Personal Career Plan for Alex Simpson

Updated November 11, 2012

PRINCIPLES TO REMEMBER

 Keep in mind the 6 Areas of Discipline

 Be willing to work hard

 Play to my strengths

 Become an expert

 Leave my comfort zone

 Value constructive feedback

 Learn to act for myself

 Be quick to observe

 Spend time in Quadrant II

 Remember the value of process

 Do what I enjoy and enjoy what I do

MY PERSONAL STRENGTHS

 Strategic

 Relator

 Communication

 Ideation

 Belief

MY PERSONAL BRAND What are the key words that best describe me? What are my strengths and how do I use them to achieve my goals? What do I enjoy? Use these to phrase a statement describing how I want to be perceived at work, at home, in the community and by my clients. I use my dogged determination, forward thinking and passion for excellence to serve my clients. I am known for my unwavering integrity and genuine concern for others. I enjoy helping my clients, especially when I am able to forge a close personal relationship as a result. I am technically competent, but more importantly, I go the extra mile to find solutions for my clients.

MY PERSONAL GOALS What motivates me? What are my financial needs? What are my personal needs? What am I willing and unwilling to do (relocate, switch departments, lead a team, etc.)?

I would like to have some measure of personal financial security, but more importantly I would like to have challenging work that I can direct. I do not want to relocate until my kids are out of school (2020). I need to feel valued in my work. I want to become someone of influence both at work and in the community. I would like to have enough time to enjoy my kids especially during the summer months. I need to feel that my career is moving forward rather than stalled. I enjoy helping clients whose work in the community I respect (primarily non-profit and not-for-profit entities).

MY CAREER PLAN What are the key skills I need to reach my goals? Where do I want to be in 5 years? How does that fit in with where the firm is headed? Where is the industry headed and can I add value in that area? Who do I need to meet? What do I need to do to keep abreast of current issues? How do my goals fit in with the six categories of discipline: Business Development, Leadership, Client Management, Financial Performance, Team Development, and Partner Effectiveness?

Overall: My overall goal is to become a partner in this firm in a service that helps non-profit and not- for-profit businesses. I would like to become an expert in the field and well known in the community. I would like to become a manager within two years. I would like to achieve senior manager within four and partner within six years. I would like to work closely with other professionals I trust.

Achieve Technical Competency: I am not highly technical and enjoy the client interaction and problem- solving more, but I recognize the need to be technically competent. I would like to ensure that I continue to develop my technical skills.

Specialize in the Non-Profit Sector: I would like to become more specialized in my work so I am working only for non-profit and not-for-profit organizations. There is a lot of work in the non-profit sector in Helena. I enjoy feeling that my work is making a difference in our community. Since this is work that I enjoy, learning more about the industry and working with those involved in the industry should be interesting. I need to have a plan to stay up to date with industry issues. I also need to make the necessary contacts in both the firm and in the industry. Utilize a Mentor: I am uncertain of all of the steps involved to achieve my overall goal and need additional guidance. I would like to find a mentor who can help me work on weaknesses, develop strengths, create a network and pursue the right certifications. This person (or people) need to be experts in my field and willing to constantly tell me what I need to hear.

Achieve Expert Status: I would like to become an expert but am not sure what to focus on. I would like to get more feedback from my mentor on how to become seen as an expert in the Helena community. Ideally, I would like to be able to be the go-to person for the firm when Terry retires.

Build a Set of Referral Sources: I need to find ways to build close relationships with others in the community, in the firm and in my client’s organizations. This needs to be systematic. The list would include bankers, attorneys, other accountants, and non-profit and not-for-profit directors. I also need to work on my presentation skills so I can present more confidently.

Be Open to Additional Opportunities: I want to make sure that I don’t lock myself into a particular niche too early. I need to make sure I continue to work with a team and keep up-to-date on other opportunities.

MY DEVELOPMENT PLAN In order to follow my career plan, what skills, certifications or competencies do I need to achieve? What adjustments do I need to make to achieve what I want? What weaknesses do I need to minimize? How will I do this? What resources do I need? What is my timeline?

1-Year Plan

Tim suggested I read 7 Habit of Highly Effective People and follow go through the exercises. Make this a priority.

Attend the Non-Profit Conference next December.

Ask Terry Newberg if I can shadow her on some of her client appointments. She has an excellent reputation with both clients and staff and I think we have a similar working style. If this is acceptable, assess whether she would also be able to serve as my mentor. I would like to ensure that I impress her with my willingness to work and interest in learning from her.

Ask to be included in the firm’s Leadership Development Course next year. If approved I need to take full advantage of the opportunity by getting to know others in the firm and learning as much as possible.

Develop a plan to talk with particular people before I attend the monthly Chamber mixers. Invite key contacts to attend with me so I can start creating a network. I recognize my weakness in remembering names and faces. I think it will help to collect business cards or jot down names after each event and look them up on the web so I can associate names and faces for next time. Look for helpful ways to follow-up with those I meet.

Attend the HeadWaters Conference and use the same strategy to connect with other tax professionals. Follow the Individual Career Learning Plan developed earlier this year.

2-5-Year Plan

Become a presenter at the Non-Profit Conference.

Become a member of at least one a Board of Directors for a local non-profit to gain additional experience in the industry.

When I achieve Senior Manager, ask to be included in Upstream Academy’s Emerging Leaders Academy.

If partnership has not yet been discussed, determine the next steps to achieve this goal.