Published on: 02 August 2021
Last Updated on: 19 February 2025
Finding a great job can be difficult. The better the job the more competition there is, meaning that you have to stand out from the crowd. However, what do you do when you have started your dream job and find that you are being treated unfairly.
You may think that you simply have to put up with it, after all, what other options are there? But, the simple truth is that every person has the right to be treated fairly. You need to identify if you are being treated unfairly and do something about it.
Identifying Unfair Treatment
The first step is to look at how you are being treated in comparison to others in your workplace. There is a difference between unfair treatment when you are treated differently from others, and bad treatment when everyone is treated badly.
It can help to speak to a reputable unfair dismissal lawyer, even if you haven’t been dismissed. They will help you to identify whether and how you are being unfairly treated. They can also be of assistance in resolving the matter.
Step 1 – Bring It Up
The first step in dealing with unfair treatment is to bring it up with the company and the specific individual. In many cases, this is your direct boss. Talk to them about the issue you are facing and see how they respond. This can be enough to end the issue.
You must remain calm when talking and it is advisable to take a witness into any meeting. You should make notes regarding the entire process.
Step 2 – Contact Superiors
If this has no effect and the business has an HR department you can bring the issue up with them. They will have set procedures that need to be followed to assess your claim and deal with it properly. If your business doesn’t have a separate HR person that you can talk to then you will need to go to the boss or owner of the company.
Of course, if this is the person unfairly treating you that won’t help!
Step 3 – Involve The Professionals
Should both the above steps have been unsuccessful then it is time to speak to your dismissal lawyer again, even if you haven’t yet been dismissed. On the other hand, if you have already been dismissed, contacting a lawyer is the most important step in your ‘what to do after an unfair dismissal‘ plan.
The lawyer will be able to contact your employer for you and remind them of the law regarding the treatment of employees. The fact that they are already in the loop means it will be easier for them to assist you if the employer reacts badly and dismisses you (if they have not already done so).
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Working out of necessity is what mostly everyone can relate to; working because you love your job is rare. If you are looking for a change, a different job, something that makes you feel useful and joyful, you need to research the company before you apply.
If you research a company through an online site like Hush, you will get to know many things about that business. You will learn about the salaries as well as the office hours and what is expected of you as an employee. Best of all, research will give you an idea of whether you will fit in and like the position or not.
Below are 5 useful tips to help you research a company before you apply there. This could help you find your dream career.
1. Go to The Source
When researching a company, always go to their website. This is where you will find the "About" section. Read this part carefully as it will tell you how the company came into form and why.
You will want to read the "Who-is-Who" section of the website as well. You don't have to commit any of this to memory, but you should know who the top people are in the company you want to work for.
Also, read over the “Mission - Vision Statement” because this is where you will find out what the company stands for and why.
2. The Company's Competitors
When looking at a company you are considering applying for, look at their competitors as well. Unless the business is so unique it has no competition, there is always another company who is doing the same thing.
You would want to know the reason behind the opposition so you can discuss possible ways to improve the business if you get the job. Knowing what others are doing and either doing the same or better, is always a plus to the bosses.
3. Network
Find an employee list and see if you know any of them. If you do, great, you can talk to them and ask how they like the job and the company. If you don't know any of the employees, ask your friends and family if they know anyone who is working there or had worked at some point.
Talking to former and current employees will give you an "insider’s" look at how the company treats their employees. If you live in a smaller town, you could find an employee much easily. Getting a firsthand account of the working conditions allows you to make more informed decision on whether or not you want to work at this company.
4. Business Reports
Not every company is featured in a nationwide magazine, but a lot of cities have local business magazines. Check at the public library, or online, and find out if the company you are researching has ever had an article written about them.
Even the local newspaper could have a write-up or two about the company you are considering. Try to find any and all media, both good and bad, about the company to help you make a better decision about working for them.
5. Charity
Through the company's website, you may be able to discover if they support a certain charity. A company that shares its wealth is worth taking a second look at as a possible employee.
Armed with information, you can wow the interviewer and hope to become the next employee of the month.
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“The ability to work with abstract ideas & concepts-” or, how Americal social psychologist Robert Katz would describe conceptual skills.
In fact, he said it was one of the basic skills which every manager should have!
Interestingly when psychologists test an individual’s aptitude of whether they will be a good leader, conceptual skills are one of the top meters of measurement.
Now, what are conceptual skills?
Is it just some abstract word? Or is there a scientific definition of this soft skill required from their employees by corporations nowadays?
Most importantly!
Can you hone your conceptual skills as an adult again?
Without any further ado let’s discuss the improvement areas required to build a conceptual skill, and the different means by which you can improve it.
What are Conceptual Skills?
Everyone can decipher something simple and covert, but it takes special skills to understand the deeper meaning behind abstract issues.
Most importantly, if these abstract matters pose a challenge and will require impromptu solving.
conceptual skill is about leaping beyond the daily mundane activity or being short-sighted. It is about seeing and articulating the bigger picture so that others sense it too.
