How would you guide a client in identifying their long-term career aspirations?

Fulfillment needs to be the benchmark. Understanding your value and where it is needed. Creating a career from doing what you love to do, shifts perspective from job to purpose. I feel this area is evolving and would not be surprised if freelancers become more and more offered for life work balance centred career paths that can sustain lasting fulfillment for both industry and partnership with greater engagement and unprecedented results. People are seeking more self determination and the market is shifting to reflect such a leap in consciousness. People no longer want to separate who they are with what we do. Could revolutionize the common workweek.

In my experience, self-reflection is the first and most critical step for aligning long-term aspirations to short-term milestones toward achieving career objectives. Start with 5 foundational questions: - What is your aspiration? - What are your values? - What are your strengths? - What are your weaknesses? - Where do your aspirations, values, and strengths intersect? Once you have solid answers to each, map out a strategic plan that gradually moves you closer to your long-term career objective; addressing weaknesses along the way.

The world is changing fast. Many jobs are being redefined. Some die. Some are born. Many people choose to work for themselves. We need to understand not only all that has brought someone to who he/she is now, but when analysing their aspirations, we need to see how they fit with this "new world". More and more people want work/life balance, flexibility and prospect of personal growth. Taking into account their personal situation and personal goals is very important. This part is the most interesting part of coaching. We need to be a sounding board, allowing them to share anything they want.

When I do a deep dive with someone I like to focus on their values and life purpose if they have one. (not many people have a purpose or they struggle to articulate it). Then we go into what they have enjoyed the most. What have made them grow the most. What they have not enjoyed. What have made them struggle a lot. What they wanted to achieve and couldn't. I observe the body language of the person as it gives many clues. People' s eyes lit up and speed of talking change when they feel happy. When they describe something painful, their energy drops.

Self reflection is the first and most valuable step you can take in identifying your long-term career aspirations. Looking back at various roles you held and various elements of roles to understand what aspects you enjoyed most, where you would "lose track of time" in the work because it was so engaging, what positive feedback you received over the years and in what areas you received the most positive feedback will all feed into your decision making and help you gain a better understanding of your long-term career aspirations.

Start by asking deep, open-ended questions that push them to think beyond their current role—questions like, "What impact do you want to have in your industry?" or "How do you want to be remembered in your career?" Then, help them map out a path that aligns with those answers, breaking it down into achievable steps. Encourage them to visualize not just the destination, but the journey too. When they can see it clearly, they’re more likely to stay motivated and take the necessary actions to get there.

A common challenge at this point is that people struggle to think long-term. I see this a lot when I'm coaching young professionals. It's very abstract to ask how will be their caeers in10 years time. This is why I shift the focus to shorter, more manageable timelines. We start by exploring what excites them right now and what immediate steps they can take to grow in their current role. I like to use frameworks like "Personal maps" to explore values, passions, and strengths and identify what are their "moving motivators" e.g. recognition, learning or freedom. Once this is aligned, you can gradually build a foundation for their long-term aspirations.

Once the client has a clearer understanding of their values and interests, help them craft a vision for their future. This involves imagining where they see themselves in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Encourage them to think broadly about their ideal career, lifestyle, and the impact they want to make. Visualization exercises, such as imagining their ideal workday or the type of projects they’d like to lead, can be particularly effective. This vision serves as a guiding star, helping the client stay focused on their long-term aspirations even as they navigate the complexities of their career.

Guide the client in assessing their current skills and identifying any gaps that may need to be addressed to achieve their long-term aspirations. This involves evaluating both hard skills (technical expertise, certifications) and soft skills (communication, leadership). Help them understand how their current skill set aligns with their career vision and what additional skills they may need to develop. For example, if their long-term goal is to become a senior leader in their industry, they may need to enhance their leadership and strategic planning skills. This assessment provides clarity on the steps they need to take to reach their goals.

Understanding the market and industry trends is crucial for aligning career aspirations with reality. Encourage the client to research their desired industry or field, including potential job opportunities, growth prospects, and the skills in demand. This research can include analyzing job postings, attending industry events, networking with professionals, and following thought leaders in their area of interest. Market research helps the client align their aspirations with the opportunities available and prepares them to adapt to changes in the job market.

I guide by client by: Identify Long-Term Goals: Discuss their ultimate career vision. Set SMART Objectives: Define Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound short-term goals to support long-term aspirations. Create an Action Plan: Outline steps to achieve each SMART goal. Monitor Progress: Regularly review and adjust goals as needed. This approach ensures clear, actionable steps towards achieving their career aspirations while maintaining focus and adaptability.