Career Capital – Build your Psychological Capital

Part 3 in a series on Building your Career Capital.

 

Our previous articles in this series have focussed on the need to become more conscious and proactive around building your career capital.

Career Capital comprises Human Capital, Social Capital and finally Psychological Capital.

Psychological capital has become a more focussed issue in recent years primarily due to the evolving nature of work, characterised by rapid technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and increasingly complex job requirements, which demands that professionals not only possess technical skills but also the psychological fortitude to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Adapting to challenges, recovering from setbacks, and maintaining a positive outlook has become essential for sustained career success.

Organisations have also become more aware of the need to support their employees for these reasons and particularly following the pandemic.

The Lawson Williams 2024 Staff Turnover Survey reported that the most significant change in employee benefits over the past year has been in the provision of Wellness programs or services.

There are two key factors in enhancing our Psychological Capital

1.Fostering Resilience

The ability to bounce back from setbacks is vital in a dynamic career landscape.

To build resilience at work, you must

• Adopt a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities for development, seek and use constructive feedback, and reflect on past experiences to learn and grow.
• Maintain a positive outlook by focusing on solutions, practice gratitude, and reframe negative thoughts.
• Build strong support networks. Build positive relationships, seek mentors, and engage in team activities.
• Develop stress management techniques such as mindfulness, regular physical activity, and time management are essential.
• Set realistic goals, celebrate achievements, and learn from failures. This will boost resilience by fostering a sense of progress.

 

 

2.Building Confidence

Confidence stems from a deep understanding of your abilities and achievements.

To build confidence at work,

• Regularly reflect on past achievements.
• Set and achieve realistic goals. You could use the SMART criteria to break down large goals into manageable tasks which can demonstrate competence.
• Acquire new skills and knowledge to keep relevant and competent.
• Seek constructive feedback and act on it. This provides valuable insights and reinforces strengths.
• Practice self-compassion by avoiding self-criticism and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities will help foster a positive self-image.
• Build a supportive network of colleagues and mentors who can offer encouragement and advice.
• Take initiative, volunteer for new projects, make decisions, and seek leadership opportunities will step you out of comfort zones and gain experience.
• Lastly, maintain a healthy work-life balance through setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Maintaining and Expanding Career Capital

Developing Career Capital is an ongoing process.

Maintain and expand your Career Capital by:

• Staying curious and committed to lifelong learning.
• Continually networking and nurturing professional relationships.
• Seeking feedback and using it constructively to improve.
• Being open to change and ready to pivot when necessary.

 

In conclusion, developing and managing Career Capital is a strategic approach to career development that positions individuals to capitalize on opportunities throughout their careers.

By focusing on building Human, Social, and Psychological Capital, professionals can navigate the complexities of the job market with confidence and agility, ensuring their long-term success and fulfilment.