What are five qualities of Self-Directed Behavior?

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

The new wave in career development is learning skills to manage yourself, and manage your career. Good news - you can learn these skills. Once you learn these skills, they will carry you anywhere you want to go, including through the ups and downs of your normal life experiences.

It used to be true that you could land a job in a company and stay there for the rest of your career. For the few, the very few, that were lucky enough to land in a place that fit their motivated abilities and nourished their growth and development, this was a good scenario. However, for many this was not the case.

The changing employment climate can work to your advantage, if you learn about your authentic personality, needs, desires and aspirations. Then find the best environment to nourish and support your strengths and receive your contributions. Then best of all - you get paid for it. My definition of “heaven on earth” is the freedom and opportunity to express your unique talents, giving to your company/community while earning your living.

Part of being “self-directed” is becoming aware of your inner dialogue, listening and managing from within yourself. There are five qualities of Self-Directed People.

• High self-esteem and self-confidence builds when you look rationally at yourself. Assess your true strengths and weaknesses. If you were lucky enough to grow up in an unconditionally loving environment, this kind of rational assessment happens naturally. The good news is you can learn to look at yourself with rational assessment and unconditional acceptance, no matter what your upbringing. Pay attention to what you enjoy; this is a clue to one of your strengths. Pay attention to what weakens you. Weakness does not mean a character flaw, it means that type of behavior or work is not for you. It is like the hot and cold game. What leaves you cold is not for you. People with high self-esteem and self-confidence don’t view failure as a defeat. They do not take failure personally. They look to see what they have to learn. Do you want to build your self-esteem and self-confidence? When something does not work, ask what you have to learn. If something goes well, notice the details of what that is and look for ways to repeat the experience. Build on your strengths. Build your self-confidence and self-esteem.

• Competence – you build your level of competence by tackling new endeavors and exploring your intellectual and physical abilities. Yes, you will stumble; this is normal and even expected. Nothing new is ever smooth from day one. In fact, an unobstructed road is a road that is not challenging you to reach your best potential. The goal is to learn from your mistakes, the obstacles and the wins. Growth opportunities often arrive in packages that look like obstacles. Take a risk - try something new you have always wanted to do. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from your wins. 

• Independence – this is the ability to rely on your internal sense of what is right and wrong for you and to solve problems. This does not mean that you do not listen to anyone else. However, if you take the time to know your position you can be more open to outside information and sort through external influences and know what is right or wrong for you. Independence allows you to see problems as issues to solve.

• High Moral Character – this is making choices aligned with moral principles, and coupled with a high level of self-control and self-discipline. This is evident in how you treat others and how you treat yourself. One example is - Bullying of others or allowing someone to bully you is not acceptable.

• Being an Asset – this means you find how you can best contribute using your talents and abilities. When you are self-directed and self confident you choose to earn rather than beg for acceptance. You expect to contribute and you do not just conform or demand without giving something in return.

The stronger these five self-directed qualities become within yourself the less you are prone to negative external circumstances shaping you. The work world is changing. A parent company that will take care of you for your entire career is evaporating. Self-management, thinking like an entrepreneur in your job search is the new way. Take this knowledge and shine, find your place, be your best, contribute and enjoy your life.

Bob and I wish you the best. Make sure your resume, cover letter and other documents reflect your personal strengths and abilities. Shine and move forward in your career.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Master’s degree in Education – Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com