In the book Career GPS: Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape, author Ella L.J. Edmondson Bell, Ph.D., takes women on a complete journey through the corporate world. Dr. Bell starts at the beginning of the career journey by exploring the paths available, and helping women decide which one is right for them. From there, she describes how to hold onto the coveted position once it has been achieved. Nothing has to last forever, and Dr. Bell proves it. She includes plenty of advice for women who are looking to move up or around the career ladder.
Deciding Which Part of the Corporate Landscape to Visit
Career GPS, like any GPS, starts with the main points needed for guidance. Dr. Bell makes the point that in order to find the right place to be, a person must first explore who they are and where they're coming from. This is done by encouraging women to open themselves up to who they really are, and be willing to unleash that on the world.
From there, it is time to choose a destination. The corporate landscape is a big place and it is important to know which way to go. To achieve this, Dr. Bell has detailed the different levels of corporate jobs and provided a handy quiz to help each woman decide where they fit. Once the starting points and destination are entered, the journey begins. There is plenty of help offered in this area in the chapter called "The Twenty-First-Century Job Search."
Staking a Claim in the Corporate Landscape
Career GPS doesn't end with getting the job. There is plenty more advice offered on how to keep it. Dr. Bell demonstrates how important the first ninety days at a new job are, and offers advice on how to make the best first impression. She also includes information on building beneficial work relationships and monitoring job performance. All of this serves to ensure the greatest joy and success with any career.
When the Landscape Changes
Dr. Bell shows a true understanding of the fact that the corporate landscape is constantly shifting. She has also included plenty of direction for both going with the flow, and creating a whole new one. Though the common goal is to move up, there are a lot of directions to move within the landscape. Dr. Bell helps to assess what moves are best for each individual, whether they be up, lateral, global or out entirely.
There are also helpful sections on self improvement. Good leadership skills are a must, and Dr. Bell helps readers to identify those skills and make them their own. The final chapter, “Invisible Acts: Work, Life and Health” is a guide to finding a balance between career and home life. It is told from a personal perspective and contains first hand accounts from women in the corporate world.
Career GPS is truly an all-around guide to finding and keeping a name in the corporate world. Full of straight talk, helpful advice and peppered with firsthand accounts and personal stories; it will help any woman reach her chosen destination.
Bell, Ella L.J. Edmondson. Career GPS: Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape. New York: Amistad, 2010. ISBN 978-0-06-171438-2.
Marissa Carter - Marissa is a Gluten Free Foodie, Freelance Writer, Homeschool Mom, Non-Profit Owner...Trying to do it all at once and loving every ...
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