting goals provides a purpose for you and your team to work towards, and a good filter to help you prioritise your workload,” he says. “Aim high but then break each into smaller, more achievable goals.

”That tactic helped Mr Filipcevic and his team have a “big year” in 2010. “We delivered some key pieces of technology and having clear goals helped us stay true to our overall objectives,” he says.

Mapping the year(s) ahead

Stephen Ball chairs the NIBA educational committee and has held a variety of roles in his 35 years in the industry. He currently leads the national Thistle segment for Jardine Lloyd Thompson and believes one of the first goals for a young professional should be to identify mentors.

“The advice from reliable coaches and advisers is invaluable when it comes to career planning, and you should also be prepared to be a mentor to others who seek your counsel,” he says.

Ball also recommends developing robust personal networks through involvement in young professional and other industry groups. “They will sustain your career and skills development for years to come,” he says.

Cautious approach

Another obvious benefit of goals is the self-confidence that results from achieving them, which is usually followed by the motivation to set new ones.

However, Joanne Bewley cautions young professionals to be realistic and patient when setting goals. As Enterprise Account Executive at Aon Risk Services in Adelaide, and an industry veteran of 17 years standing, she knows that nothing happens overnight.

SETTING GOALS PROVIDES PURPOSE FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM TO WORK TOWARDS, AND A GOOD FILTER TO HELP YOU PRIORTISE YOUR WORKLOAD

“The younger generation are very driven, but many also want to be the Managing Director within a few months of starting,” she says. Her advice is C to write down goals and put them somewhere you’ll see them every day.

“And don’t be afraid to tap into people around you in the industry for ideas and advice. After being with Aon for 17 years, I find that they have a big influence on my goal setting.

“This year I’m going to try to not get caught up with paperwork. It is important, but I’ll be delegating more because going out and speaking to clients is the most important aspect of our business,” says Bewley.

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