Own Your Career: How a Contagious Identity Can Propel You Forward

By Kevin Britz

In the modern workplace, your career is your responsibility. It’s no longer about waiting for promotions or relying on organisational structures to map out your future. Instead, it’s about taking ownership, stepping into your power, and carving out a path that aligns with your purpose. In this fast-evolving world, being passive about your career is a risk. To thrive, you need a clear vision, continuous growth, and the ability to inspire others—and that’s where developing a Contagious Identity comes into play.

Your Contagious Identity is the energy, authenticity, and clarity you bring to the world. It’s how you show up, build trust, and elevate those around you. When you combine this with a deep sense of purpose, self-awareness, and the powerful frameworks of WINGS and emotional, networking, and adaptability quotients (EQ, NQ, and AQ), you don’t just advance your career—you lead with impact and intention.

In this article, I’ll unpack why owning your career is critical, how a Contagious Identity accelerates your success, and the tools you need to ensure your career thrives in 2025 and beyond.

Why You Need to Own Your Career

Let’s be real: the workplace has shifted. Careers are no longer linear, and the skills that got you here may not be the ones that take you forward. Owning your career is about taking proactive steps to ensure you’re growing, adapting, and positioning yourself for opportunities. Here’s why this is non-negotiable:

1. Purpose Brings Clarity: When you own your career, you align your actions with your purpose. Purpose acts as a compass, guiding you toward roles, opportunities, and environments that resonate with your values and goals.

2. Self-Awareness Fuels Strategic Growth: Owning your career starts with knowing yourself—your strengths, blind spots, and potential. Self-awareness allows you to focus on what makes you unique and position yourself effectively.

3. Adaptability Keeps You Relevant: In an age of rapid change, staying relevant means being adaptable. Owning your career means actively learning, pivoting when needed, and embracing change as an opportunity.

4. Networking Opens Doors: Relationships are at the heart of career growth. When you own your career, you invest in authentic connections that expand your influence and create opportunities.

5. A Growth Mindset Ensures Longevity: Career ownership is about staying curious, seeking feedback, and constantly improving. It’s a commitment to continuous learning that ensures you stay ahead of the curve.

How a Contagious Identity Elevates Your Career

While technical skills and experience are essential, they’re not what makes you stand out. What sets you apart is how you show up—your energy, authenticity, and ability to inspire others. This is your Contagious Identity, and it’s your most powerful tool for career growth.

Here’s how a Contagious Identity transforms your career:

? Authenticity Builds Trust: People are drawn to those who are genuine and self-aware. When you show up authentically, you create trust and foster meaningful connections.

? Purpose Creates Impact: A clear sense of purpose gives your actions meaning and your identity strength. People are naturally inspired by those who know their “why” and align their actions with their goals.

? Social Intelligence Enhances Collaboration: A Contagious Identity thrives on emotional intelligence (EQ) and social intelligence. These skills help you navigate complex dynamics, build strong relationships, and foster collaboration.

? Networking Quotient Expands Your Reach: Building authentic relationships and leveraging them effectively amplifies your presence. Networking is more than just meeting people; it’s about creating lasting, mutually beneficial connections.

? Adaptability Quotient Demonstrates Resilience: Change is inevitable, and those with a high AQ—Adaptability Quotient—show they can not only survive but thrive in dynamic environments. This adaptability is a hallmark of a Contagious Identity.

WINGS: Your Framework for Career Growth

The WINGS framework—Willpower, Intelligence, Next Level, Growth, and Social Intelligence—is designed to support you in developing the mindset and skills you need to own your career. Here’s how each component of WINGS contributes to your journey:

1. Willpower: Career ownership requires discipline, focus, and perseverance. Willpower helps you stay committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges.

2. Intelligence: Intelligence in WINGS includes both technical skills and emotional intelligence. It’s about being sharp, strategic, and emotionally attuned to the needs of others.

3. Next Level: Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Taking your career to the next level means embracing challenges that push you to excel and evolve.

4. Growth: Continuous learning is at the heart of career ownership. Growth ensures you’re always improving, staying relevant, and positioning yourself for new opportunities.

5. Social Intelligence: Strong relationships are key to career success. Social intelligence allows you to navigate team dynamics, build trust, and inspire collaboration.

Practical Steps to Own Your Career and Build a Contagious Identity

Owning your career is a journey that starts with intentional action. Here are some steps to help you take control and create a Contagious Identity that propels your career forward:

1. Clarify Your Purpose

Purpose is the foundation of a Contagious Identity. Knowing your “why” gives your career direction and motivates you to take intentional actions.

Action Step: Reflect on your values, passions, and long-term goals. Write a purpose statement that captures your vision for your career and use it to guide your decisions.

2. Develop Self-Awareness

Understanding yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, and potential—is critical to career ownership.

Action Step: Take a personality assessment (like the Enneagram) or seek feedback from trusted colleagues. Use these insights to identify areas for growth and opportunities to leverage your strengths.

3. Cultivate Emotional, Networking, and Adaptability Quotients

EQ, NQ, and AQ are essential for navigating today’s workplace. These quotients help you connect with others, embrace change, and build a resilient, influential presence.

Action Step: Practise active listening, expand your professional network through intentional outreach, and embrace challenges as opportunities to strengthen your adaptability.

4. Embrace the WINGS Framework

Use WINGS to guide your career development, focusing on willpower, intelligence, next-level growth, and social intelligence.

Action Step: Set clear goals for each component of WINGS and track your progress. For example, commit to a professional development course (Growth) or schedule weekly networking activities (Social Intelligence).

5. Show Up Authentically Every Day

Your Contagious Identity is built through consistent actions. Show up with purpose, authenticity, and a commitment to growth in every interaction.

Action Step: Start each day by setting an intention that aligns with your purpose. Ask yourself, How can I bring my authentic self to my work today?

Final Thoughts: Owning Your Career with a Contagious Identity

Owning your career is one of the most empowering things you can do. It’s about stepping into your potential, aligning your actions with your purpose, and showing up with authenticity and intention. A Contagious Identity amplifies this effort, helping you inspire others, build meaningful relationships, and create opportunities that move you closer to your goals.

As we approach 2025, let’s commit to taking ownership of our careers. Let’s embrace the principles of WINGS—building our willpower, intelligence, growth, and social intelligence—and develop the EQ, NQ, and AQ needed to thrive in a dynamic world. When we show up with a contagious energy and purpose, we don’t just succeed—we elevate those around us, creating a ripple effect that transforms teams, organisations, and communities.

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