We know it’s kinda late but …
YAY! Happy New Year 🎆
This is the time of year where many go full steam ahead with their resolutions wanting to see big changes in their lives. If this is you, here are some career resolutions to consider making in 2025:
Stop placing so much weight on your performance rating.
Performance ratings as we all know by now, are based on lots more than just your performance.
A manager may give an employee a higher rating because they like them. Another manager may grant a lower rating because they don’t want to appear soft or biased. Additionally, some may adjust scores to fit budget constraints. If they keep your performance review scores on the lower end, they save on bonus payouts.
Despite these factors, many still report feelings of anxiety and altered self worth based on performance reviews at work. In 2025, remind yourself that your rating is not a determination of your worth as a human being. It should not change the way you see yourself. It’s a number impacted 10% by your actual performance and 90% by a bunch of other things you cannot control, so while you’re preparing to meet with your boss, gathering your wins, and making your list of questions, remember to put things into perspective. Breathe.
This isn’t the end of the world for you.
Look for résumé boosting opportunities.
Day after day, you work hard and accomplish goals. You exceed expectations and solve problems, yet you aren’t thinking about how what you do each day adds value to your career.
Did you solve a problem? Add it to your resume.
Did you take on a project or do the work of someone with a different title? Add it to your resume.
Did you cover for your boss? Add that to your resume.
Did survey results sent out about your team or department increase since your arrival? Add that to your resume too!
Everything you do adds value so look for ways to add things to your resume.
Know the policies, know the law (state and federal). Document everything – it’s all important.
Things happen everyday at work.
Some things are pretty normal, or seem that way but every once in a while something happens that raises a concern. Maybe your boss or another person makes an odd comment that makes you uncomfortable. Maybe someone tries to pin something on you that isn’t your fault. Perhaps, you suspect that someone is retaliating against you. Whatever it is, write it down.
Keep documentation of anything that violates your rights in any way and do this in real time. Document dates, time, people involved and the details of what happened. Hit FWD or BCC yourself on emails to keep records. Create your own files and be ready if things go left.
Keep an updated résumé and LinkedIn profile.
Don’t wait until things go bad in the office or someone asks for it. Always have both of these updated and ready to go.
Opportunities come and go quickly so stay ready.
Don’t allow any -ism (racism, ageism, sexism) go unchecked. True allies arise!
I remember basically being taught to expect some level of sexism or racism in the corporate world. I was told that it was normal for people who looked like me, and bias was inescapable. Perhaps this is why I readily ignore glances at my chest when explaining company challenges and possible solutions to fix them, or winks across the boardroom when presenting candidate profiles for business critical roles. This was normal, right? This was something that everybody faces as you grow – part of the process. *insert eyeroll here*
These days are over!
We’re no longer tolerating disrespect, bigotry, and misogyny; treating them as necessary parts of the career growth process. With the use of our devices and social media, we can call for accountability and true change. If you see this kind of behavior in the workplace and consider yourself an ally, pull out your phone, tap record/go live, and post!
Enough is enough!
Walk in your authority, regardless of title.
Power and authority aren’t always relegated to a particular title or job level. Whether VP or Assistant, you already carry power and influence. Act like it. When you speak, do so from an informed and confident place. Carry yourself well. Head up and shoulders back. Greet people well. Show up authentically, professionally, and without apology.
Here’s to a successful new year!