For example, if you are working on a particular Search Engine Optimization strategy for your new website, you cannot ask for quick results.
You will require a long-term vision to see what can happen if you continue with the formula for at least a month or two.
This skill also requires a fair amount of research and dissection knowledge, seeing beyond the written words and literally deciphering the concept within.
People with good conceptual skills are often good at sales, market prediction, consumer/customer psychology, and chess (during their off time).
Conceptual skill is not a vague word but rather a compilation of eight examples of conceptual skills that you should always be working on.
Analysis (there is a difference between seeing & observing what you see thoroughly).
Communication (the ability to articulate in understandable words what you observe).
Creativity (the ability to observe something with a unique imagination as opposed to everyone else).
Critical Thinking (trying to understand what the view is not showing at first glance).
Leadership (the ability to show the same to others and help them on that path).
Organization (this is not just organizing tangible items but organizing one's own thoughts & understandings).
Planning (Only observation & comprehension is not enough. Enough planning skill is required for proper implementation)
Problem Solving (the ability to execute resilience in the face of challenges).
Building Steller Conceptual Skills
Do not worry, when I saw everything, I needed to do to build conceptually skillfully, I was also overwhelmed.
Where to start & where to finish?
Most importantly, do I tackle it all at once? Or do I go about it one by one?
To begin with, when you are learning a new skill, you only tackle it in a timely manner. If you try to do everything at once, you do nothing properly. So, it is always better to learn one skill at a time.
However, these are soft skills. How can I learn them like I am learning from a college lesson?
This is also another valid question, do not worry, there are mindful activities, and daily challenges you can pursue to learn these better.
How to Learn Conceptual Skills Better
Here is a step-by-step guide to begin learning your conceptual skills.
Remember, these skills take time to learn!
It is not a matter of six months or a year, but a lifetime journey.
However, there are means in which you can check your progress. One of the biggest ones would be how your lifestyle & work personality changes from the time you begin learning this skill.
Step 1: Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses
Never start with an unknown skill; rather, begin with something that you are already aware of.
A good way to start is by doing a SWOT analysis of yourself.
Begin with marking the things you are good at (among the eight criteria given above), and the ones you need to work on.
If you are hypersensitive & can get easily overwhelmed, then begin with perfecting your strengths rather than concentrating on your weaknesses.
For example, I am anxious, so I began by polishing my creativity skills, which I was already good at. This gave me the motivation to tackle my weaknesses next.
However, if you are a motivated person , begin with targeting your weaknesses. Especially if this is all for interview prep.
Step 2: Do Something Everything
If you have been on a learning journey for quite some time, you must have heard these words of wisdom -
“Consistency is better than striving for perfection.”
Therefore, whenever you of building any skill, the first task is to ensure you do something every day.
Yes, there will be days when you will need more optimal motivation to sit with your skill-building activity. But, if you're incorporating the activities into your daily routine, you should be able to see changes in time.
Step 3: Real Life Execution
A learned skill is useless if you cannot execute the same. Unfortunately, no one is going to stand with a placard shouting -
“This is your moment.”
Whether it is a situation at home or a conflict in the office, you will have to step out of your comfort zone and step into the challenge.
No, it won’t be easy, but rather a mindful decision you take every day. Before you feel overwhelmed with the idea of stepping in and solving a situation you are not called for, remember -
Everyone feels insecure about their professional skills at some level (no matter the years of experience).
You could work in the same industry for decades and still face something new. Learning has no end, so find your opportunities in everyday instances.
Conceptual Skills – How to Improve it
We have already discussed conceptual skills. Now, let’s understand how to improve these conceptual skills.
All You Need is Challenge!
Achieving professional success is more than just meeting deadlines or ticking boxes. It's about mastering the right skills & focusing on conceptual management skills that give you an edge.
Let’s break down eight essential skills you should focus on—and a weekly challenge of self-intervention for each to help you improve.
Analysis
The difference between seeing and truly observing lies in depth. Analyzing is all about dissecting what you see and finding hidden patterns.
Challenge: Pick one topic or event daily and write a quick summary. Then, dig deeper—what did you notice beyond the obvious?
Communication
It's not just about speaking or writing; it’s about making your thoughts clear to others. Effective communication bridges the gap between observation and understanding.
Challenge: Practice summarizing complex ideas in simple terms. Try explaining a work concept to a friend with no background in your field.
Creativity
Creativity isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about connecting the dots in unique ways others might miss.
Challenge: Choose a random object daily and brainstorm five unconventional uses. Push your imagination!
Critical Thinking
Sometimes, what’s not immediately visible holds the key. Critical thinking pushes you to question the obvious and explore hidden layers.
Challenge: Read a news article or watch a documentary. Then, list three assumptions it makes and challenge them.
Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about showing them a clearer path by sharing your unique insights.
Challenge: Each week, identify a workplace situation where you can take initiative. For example, you could guide a colleague through a process or host a quick knowledge-sharing session.
Organization
Beyond tidying up your desk, organizing involves structuring thoughts and ideas efficiently.
