What’s on your mind about your career at the moment – are you feeling confident or is something still unresolved?
Perhaps you are:
- Questioning your direction – maybe something feels missing where you are?
- Planning a role change or return, and wanting to make it count.
- Ready for that next level but facing some challenges that are holding you back.
- Managing significant changes at work while trying to maintain your career path.
- Juggling career ambitions with everything else life brings or feeling pulled in multiple directions.
Whatever has brought you to a reflection point, you might be wondering what your next move is – or whether your planned move is the right one.
I often think of careers like chess games with a range of moves that you can make, each with their potential upsides, downsides and later consequences. But you’re not just a piece on the board – you’re the player – and even when the game feels very reactive, the next move is still yours to choose.
Looking Back: Your 2025 Game
Before you plan your next move, have you taken a moment to reflect on the year that’s passed. Were you making strategic moves or just trying to stay in the game?
One of my clients recently shared that she had spent much of the year constantly in defensive mode, protecting her position, rather than really thinking about advancement. That feeling of being stuck or reactive, can be hard to shift into feeling proactive about where you want to go next.
Which of your moves last year were in response to:
- Navigating organisational or team changes or new leadership – adapting to new priorities or leadership styles.
- Taking on additional responsibilities – leading a new project, an enlarged role (with or without formal recognition).
- Balancing career growth with personal life changes – childcare changes, house moves, care of relatives.
- Managing challenging stakeholder relationships – internal and external clients who were continually hard to please.
- Planning a next career move – a new role externally or internally.
Some of these moves may have worked well, others perhaps less so. The key is learning – from both types – to take into account as you plan your strategy going forward.
Setting Up Your Winning Position for 2026
Just as every chess player needs a strategy, a clear strategy and vision is helpful for your career too. Some areas to consider:
Your Current Position
- Are you using your strengths in ways that energise and challenge you?
- Do you have the influence and impact you want?
- Is your role aligned with what truly matters to you?
- Are you building the career you truly want, or simply reacting to what’s happening around you?
Your Next Moves
- What would make you feel more fulfilled in your role? What needs aren’t being met right now?
- What statements would you like to confidently make about your career this time next year?
- What support do you need to move forward confidently? Support might include a mentor, a coach, or even just carving out regular time to reflect on your goals.
- How can you be more strategic about your career decisions even when the day-to-day is very busy?
Making Moves That Matter
Career success isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. The key is:
- Being intentional about your choices while staying open to new opportunities.
- Creating a sustainable way forward by aligning your actions with your priorities.
- Having the right support to help you see the opportunities ahead.
Sometimes the most strategic move is stepping back to reassess your priorities, set boundaries, or explore new opportunities. Just like in chess, seeing the whole board can help you make better decisions about your next move.
Your 2026 Game Plan
As you look ahead to 2026, ask yourself:
- Are you clear about your next career move?
- Do you feel ready to take the steps to make it happen?
- Do you have the support you need to move forward?
If you’re finding it challenging to answer these questions, you’re not alone. Many of my clients start here – uncertain, yet ready to explore what’s possible. Together, we work to uncover clarity and build confidence for making those next, intentional career moves.
Ready for Your Next Move?
Sometimes, having the right thinking partner can make all the difference – someone who can help you see the whole board more clearly and develop strategies that work for your unique situation.
If you’d like to explore how coaching could support your next steps, I’d be happy to talk.
Remember, in the game of your career, you’re the player – make your moves count.
You can book a free call here or just send me a message.