What are the four steps of a basic career management system?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A basic career management system involves four steps: data gathering, feedback, goal setting, and action planning and follow-up.

1) Data gathering: This is the first step in the career management process. Self-assessment refers to the use of information by employees to determine their career interests, values, aptitudes, and behavioral tendencies. The employee's responsibility is to identify opportunities and personal areas needing improvement. The organization's responsibility is to provide assessment information for identifying strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values.

2) Feedback: In the feedback step of the career management process, employees receive information about their skills and knowledge and where these assets fit into the organization's plans. The employee's responsibility is to identify what skills he or she could realistically develop in light of the opportunities available. The organization's responsibility is to communicate the performance evaluation and the opportunities available to the employee, given the organization's long-range plans. Opportunities might include promotions and transfers.

3) Goal setting: The employee sets short- and long-term career objectives in one or more of the following categories: desired positions, level of skill to apply, work setting, and skill acquisition. The goals should be specific, and they should include a date by which the goal is to be achieved. It is the employee's responsibility to identify the goal and the method of determining her or his progress toward that goal. The organization's responsibilities are to ensure that the goal is specific, challenging, and attainable and to help the employee reach the goal.

4) Action planning and follow-up: Employees prepare an action plan for how they will achieve their career goals. The employee is responsible for identifying the steps and timetable to reach the goals. The employer should identify resources needed, including courses, work experiences, and relationships. Action plans may involve any one or a combination of development methods-training, assessment, job experiences, or the help of a mentor or coach.