November 2024: Celebrating National Career Development Month

November is officially recognised as National Career Development Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of career development professionals and to reflect on the importance of planning and pursuing a fulfilling career path.

During this month, Rutland Chamber of Commerce have come together with industry experts to offer guidance, share advice, and provide resources to individuals seeking to enhance their careers, whether they're just starting out or looking to make a career change.

Why is Career Development Important?

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving job market, career development has never been more crucial. With shifting industries, emerging technologies, and changing workplace dynamics, workers need to stay adaptable and informed to succeed in their chosen fields. Career development provides a framework to help individuals set goals, gain new skills, and make well-informed decisions about their career paths.

Whether you're a high school student planning for the future, a recent graduate looking to break into the workforce, or a mid-career professional considering a shift, career development plays an essential role in helping individuals align their skills and passions with meaningful opportunities.

Career Development Tips from Leading Experts

Throughout National Career Development Month, top experts in the field of career coaching and development offer a wealth of tips and advice for professionals at every stage of their careers.

Lets hear from Rupert Turton, ActionCOACH Oakham and Kettering: "My words of wisdom are very simply, 'the leader is there to lead the team not to do the work!'.

To be clear, that does not mean I didn’t do some of the work. I have over the years written proposals and bits of technical documents, words for contacts, done the cash flow, attended sales meetings and most importantly bought the pizza when the team have had to work late. But, my main role has been to lead and manage the team.

What I find interesting is how many people very confidently talk about how they are great leaders while behaving exactly like I did in my first management job!"

Don't be upset or frustrated if things don't initially go to plan, Rupert commented: "My first management job was not so good and did not end well! I was able to do the work of the people working for me! But, I didn’t get the best out of them because I thought I had to know everything and failed to ask for their input!

With the benefit of hindsight, I guess I was very lucky in my second management job. Lucky in that I did not have the skills or knowledge do the work my team where doing! I had no option but to manage."

What is Leadership?

Here are Rupert's thoughts:

First, set a clear direction. So, everyone knows what the team are trying to achieve, how that is to be done and why, what is the benefit to who of successful execution.

Then, have an agree a plan of action. You might all be heading to the same destination, but if you are all going different routes you will keep bumping into each other. There needs to be a clear plan to achieve the common goal that everyone is working to, so that all activity is co-ordinated in an effective manner.

Ensure everyone’s voice is heard. As I learnt the hard way (see above!), everyone’s voice needs to be heard. In a high performing team everyone’s contribution needs to be considered, not just that of the loudest person!

Support the team, particularly to experiment with new ideas. The Leader’s job is not only to define the objective but also to enable the team to achieve the outcome! That could be anything from sorting out a supplier or another team, to sheltering the team from external interruptions and everything else in between!

Make sure the team is working together. Or put another way, making sure the team are communicating effectively with each other in a way that they are all happy with. Arguably this should be number one on the list!

Find out more about ActionCOACH.

Rutland Chamber of Commerce, Membership Development Executive Oliver Hemsley believes that you should always have enjoyment in your career: "My advice to someone heading into employment find something that you have an interest in and on a good day can actually enjoy.

Always find something to smile about and remembers why you are there!"

If you're looking to progress your career, build new skills, and expand your professional network, our Chamber is the perfect opportunity for you!

Our events are designed to help you:

• Learn new skills through expert-led workshops and sessions.
• Make valuable connections with fellow professionals who can offer insights and support.
• Build a network where you can share advice, discuss challenges, and collaborate on new ideas.

Whether you're seeking career advancement, looking for advice on your next career move, or simply want to meet like-minded professionals, our events create an environment where connections are made, and growth happens.

Don’t miss the chance to grow both personally and professionally. Join us at our upcoming events and take the next step in your career development!