The Seven Biggest Opportunity Blockers in Career Development
Contributed by Ari L. Kaplan, Esq.
Just as superheroes have their arch enemies, opportunity makers have their career blockers. Individuals motivated by possibility and inspired by their peers can be stifled in their efforts, whether they are related to business or career development, by a few key characteristics that have varying degrees of influence. Purge them at the right times and success will be much easier to capture and maintain.
Regret
Everyone misses an opportunity. Some accept its passing and move forward while others let it linger. The regret of missed opportunities is a strong impediment to those available in the present and awaiting discovery in the future. The issue is one of focus. When concentration is placed on the past, there is no movement. Adjusting perspective (and taking an occasional deep breath) helps reduce the impact of yesterday and spotlight a second chance tomorrow.
Envy
Envy and regret are the opposite sides of one coin that play a very tricky game on business and professional development potential. Both lead to stagnation that prevents one from seeing the next opportunity. When one misses a goal or fails in an attempt (whether it is client-related or career-shaping), remaining positive and being more methodical in a future approach is an ideal response.
Insecurity
That methodical approach helps to alleviate the insecurity that prevents one from sharing an idea. This is critical because the first step in embarking on a new venture is often broadcasting a concept, then selling its value to that audience. By incorporating others into an endeavor, you force it to fruition by linking it to your reputation. Whether that endeavor is pitching an article, meeting with management about intergenerational dynamics or simply encouraging others to brainstorm, unwelcome yet ever-present self-censoring is counterproductive.
Pride
Self-censoring is part of one’s effort to avoid embarrassment at all costs. That is, however, ultimately an excuse for inaction. Gauge where you fall on the risk aversion spectrum and tailor a strategy that meets your level of risk tolerance. Some people feel more comfortable writing a note or sending an email than picking up a phone. Do what makes you most comfortable, but combine the comfortable with the uncomfortable in order to achieve your ultimate goal.
Caucusing
Regardless of how you communicate, don’t listen to everyone. Too many voices can cloud your mission and your message. It is generally easy to recognize good advice because it tends to appear as honest and constructive. Other guidance simply projects those terminal opportunity blockers on to your effort, often unintentionally.
Boredom
Also unintentional is the fatigue that comes with hard work and intensity. For that reason, incorporate a certain element of fun or inspiration into your daily routine because it more seamlessly connects you to the people with whom you are trying to connect. Levity, whimsy and excitement make the possibility of a result often more apparent.
Solitude
What is equally apparent is that opportunity makers collaborate. They engage with the community and celebrate the work of their peers. That celebration helps to spotlight the contribution of the subject individual, but also emphasizes the character of the messenger. Those who work alone and focus narrowly miss prospects that only come from conversation and interaction.
Career development is often about honing the skills necessary to perform, but part of that training is associating with others who are excited about showing up. Those who feel excited about what they do and who they are tend to be more successful. The key is to customize the means of interaction to your style and personality, while eliminating those characteristics that block opportunity.
Ari Kaplan is the founder of Ari Kaplan Advisors and author of The Opportunity Maker: Strategies for Inspiring Your Legal Career Through Creative Networking and Business Development (Thomson-West, 2008). He teaches techniques for getting published, networking and organic business development at law firms nationwide. Contact the author via AriKaplanAdvisors.com for free audio programs about professional development.
