5 Skills To Succeed in ANY Career - Helen Tupper (Squiggly Careers)

Added: Jul 21, 2023

The episode covers five key skills to navigate a squiggly career: values finding, strengths, confidence, networking, and exploring future possibilities. Tupper explains that understanding the meaning behind seeking more money is crucial and suggests focusing on the significance and purpose it brings. The podcast episode then delves into a discussion with Helen Tupper about squiggly careers and how to build a fulfilling career. They explore the concept of ladder-like careers, which originated in the financial services sector over 100 years ago, and how they limit choice and freedom. In contrast, squiggly careers allow for flexibility and individual growth. Tupper emphasizes the importance of developing talents and stretching strengths, both within and outside of one's organization. She highlights the significance of frequency and openness in building competency and creating opportunities. The idea of ladder progression is rooted in conformity and control, which no longer aligns with the modern work environment where people have multiple roles and careers. The ladder-like notion has been reinforced by organizational structures and societal pressures. Tupper stresses the need to break free from this limited perspective and redefine career success based on individual values and growth. She references a book called "The Pathless Path," which explores the challenges of deviating from traditional career paths and highlights the societal expectations and pressures that were prevalent in the past. The episode also touches on the changing dynamics of family life and the challenges of balancing work and personal life in the modern world. Tupper emphasizes the importance of providing support and helping individuals make sense of their career paths. Reflecting on values, identifying what brings happiness at work, and finding support and clarity are crucial in navigating a squiggly career. Tupper suggests reflecting on experiences and talking to someone who can provide clarity in order to understand one's values and what is meaningful and motivating. She recommends having three to four core values that are memorable, meaningful, and manageable. External sources can influence values, so periodic reflection and reassessment are important. If values are not aligned with work, Tupper advises pausing and considering options rather than panicking and rushing into leaving. She shares her own experience of creating roles in companies that didn't exist until she did them, emphasizing the importance of having conversations about career goals and possibilities within the current organization. Tupper also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's strengths and what they want to be known for. By focusing on strengths and spending no more than 20% of time on work that drains energy, individuals can have more energy and make a bigger impact. Side projects can be energizing and help develop strengths. Tupper highlights the importance of putting strengths into action and taking action, rather than just being aware of them. She also discusses the concept of active rest, where individuals engage in activities that consume attention and give energy back. Confidence is another crucial skill in navigating a squiggly career. Tupper discusses common confidence gremlins and emphasizes the importance of taking control and caging the gremlin. Building networks is also essential for career development. Tupper suggests building relationships based on helping others and emphasizes the three D's of networking: distance, donating, and diversity. She highlights the importance of looking beyond immediate circles to build a diverse network. Tupper also discusses the four roles to consider when building a network: mentor, peer, sponsor, and coach. When seeking a mentor, she advises being specific about what you want to learn and why you're seeking their advice. Following up with mentors and showing gratitude for their time is also important. Lastly, Tupper encourages individuals to be proactive and curious about their career by exploring different possibilities. She suggests running one's own race, embracing variety, and not feeling the need to have all the answers. Tupper emphasizes that career advice can change based on individual needs at different moments. Overall, this podcast episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for navigating squiggly careers and finding fulfillment in any career path. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, values alignment, strengths development, confidence building, networking, and exploring future possibilities.