Control Your Own Destiny

Posted on by jefferyalexanderjr

LonelyA couple weeks ago I learned a valuable lesson about professional development. You must actively seek it out because no one else will do it for you. As a professional, I’m not afraid to admit I am not the best supervisor. My employees love working for me, I encourage personal and professional growth but often I don’t get the results am I looking for. I’m proud that I create an enjoyable workplace but I know we can be more effective and that falls on me as a supervisor. Recently I thought that I would get a supervisor that will help develop me in this area. Unfortunately, my expectations weren’t the same as others and now I am stuck having to figure out how to turn this weakness into a strength all by myself. This is when I learned that no one will provide you the professional development you need, you have to do it yourself. I low key blame my mentors and former supervisors who constantly challenged me and put me in positions to grow professionally. I became accustomed to others controlling my development. As I mentioned earlier it wasn’t until two weeks ago when I realized I’m LeBron vs. the Warriors, I’m in this game all by myself. I control my own destiny.

I didn’t get a supervisor with experience I can lean on and learn from. So, what do I do now? Reach out to those professionals that I admire to become the supervisor I want to be. Sitting back and hoping that others give you the tools necessary to be the best you are a waste of time. Placing my trust in others to do what’s best for me has left me deficient in many areas professionally. I know I am not the only person who has found themselves in this boat. Here’s a quick suggestion for you.

  1. Identify your weaknesses and areas of growth.
  2. Identify those professionals in your field of choice that you admire and would like to emulate.
  3. Reach out to those professionals and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance to improve yourself.
  4. Maintain contact with those professionals.
  5. Thank those professionals for the time and guidance.

These 5 simple steps will take you a long way in your profession. Don’t wait for anyone to provide you opportunities for growth. At the end of the day, you are responsible for your career trajectory. If you feel you are stagnant at your job, it’s your fault, not your supervisor.

 

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jefferyalexanderjr's avatar
If you were to ask anybody who knows me you will find out that I am extremely passionate about helping students successfully navigate the challenge of college life. As an undergrad I had many pitfalls but through mentors, dedication, and hard work I find myself in a position to help the next generation of college students. I naturally gravitate towards helping those students who find themselves feeling left out. This is why I have a fiery passion for helping students of color at predominantly white institutions. I was saved by black men who could have just walked away from this knucklehead kid from South LA, California but didn't. Because of their dedication and love for me, I must return to the favor to the every student I come in contact with.