How to Grow In Your CI Career

Chad, a Fortune 500 business improvement professional with over 20 years of experience, shares insights on building a successful continuous improvement (CI) career.

Understanding Career Intentionality:

• Chad underscores the need for intentional career planning, urging individuals to envision their ideal career trajectory within a 3-5 year timeframe.
• He emphasizes the importance of setting income goals and reverse engineering steps to bridge the gap between current status and desired outcomes.

Certifications and Practical Skills:

• Chad cautions against the misconception that certifications alone guarantee success in a CI career. He elucidates that while certifications may provide a foundational understanding of CI principles, they often fall short in facilitating practical application.
• He elucidates that rushing to obtain certifications without focusing on practical skills and execution can result in superficial knowledge acquisition. Chad emphasizes that the true value lies in the ability to apply CI principles effectively in real-world scenarios.
• Drawing from his experience, Chad highlights the disconnect between certification attainment and practical implementation. He notes that individuals may struggle to recall or apply concepts learned in certification courses, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in their CI endeavors.
• Chad underscores the importance of prioritizing hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities over the accumulation of certifications. He encourages individuals to focus on honing practical skills through real-world projects and initiatives, which ultimately contribute to career advancement and success.

Importance of Coaching and Mentorship:

• Chad emphasizes the transformative role of coaching and mentorship in shaping CI career trajectories. He underscores that guidance from experienced professionals can provide invaluable insights and perspectives, accelerating learning and growth.
• Reflecting on his own journey, Chad acknowledges the profound impact of mentors in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities within the CI landscape. He emphasizes that mentorship fosters a supportive environment for skill development and knowledge acquisition.
• Chad underscores the significance of personalized coaching in refining problem-solving frameworks and enhancing critical thinking abilities. He posits that individualized guidance enables professionals to navigate complexities and overcome obstacles encountered in their CI endeavors.
• Through anecdotes and testimonials, Chad illustrates the tangible benefits of mentorship and coaching in empowering individuals to unlock their full potential in the CI domain. He encourages viewers to seek out mentorship opportunities and leverage the expertise of seasoned practitioners to advance their careers effectively.

Building a Comprehensive Project Portfolio:

• Chad emphasizes the significance of assembling a comprehensive project portfolio showcasing problem-solving capabilities and execution prowess.
• He suggests documenting project details, problem definitions, and resolutions to effectively communicate achievements during interviews.

Resume Optimization and Career Navigation:

• Chad discusses the importance of optimizing resumes and CVs for CI careers, emphasizing specific metrics and keywords relevant to the field.
• He underscores the need for strategic career navigation amidst industry changes and uncertainties, promoting continuous learning and adaptation. 

Course Forward:

•  To go back and review your Personal Development Plan (PDP), this article will help you.  https://www.beltcourse.com/blog/personal-development-plans-why-and-how
• To learn more about training programs that are much more effective than 2-week Belt Classes, this article can help you:  https://www.beltcourse.com/blog/why-simulations-are-a-game-changer-to-build-opex-capability

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbf-qX3GXCE&list=PLyVgVZd7jUlrAwzxca3m8pzo6Z3Y1KejV&index=179