Follow The Yellow Brick Road

That famous byway from the Wizard of Oz is also a synonym for “a course of action that a person takes believing it will lead them to good things” (Oxford Dictionary). While a personal course of action is an individual thing, it’s often informed by a few trusted friends or advisors.

Donald Miller, author and career consultant, once said, “Behind every successful person, there is one elementary truth. Somewhere, some way, someone cared about their growth and development.”

Who were the “brick layers” in your life? Who invested parts of their lives in the development of YOUR “yellow brick road” (career plan)? I distinctly remember ALL those who poured in to me and continue today. They were/are senior folks, peers, and people more junior to me that I admire who just “had it together” on some aspect of their lives or careers. Like most of us, I’ve become a blended version of all the time invested by each “brick layer”. Once I started making my own “yellow bricks” (goals), creating the “road” came together easily. The building of the plan was (and should always be) a two-way conversation- completely participative. Simple questions drove the conversation(s):

•  What steps can we take that align to your long-term goals?
• How should we document and incorporate your goals into your professional development plan (if you don’t have one, start one)?
• What are the additional training or education or work activities that will allow you to accomplish your career goals? 
• What assistance do you need from me to start (or continue) working towards your career goals?
• When should we meet again to review your progress and continue the discussion?

Pretty easy stuff.

So, again, do you remember your “brick layers” over the years? If so, pay it forward and help someone develop and “Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow the(ir) Yellow Brick Road”.