Learn how to use interpersonal skills to overcome career stagnation. Discover tips on networking, feedback, initiative, and learning.

Consider setting clear goals, network with professionals seeking mentorship, take risks, seek feedback and stay adaptable to change. Exploring new skills or projects to reignite your passion and open up new opportunities in your career.

Youâ€™re feeling stuck in your career. How can you break out of your rut?

Feeling stuck in your career can be frustrating and demotivating. You may feel like you have no room for growth, no opportunities to learn new skills, or no recognition for your work. But don't give up hope. There are ways to break out of your rut and revitalize your professional life. Here are some tips to help you do that.

1 Assess your situation

The first step is to understand why you feel stuck and what you want to change. Take some time to reflect on your current role, your goals, your strengths, and your challenges. Ask yourself questions like: What do you enjoy about your work? What do you dislike? What skills do you want to develop? What are your career aspirations? How do you measure your success? Be honest and specific with yourself. This will help you identify the gaps between where you are and where you want to be.

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Imtiaz K.

A senior professional having more than 35 yrs of work experience in India & Middle East working for top MNC Companies in the field of pharmaceutical, beverage,confectionary, architectural products, corporate gifts & IT.
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When you feel stuck in your career then first thing,you need to find out why you feel that way. Secondly why do you want to change. If it is work related then ask yourself what is that you want to happen but is not happening. Take your time to reflect on your current role, your goals, your strength & your challenges. Be honest with yourself & do some soul searching inorder to arrive to the actual root cause.Once you know the root cause,have a action plan to resolve the issue once for all.

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Lauren Rich, LCSW

Helping Defense and Security Contractors #CoverYourAssets / Helping Veterans #GetUnfcked
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Most people don't understand why they feel stuck, and they can neither identify the why nor the how of getting unstuck, and the result is stagnation. You can take the time to enroll in a course at work or outside of work that encourages personal and professional growth. What impacts one area may be seeping into another. One of the first phases of coaching is self-reflection and your coach should be well-versed in helping clients identify negative beliefs.

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2 Seek feedback and guidance

The next step is to seek feedback and guidance from others who can help you grow. This could be your manager, your mentor, your colleagues, or your network. Ask them for their honest opinions on your performance, your potential, and your areas for improvement. Listen to their suggestions and insights with an open mind. You may discover new perspectives, opportunities, or resources that you were unaware of. You may also find out how you can add more value to your team, your organization, or your industry.

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Lauren Rich, LCSW

Helping Defense and Security Contractors #CoverYourAssets / Helping Veterans #GetUnfcked
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Where's that 360 assessment we all love to hate? Review the criteria, identify strengths and areas of improvement, and even note how you receive feedback. Awareness is crucial in input and guidance, otherwise, it's a waste of time.

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3 Expand your network

The third step is to expand your network and build professional relationships with people who can support your career development. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or asking for favors. It's about creating genuine connections, sharing knowledge, and offering help. You can network in various ways, such as attending events, joining online communities, reaching out to former contacts, or volunteering for causes. Networking can help you gain exposure, learn new skills, access information, and discover new possibilities.

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Lauren Rich, LCSW

Helping Defense and Security Contractors #CoverYourAssets / Helping Veterans #GetUnfcked
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Development courses and leadership workshops offer more value than resume building. Look for brief professional development tools or courses that can provide you with a more genuine experience of self-reflection, learning, and connection with others. The relationships we build are what help sustain us over time. We cannot neglect their value.

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4 Take initiative and action

The fourth step is to take initiative and action to pursue your career goals. Don't wait for someone else to give you a promotion, a raise, or a project. Instead, create your own opportunities, showcase your skills, and demonstrate your value. You can do this by taking on new challenges, proposing new ideas, leading new initiatives, or seeking new collaborations. You can also update your resume, portfolio, or online profile to highlight your achievements and showcase your brand.

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5 Keep learning and growing

The last step is to keep learning and growing as a professional. Don't settle for the status quo or become complacent. Instead, embrace change, seek feedback, and pursue new knowledge. You can do this by enrolling in courses, reading books, listening to podcasts, or attending webinars. You can also join professional associations, find mentors, or participate in peer groups. Learning and growing can help you stay relevant, adaptable, and competitive in your field.

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Herlency MuÃ±oz GarcÃa

LÃder Creativa y EstratÃ©gica | DesignOps | TransformaciÃ³n | Agile | InnovaciÃ³n | Speaker | Coach. Ayudo a organizaciones a desarrollar y mantener una cultura de innovaciÃ³n.
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Si te sientes estancado, es importante seguir aprendiendo y creciendo... Define tu propÃ³sito, entiende que es lo que te apasiona y sobre esto aprende y continua el crecimiento personal y profesional consiguiendo tu verdadera pasiÃ³n.

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6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Nombeh Ngeh

Security Officer ( 5 yrs experience )
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Consider setting clear goals, network with professionals seeking mentorship, take risks, seek feedback and stay adaptable to change. Exploring new skills or projects to reignite your passion and open up new opportunities in your career.

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Directory

Youâ€™re feeling stuck in your career. How can you break out of your rut?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your situation

2 Seek feedback and guidance

3 Expand your network

4 Take initiative and action

5 Keep learning and growing

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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Directory

Youâ€™re feeling stuck in your career. How can you break out of your rut?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your situation

2 Seek feedback and guidance

3 Expand your network

4 Take initiative and action

5 Keep learning and growing

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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