What advice do you have for those looking to be proactive towards managing their own career today?

..Network

..Seek out opportunities to assist others

..Identify companies that appeal to you through research and then seek the opinions of a wide range of people about those companies to get a rounded view

..Plan out a series of self development activities each year and reward yourself in some small way for each one that you complete

..Read widely around subjects you enjoy (not just HR topics)

Brad:

Much of what Anke wrote aligns with my thoughts. Here are some ideas:

1. Identify your goals. Start with identifying your goals, not just career goals, but your life goals. You can't think about a career unless you understand where your career fits in your life and in your priorities. Think about your goals in these areas: (1) finances, (2) job/career, (3) your primary relationship, (4) family, friends, social (5) spiritual, (6) health, and (7) community.

2. Seek mentors. Find one or two "successful" individuals with whom you resonate and ask them if they would be willing to provide you with advice on various matters from time to time. Select individuals who seem to have the perspectives, attributes and experience that you seek (not that you necessarily have). Define "successful" in terms of what you think success should be for you.

3. Network. Network. Network. You never can have enough business contacts because you never know what you might need from someone in your network. Be diligent and purposeful about building your network. Stay in touch with those in your network - even if it's just seeing them at a meeting or luncheon and greeting them. Use a tool like LinkedIn to keep track of your network.

4. Place yourself on the right paths. Whether it's within your current organization or within your chosen field (it's best if you can do both), know what the areas of growth and need are. Identify which ones appeal to you and gather the knowledge, skill sets or other talents you need to be a player. Network in those areas. Find champions who can be your cheerleaders/supporters. Figure out how to fill a need. When the right opportunity arises, you'll find all the work you have done will pay you back in spades.

Great input and direction Richard. Any "tips/do's-dont's" for all from the standpoint of seeking out assistance from others? Phone, mail, email...frequency?

Start by getting yourself a life/career coach who will assist you with a plan, support, and guidance to attain your dreams, desires, and aims in life. Some statistics about people who obtain and utilize a coach:

According to the Hay Group, between 25% and 40% of Fortune 500 companies use executive coaches.

  A Metrix Global Study of a Fortune 500 company determined that coaching produced a return on investment (ROI) of 529%.

  Manchester, Inc. study reported a return of $6 for every dollar spent on coaching. Improvement was made in bottom-line profitability, productivity, quality, and organizational strength, customer service, reducing company complaints, retaining executives, and cost reductions. 

  The International Coach Federation reported that individualsexperience the following outcomes as a result of working with a coach:

  Increased self-awareness 67%
  Lower stress levels 57%
  Setting better goals 62%
  Self-discovery 53%
  More balanced life 60%
  Self-confidence 52%  

Then call me, Dr. Fred Simkovsky, a Certified Master Coach - 510 506 8281 and/or visit my website: http://www.lifecareerbusinesscoach.com and then let's talk

I'll come from a slightly different angle on this as I believe that the most important piece of the puzzle is financial security. This is really difficult to achieve but is a key element in managing a career as it enables people to take risks to achieve their goals and more importantly increases the options available to take their career further.

I come across examples daily where due to high level of financial commitment people are unable to put in practice all the sound advice from the respondents above and are unable to put in place strategies that will meet their career needs.

My advice is;
1) Create the space needed to provide career options
2) Try something new
3) Don't be afraid to take risks
4) Whatever path you take make sure that you enjoy it

Seeking assistance from others is one thing but it is also good to offer assistance to others in areas that you feel are your strengths. I think you will find these contacts through networking in professional groups and these contacts will open up new avenues for you.

Don't get stuck in doing something that you do not enjoy. I think Anke's point about identifying your talents is critically important.

Obviously, long gone are the days that employees can expect to stay in one organization for a lifetime career. Although talent development is a key element that affects employee engagement and retention, unfortunately development may be first thing that is eliminated or reduced during an economic downturn. Proactive career management is absolutely mandatory in this day and age of evolving industries and subsequent workforce changes. As Louis Pasteur stated “chance favors the prepared mind.”
With that said, what can you do?
1) Stay abreast of industry changes – read journals, understand your business facts, figures and progress within its industry niche.
2) Invest in yourself. Do not make development decisions based solely on what your employer will or will not reimbursement or support. Budget in professional development and career management into your annual personal budget.
3) Find a mentor or an individual you trust that will give you open and honest feedback regarding different skills and competencies in your current position and those of the next position you are seeking. Then be completely open to that feedback and address development opportunities. Remember feedback is a gift. Be OK with feedback that is not perfect. We are imperfect humans trying to survive in a world that expects us to be perfect.
4) Set career management goals in December for the following year. Include professional development, training, stretch assignments within the organization and also within the community. Example, if you want to be a leader, find opportunities to lead others either through informal or formal opportunities at work, church, volunteer groups, etc. Test your skills and request feedback. Assess yourself in December and repeat the process.
5) Join professional organizations and be a truly active member – participate on a committee or be on the board. Board leadership in not for profit organizations is an excellent way to develop leadership skills and demonstrate your integrity, accountability and commitment.

A different angle, but equally important to all what already mentioned above:
A carreer, regardless of which type, is never a "solo" exercise: enterprises are made essentially of people and by people, so the key I believe, both inside a company and in the outside world is to build and manage long lasting and trusted relationships, made of mutual genuine interest and give and return favours. Now this requires to be essentially a simple, curious and genuine extrovert individual. Having laid that foundation, craeting in one's day/ week/ month the right time and space indeed are the essential conditions to seek to dedicate the required time and quality to relations. No relation is more important than another one, in the sense that people move around, up and down ladders, in & out of companies, etc... and so do you, but if the relations you have built are true and long lasting (i.e. nnot moved by a one shot short term interest) then people will remain in your network regardless of your position and theirs. Also, the key to successfull networks is to try as much as possible at evey occasion to have people meet each other through your introduction. This requires a great deal of listening capabilties coupled with a good knowledge of what each individual in your network can contribute to the others. It can be hard in the beginning, but once the wheel gets spinning this is also fun! Be sure this favour will be returned to you at some point in time in the most surprising ways and open up thus for you opportunities you did not even think about.

Managing your career is the same as managing any other aspect of your life/business.

Seriously explore what in your career past has given you the greatest joy and fun.

Seriously explore what your true dreams and goals, not just something you do to generate an income.

Develop a plan that includes your true dreams, your joys and what you feel would provide you with a truly fulfilling life.

Work your plan

Communicate your plan with your personal and business network

Actively pursue every opportunity to create meaningful relationships with people of influence. Don’t just collect names and contact information.

Actively engage them

Freely give of your time and talents to make a positive difference in someone’s life on a daily basis.

Practicing items 6-8 is practicing the universal law of reciprocity. Giving freely with no expectation of immediate return creates an energy in which your efforts will be richly rewarded in ways and at times when you least expect it.

Practice patience and faith

Believe in yourself, your talents and skills.