November is National Career Development Month

November is the season for gratitude— so show your career some love! It also happens to be National Career Development Month, a time to pause and consider where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re headed in your professional journey. Whether you’re aiming for your next promotion, seeking more meaningful work, or simply reflecting on what fulfillment looks like to you, this month offers the perfect opportunity to dive into action.

This type of self-reflection is most impactful when approached holistically. Try it with Whole Brain® Thinking —a framework that taps into four distinct thinking styles: Analytical, Practical, Relational, and Experimental. By exploring your career through each lens, you can gain deeper insights, uncover new opportunities, and chart a clearer path toward growth.

Let’s activate your whole brain with some reflective questions tailored to each quadrant.

Analytical Thinking

Measure and Evaluate Your Professional Growth

The Analytical quadrant is all about logic, facts, and outcomes. This perspective can help you assess your progress objectively and identify areas for improvement.

Ask yourself:

• What new skills or knowledge have I acquired in the past year?
  Reflect on courses, certifications, or on-the-job learning that have enhanced your abilities. Did you finally master a software program? Or perhaps you strengthened your analytical problem-solving skills? Acknowledging these achievements not only boosts confidence but also helps identify the value you bring to your role.
  
  
• How have these skills impacted my performance and confidence?
  Consider how your newfound abilities have influenced your day-to-day work. Have you streamlined a process, taken on greater responsibilities, or achieved measurable outcomes? Data and results tell a compelling story about your growth and potential.

Use these insights to build your case for career advancement or set measurable goals for the future.

Practical Thinking

Consider Structure and Efficiency

Practical thinkers thrive on structure and functionality. This perspective encourages you to assess how well your current role aligns with your workload and challenges.

Ask yourself:

• How well does my current role challenge me?
  Are you thriving in a steady environment that allows you to hone your expertise, or are you feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin? Understanding this balance is key to sustaining long-term growth without burnout.
  
  
• Am I feeling comfortable and steady, or stretched too thin?
  Comfort can lead to complacency, while being stretched too far can result in stress. Consider how to strike a balance where you feel both stable and energized.
  
  
• Are there structures I could improve for better efficiency or clarity? 
  Look for inefficiencies in your workflow or gaps in communication. Could adopting a new tool or refining a process enhance your productivity? practical solutions often create the space needed for deeper career exploration. 
  
  

Relational Thinking

Connect with People and Purpose

The Relational quadrant focuses on interpersonal connections and emotional fulfillment. It’s about how your career aligns with your values and relationships.

Ask yourself:

• How connected do I feel to the work I do and the people I work with?
  Feeling connected to your work and colleagues is critical for engagement. Is your role aligned with your personal values? Do you collaborate with people who inspire and support you?
  
  
• What relationships or collaborations have most supported my growth?
  Reflect on the mentors, peers, or teammates who have helped you thrive. These relationships often hold the key to unlocking new opportunities.

Investing in meaningful connections enriches your current experience and creates a strong support system for future endeavors.

Experimental Thinking

Dream Big and Innovate

Experimental thinkers embrace creativity, possibilities, and bold ideas. This perspective inspires you to think outside the box and explore uncharted territory.

Ask yourself:

• What exciting opportunities or bold ideas am I inspired to explore next year?
  Whether it’s a new role, a groundbreaking project, or a completely different career path, allow yourself to dream big. This is your chance to envision a future that excites and motivates you.
  
  
• How can I innovate or expand my impact in unexpected ways?
  Consider how you can bring fresh ideas or creative solutions to your current role. Could you propose a new initiative, develop a unique skill, or pioneer a cross-departmental collaboration?

Learn more about how Whole Brain® Thinking can improve innovation at your organization - watch the on-demand webinar, "From Idea to Impact." 

Beyond "Where Do You See Yourself"

Traditional career planning often focuses on long-term goals like promotions or specific roles. But in an ever-evolving world, adaptability is just as important as ambition. Instead of only asking, “Where do I see myself?” consider what types of work and experiences spark your interest and fulfillment.

For example:

• Do you feel energized when leading a team or mentoring others?
• Are you most satisfied when solving complex problems or driving innovation?
• Does your best work happen when you’re collaborating with others or working independently?

By focusing on the nature of what fulfills you, rather than a fixed destination, you remain agile and open to opportunities that align with your evolving aspirations.

Igniting the Quadrants You Use Less Often

While most of us naturally lean toward certain thinking styles, Whole Brain® Thinking encourages us to flex all four quadrants. Think about the quadrants you might use less frequently and how activating them could unlock new growth:

• If you favor Analytical thinking: Experiment with creative problem-solving to expand your perspective.
• If you lean toward Practical thinking: Push yourself to embrace bold ideas or tackle unfamiliar challenges.
• If you focus on Relational thinking: Develop data-driven metrics to track your growth and success.
• If you thrive on Experimental thinking: Ground your big ideas with structured plans and achievable steps.

What step will you take today to ignite a quadrant you use less frequently?

Charting Your Course Forward

Career development is a journey, not a destination—and it’s one best navigated with a holistic mindset. By reflecting through the lens of Whole Brain® Thinking, you can identify areas for growth, connect with your purpose, and discover new possibilities for the future.

As National Career Development Month reminds us, there’s power in taking the time to reflect, recharge, and realign with your goals. We’d love to hear your reflections and help you chart your course forward. Together, let’s unlock Whole Brain® growth and embrace the journey ahead.

Ready to take the next step? Whether it’s setting goals, seeking guidance, or exploring your potential, now is the time to act. What will you do today to activate your whole brain and drive your career forward?