An Important Question to Ask About Your Career
You’re going to do thing X. Ok, great! May I ask: And then what?
It’s a powerful question that forces us to slow down a bit and think. Is the next career move I want to make impulsive? Is it something that has come up in the heat of the moment, a disagreement with the boss?
And what would the consequences be if you paused before making a rash move?
College and pro sports fans call for the head of the coach on a regular basis. But they rarely ask, and then what? My source for that question is Amy Trask, the former CEO of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, Yes, the same Oakland Raiders with Al Davis at the helm.
I’ve heard her on the fantastic “What the Football” podcast, telling amazing stories of her time as an NFL executive. And as a member of sports franchise, she’s heard fans demand a certain player or certain coach walk the plank for seemingly underperforming.
And then, she would chime in with that stark question, “And then what?” Removing the coach or player may fix a short-term issue, but will that truly solve the problem. Or, have you now placed that burden on the replacement?
Consider your career: say, you want a promotion, and you were passed over. And then what? What are your options? Can you stay, and if so, for how long? If not, what are your next steps, and do you have support to get there?
The thing I want to avoid here is being prescriptivist—context means so much. There are so many variables, it’s really difficult to get granular in a single post. And, the question remains a good exercise to ponder. It forces you to think a little more holistically about your career, and even your life.
What are the next 2 to 3 steps you want to take in your career? What is your timeframe? And again, what support do you need to achieve those steps?
The “and then what” question served Amy Trask well through her career with the Raiders. And when your boss is Al Davis, you need all the great tools you can get.
How can you use “and then what” to propel your career, and yourself, forward? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach, trained in habit change, specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career and health journeys. I invite you to click on the link, and let’s talk about how I can support you.