We spend most of our time documenting the footprints of our careers.
We highlight the companies we worked for.
Titles we held.
Projects we worked on.
Yet, it’s more difficult for us to identify or tout our fingerprints.
The part we played in the success of a project.
The positive marks we left on an organization.
These fingerprints are what sets us apart.
They highlight the work we do. How we do it.
Most importantly, they identify how we are unique.
Different from others who worked at that company….with those titles…on that project.
Finding Our Fingerprints
We are told to consider work stories in the STAR format – situation, task, action, results.
The “ST” – Situation and Task assigned – are the footprints.
The “A” – action you took – is where your fingerprints emerge.
The results – “R” – may be our contribution or the contribution of a larger team.
Other ways to discover our fingerprints could be through regularly asking questions like:
- In the past week, the think I’m most proud of is__________.
- This week (month/year), I accomplished __________.
- The role I play on this team is ____________. They count on me to _______________.
- What tasks did I complete this week? What actions did I take to get there?
- Looking back at the week, what were the results of the projects I was involved in?
- What impact did I make on the business last week?
The answers to these questions can start to show patterns.
They will also help you start to build career stories.
Set the foundation of annual performance reviews.
And recognize red threads of contributions you make on a regular basis.
Your Turn
Do you focus on career footprints?
How might you foster the development and understanding of your fingerprints?
Could you incorporate ideas here into your reflection process?