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Are “two
heads better than one?” Is John Donne’s declaration that “no
man is an island” applicable for career planning? The answer
is a
resounding YES!
In effective groups, each
member brings a unique viewpoint as a result of his or her
prior experiences and is able to suggest more options and to
give more insights on options being considered. In fact,
groups can provide better guidance than even the smartest
individual in the group.1 One study concluded that, “Mutual
support groups are just as effective as meeting one
on-one
with a trained counselor."2
Career
Clubs also provide a way to build skills in leading and
participating in teams. These skills are increasingly valued
by organizations that use teams to solve complex problems
and take advantage of the skills and experiences of an
increasingly multi-cultural work force.
What can
you gain from a Career Club?
Your
participation in a Career Club offers you several
advantages:
· Psychological support to better handle the
challenges and struggles of managing your career.
· A structure and process to work on your job
search and career management skills.
· Proven,
practical strategies to achieving career goals.3
· A place to practice and to give each other
feedback on chosen career management skills.
· Being held responsible and accountable for
action plans between meetings.
· Affirmation and encouragement on your career
management journey.
Developing
tangible career skills – this is not just socializing.
_______________
Note
1. See The Wisdom of Crowds, Why the Many are Smarter
than the Few and How Collective Wisdom Shapes Business,
Economics, Societies and Nations, by James
Surowiecki, Random House 2004.
Note 2.
Bright, J.I., Baker, K.D., & Neimeyer,
R.A. (1999). Professional and paraprofessional group
treatments for depression: a comparison of
cognitive-behavioral and mutual support interventions.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,
67(4), 491-501.
Note 3.
The process of
working in groups and focusing on demonstrating value to
employers has a long, successful track record dating
back to the depression era of the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Career Clubs International has posted three books on
www.CareerClubsInternational.com that document this
approach. While dated and somewhat politically
incorrect, they are useful resources.
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