Last week we considered how the recession ending affects the ability of employers to retain and attract top talent like YOU. Now let's consider how employees should consider taking advantage of this change in the economy.

The Employee Perspective

You have been fortunate to have a job during the recession, no matter how good you are at it. Now as the economy turns consider tightening your career game plan so you maximize your opportunities.

Early in the year may be a good time to jump into a new job, but if you have a reasonably good future with your current organization then I recommend you focus on maximizing opportunities with your existing company. In brief, here are some ideas:

1. Review past performance - Consider your performance in 2007, 2008 and 2009. What are the strengths you have demonstrated and weaknesses you need to avoid? What have you learned? What do you need to learn? How can you build upon your strengths?

2. Results - The economy is turning, but it may not be a lasting recovery. Therefore you want to focus your efforts in 2010 on delivering results. Make certain your 2010 goals are realistic, yet stretch you. (You can set higher goals for yourself than the targets your boss defines.) Clearly define key action steps and milestones so at the end of 2010 you have followed your game plan to meet or exceed your boss's expectations.

3. Give back - Do not let 2010 be all about you. Consider giving back to your organization by mentoring someone else, serving on a committee (but not too many), helping to define a best practice that enables others to perform at a higher level, or in some other way.

There are opportunities everywhere. Make the most of your career in 2010 by understanding your strengths, defining the results you are going to achieve, giving back and then following-through on your plan.

Meeting Ideas

Recession's Over - Now What? (Part II) is about growing in your career during 2010 even if you are not going up a company organizational chart.

Here are some ideas for discussion during your next staff meeting to encourage you and your team to consider how to make the most of the upcoming year:

1. What happened in 2009 that helped you better understand your behavioral strengths?

2. What are your top three behavioral strengths in order of intensity?

3. What do you think should be your key objectives in 2010 and how do they leverage your strengths? (I recommend everyone have three annual goals. One that is revenue-related; one about customer satisfaction; and one involving their professional development.)

4. How do you plan to give back, or give to others during 2010 so your work is more meaningful and you are contributing to the overall health of our organization?

5. What is the number one thing you want from your company (or boss) in 2010? (Make certain they know and you both have clear expectations for one another. If you need guidance on how to set expectations, email me.