Move your security career forward by looking back

Looking back at the successes and mistakes of the last year can help you gain fresh perspective for 2011

By Michael Santarcangelo

January 04, 2011 — CSO —

As 2010 drew to a close, I received a note from a colleague reflecting on the year part and thanking me for my mentorship and counsel. Reading his note reminded me that often the best path forward starts by looking back. As we welcome a new year full of ambition and opportunity, this is the perfect time to reflect on the previous year(s) to set the stage for a productive and successful 2011.

Feedback focused inward

During Communicating the Value of Security, I teach participants a lightly structured and simple approach to offering feedback to colleagues. I developed this approach to ensure more useful feedback by citing positives as the first step. The entire experience — whether giving or receiving feedback — is changed for the better when starting with positives.

Also see: Security careers: Responding to questions successfully

The same approach, turned inward, is a positive way to consider the past year with an eye toward the future. It takes as little as 20 minutes and as long as necessary. I am working through the process right now and expect to spend a few hours really considering the last year and focusing on 2011.

Start with a simple promise (to yourself)

Start by taking 20-30 minutes right now to follow the process below. If right now is not convenient, schedule a block of time for tomorrow and work through the questions. I am available to help along the way (either contact me, or leave a comment and I'll respond).

First rule: there are no rules. The structure below is designed to guide the process and improve the results. More important than following the steps is the commitment to take time to consider the year past and set reasonable goals for the year ahead.

Looking back

After reviewing the calendar, memories and images of the year swim through the brain, creating the perfect time to go for a walk, run or to just find quiet space and enjoy the trip down memory lane.

Amplify the positive

With that firmly in mind, start by amplifying the positive: list three things about the past year that were nothing short of spectacular. These are the sorts of events that define the year: projects, personal accomplishments, even meetings, presentations or other successes that really stand out. Find at least three things worth celebrating. The list doesn't need to stop at three, but it needs to include at least three. If the list is longer than three — it's certainly been a good year.

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