15 Aug Take Control of Your Career

Ha-Keem Abdel-Khaliq, also known as Coach Ha-Keem, Global Vice President of Human Resources, sits down with Solveig Brown to discuss transformative career planning strategies. In this episode, Ha-Keem shares powerful advice on how to take control of your career development, set clear values, and recognize your role as the driver of your own career journey.

Key Takeaways on Career Planning

Define Your Values Before Setting Career Goals

Ha-Keem emphasizes the importance of starting your career journey by understanding your core values. Before worrying about specific job titles or roles, reflect on what’s most important to you at this stage in life.

• Ask yourself: What do you value most right now? Is it work-life balance, financial growth, or gaining new experiences?
• Align your career decisions with these values. This will ensure you stay on the right path. For example, if work-life balance is important, a job with heavy travel may not be the best fit.

Corporate Truth: The Company Is Not Actively Managing Your Career

One of Ha-Keem’s key insights is that many people mistakenly believe their company is responsible for their career development. He explains that companies focus on achieving their own business goals, and while they may offer development programs, the responsibility for your growth lies with you.

• Take ownership: Your development should be proactive. Seek out learning opportunities and mentors to fill the gaps in your growth.

Ask for Feedback: Your Manager Knows What You Need to Improve

Ha-Keem notes that while managers often have valuable insights about your performance, they may not always offer feedback unless asked. It’s essential to seek it out, especially if you’re unsure of how you’re doing.

• Pro Tip: Ask your manager how they would have handled certain situations. This indirect question can lead to valuable feedback without feeling confrontational.

Be the Driver of Your Own Career Car

A powerful analogy is Ha-Keem’s comparison of career planning to driving a car. He encourages everyone to take the wheel and stop relying on managers or companies to navigate their career path. Just like driving, you must decide your direction, when to rest, and when to recalibrate.

• Own your journey: Whether it’s setting new goals or taking breaks, be proactive about charting your course. Your manager may not know your personal needs or aspirations—only you can fully steer your path.

Mentorship and Career Development

Ha-Keem highlights the crucial role mentorship plays in career development. The Menttium program allows mentees to gain personalized advice, offering support as they set and work towards their career goals. Through mentorship, individuals can receive guidance that is sometimes outside their manager’s scope, allowing for more well-rounded career growth.

Conclusion

Career planning is deeply personal, and as Ha-Keem stresses, it’s important to align your career path with your values and take control of your journey. By seeking feedback, utilizing mentorship, and driving your career “car,” you can ensure that your career trajectory is in your hands.

About Ha-Keem Abdel-Khaliq

Ha-Keem is a global vice president in human resources. He is an accomplished international speaker and has been invited to present workshops and talks at many corporate and professional events. Ha-Keem has worked at global fortune 40 matrix organizations and small entrepreneurial companies. He has coached hundreds of professionals in their career development journey, conducted thousands of interviews and reviewed 100,000+ resumes. Coach Ha-Keem’s mission is to help people own their career development. He has written two books, You’re Worth It, Navigating Your Career in Corporate America and Realizing You’re Worth It, Advice, Insights, and Inspirations to Propel Your Career. He is also the creator and host of the Worth It podcast.