As you begin to formulate your career objectives keep in mind that there will be a multitude of tradeoffs that must be considered. For example, you may trade income for flexibility; autonomy for benefits and security; reduced workload for upward mobility. Only you can determine the combination of career characteristics that makes the most sense given your interests, values, priorities and circumstances. In order to facilitate the evaluation process, it will be important for you to understand what makes you tick. Take a few minutes to conduct an honest self-assessment.

Most of us fall into one of four broad career-personality categories.

1. Leader
2. Team Player
3. Technician
4. Entrepreneur

Consider the following characteristics associated with the four personality categories and try to identify where you fall.

Obviously, most of us do not fit neatly into one of these four categories. We probably possess some personality traits from each of them. Nonetheless, an objective assessment would probably indicate that we tended toward one of these four character definitions.

Now consider the following matrix which suggests general career paths that are best suited to each of the four character orientations.

The most direct path to success will be to develop a career plan that capitalizes on your existing interests, skills, and personality. You should not assume that because you do not possess strong leadership skills that you cannot be successful in your career. The information age has created a very complex and interdependent world. There is ample opportunity for everyone to maximize their potential and achieve their personal and financial objectives. The paths that we take may be different, but through active career management, each of us is capable of achieving career success.

Most personality traits can be developed to one degree or another. If you are lacking in an area that you feel is critical to the achievement of your career objectives you should begin to develop yourself in that area.

Be aware however, that true change will require a long term commitment and a willingness to exit your comfort zone for an extended period of time. This is probably why in practice we rarely see fundamental personality transformations of this kind. Not because the transformation is not possible, but because most of us lack the depth of commitment required to effect such a change.

If you are serious about changing, you must recognize that you will have to force yourself to behave in a way that is contrary to your nature. Through this forced behavior you will begin to internalize the desired trait and develop confidence in your capabilities. Confidence is derived from repetition which fosters familiarity. And while you may never come to the point where the personality trait comes naturally, you will eventually re-program yourself to be capable of operating in this new zone. If your career objectives and sense of self worth depend on it, it will be worth it.