Dreams can be dreams forever.

Let’s set our vision to no more than 5 years ahead now.

Set the objective, for example: John wants to become Product Manager at ACME Co.. I assume John have done the homework and it’s an achievable goal with some effort.

What do you do next?

Here you start to plan your journey. In the example:

“In order for me to become a manager in 5 years, I need to get exposed to X, Y, and Z product development and get an MBA”.

1. Communicate: An open and transparent career conversation with your direct manager, human resources manager and eventually your n+2 manager is important. They must be aware of your ambitions. Network with people that can influence your career. I’m not saying to be a polisher, but to express your plans to the right people and initiate conversations that might add value to them.

1. Enhance your competencies: You may identify that some competencies you can get through formal training or on the job. Be creative to find a way to get it. You should not rely purely on the company. It’s your solely responsibility to drive your career. If the company has interest and can afford to invest in your training, even better. If not, you will pursuit by yourself.

1. Deliver outstanding results: be attentive to align company’s goals with your efforts.

Back to the example, at this point John might start facing the challenges and the importance of his vision gains in value.

John might need to save money for the next 12 months in order to attend the MBA. This will need an alignment with his family, to save it from monthly expenses.

One year has passed and now he have saved enough for the MBA. However because of a new assignment in another town, he can not attend the training in person.

Nevertheless, in the new assignment, he get to be exposed to X and Y product development. Great! Checkpoint.

John finds a way to get MBA via distance education and the only time he has is to study in the bus commuting to work. He hold the opportunity by studying in the bus and on weekends. It's tough, but he has a goal.

Again, the family support is crucial during these months.

We are now two years and half down the road, John gets MBA diploma and shared the conquer with his managers.

During his assignment in X and Y products, he starts to behave like the manager he want to be. John take ownership of the business like it’s his. Inquiry beyond the job scope, participate in discussions and meetings that will help the company with its goals. He must push for outstanding results and make sure they are visible for the high level management. He always recognized the team that is with him, because no one can get things done alone anymore.

Then in the end of the third year, John pushes management for a transfer to Z product development. That’s the final part of his plan. Couple of months later, and some patience, he gets the transfer and another year is gone with great achievements under his responsibility. He also was able to establish connections with other product lines to improve development efficiency. He pushed the extra mile again!

At this time, the company probably understand John is ready for the next level and getting close to year 5 an opportunity arise to become the Product Manager he was looking for. Congratulations!

It’s time to celebrate and get ready to tackle the challenges of the position he fought so hard to get.

A new goal will be set next, as human beings, we will never stop searching for more.  The difference is the effort and the intelligence each one of us put on it.

Dreams can be dreams forever.

A vision turns out to have an action plan and follow up.

Go for it!