BY: CH R I S BO L E M A N PRESIDENT AND CEO, HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO
SETTING
PROFESSIONAL
GOALS
I believe that the worst question you can ask in an interview is, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Have I asked it of myself and others? Of course, but very few people have any idea where they will be in five years. That is just the way life is. However, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a plan, goals, and dreams.
I
am honored to be asked to serve as a guest writer for this issue! The topic I was asked to address is “setting professional goals.” So, I hope that the first paragraph was the right “hook” for you to want to continue to read this article. Below are five points I would like to share with you. Enjoy!
all of us have a “learning line.” A line that includes everything you already know about something, a subject, or a topic. However, every line on every subject can be moved based on your willingness and openness to learning. So, as I like to say, if you want to grow professionally and set goals, step one is a commitment to move your learning line!
ONE For me, setting personal goals is about personal growth. Your number one professional and personal goal is to continue to learn and grow. People that don’t reach goals typically get far too comfortable in their current situation. As soon as you turn off “your willingness to learn,” you have, in essence, quit chasing goals. So, even if you are in a position where you want to be the remainder of your career, that is great, but it doesn’t mean you can’t better yourself through learning. Remember,
TWO As you are setting your goals, make sure they are aligned with your passion. So, point two is to chase your passion. For example, I have observed too many people who want to “move up” just to move up. They are chasing extrinsic factors and the glamor of the position. However, are they willing to do the work? Are they ready to make the tough decisions and accept the increased responsibility? The 8