Challenge: At the end of each day, spend 10 minutes categorizing your tasks, ideas, and notes. Organize them into clear categories for better clarity.
Planning
Good ideas need solid plans to come to life. Proper planning bridges the gap between ideas and successful execution.
Challenge: Pick a small project this week (e.g., organizing a team lunch or personal task). Break it into detailed steps and set mini-deadlines for each.
Problem-Solving
Life throws curveballs. Resilience in problem-solving helps you bounce back, adapt, and find innovative solutions.
Challenge: Take on one issue nagging you at work or in life. Brainstorm multiple solutions, pick the best one, and act on it.
Final Note!
Incorporating these challenges weekly could transform how you approach your work. The more you practice, the sharper these skills become.
Building conceptual skills isn’t a one-time task; it’s a continuous journey. Each skill strengthens your foundation for long-term career growth.
By practicing regularly and embracing challenges, you’ll develop a sharper mind, better communication, and a unique approach to problems. Remember, growth isn’t just about working harder—it’s about thinking smarter.
Ready to level up? Start your first challenge today!
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A career development plan is essential to create specific and measurable goals for your career.
However, creating a career roadmap can take time for a beginner and requires significant work. Even so, by creating one, you can better understand where you want to take your career forward.
In this article, you will learn about career development plans in general and how to create one. Apart from that, this article will also explain the benefits of creating such a plan.
Finally, you will learn how to create such a plan according to the demands of your career outcomes. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
Career Development Plan: A General Overview
If you are reading this article, it is evident that you have certain career aspirations. Perhaps you want to rise the corporate ladder, or you are looking for ways to change industries. On the other hand, you might want to work for a business giant.
No matter what your career target is, a career development plan will give you a roadmap on which to focus. Basically, it is a document that consists of a description of your goals and your pathway. For instance, it includes descriptions of how to achieve a particular skill, prepare for a job, reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, etc.
How Does A Career Development Plan Work?
Generally, career development plans vary depending on your chosen career and what you need to go forward with. However, there are some things common in every plan. These include summary statements, short-term goals, long-term goals, current skills, developing skills, conceptual skills, resources, etc.
Here is a general outline of a career development plan:
Starting Point Your current point in your career. Destination The point up to which you want to go in your career. Gap Hurdles/Obstacles you must overcome to reach your Career Destination. Route Steps to take if you want to close the gap between your Starting Point and Destination.
Basically, it would help if you had a personalized plan for yourself. This will help you identify specific goals for your career that you can achieve. Then, you need to design and implement the right strategies to achieve your career goals.
Benefits Of Having A Career Development Plan
The following are the major advantages of a career development plan you will benefit from:
A. Getting A Future Roadmap
Once you start creating your plan, you will have your end goals in mind. Hence, you will end up finding out how to achieve your goals. However, you will make random career decisions if you do not have a plan. This will take you further from your career goal.
B. Skill Gap Identification
You must definitely have some strengths that will help you in your career. However, it would help if you had some weaknesses as well. In this case, with the help of a career development plan, you can turn them into opportunities.
Basically, the plan will help you to fill gaps in your career. Thereby, you can become a strong employee for your organization and gain new skills.
For instance, if you are strong in coding, you can start developing your oral communication networking skills. For example, being good at soft skills can help you in interview prep.
C. Motivation
If you are happy with your plan, you can motivate yourself daily to push towards your goals and work harder. On the other hand, if you lack such a plan, you will not have a plan to focus on, and you can easily give up in no time. Here, you must understand that motivation is key no matter what type of goals you have.
Steps To Create A Career Development Plan
When you are about to create a career development plan, you are the one who is in complete control. Hence, you can choose how you want to proceed with the plan. Since you are using the plan per your unique needs, you must decide what you want to include or remove.
The following are the steps you must follow if you want to create your career development plan effectively:
1. Have A Good Idea Of Your Current Situation
Firstly, you must determine where you stand in your career at the current moment. Hence, it would help if you determine answers to these aspects:
Previous experiences (employment and learning)
What do you enjoy?
Your likes and dislikes.
What is your life’s calling or aim?
Do you like to work independently or in a group?
Things that motivate or excite you the most.
In this case, you must consider your current situation or employment position. Then, you must compare it with your past experiences, education, strengths, skills, desires, and values. As a result, this will serve as the basis of your future career potential.
2. What Are Your Goals?
The next step to consider when you are creating your career development plan is what your career goal is. Basically, it is what you want to accomplish with the plan. This will give you a sense of purpose and direction.
Additionally, when you break down your goals into smaller objectives, it will be easier for you to accomplish them. Moreover, ensure your goals follow the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) framework.
Furthermore, it would help if you also break down your goals into long-term and short-term goals. Here, long-term goals are the ones that you will achieve in the next five to ten years. On the other hand, short-term goals are the ones that you can achieve in one or two years or a few months.
3. Determine Your Current Skills
You know what skills you have or what you are good at. Hence, once you determine your current skills, you can find out what skills you lack but are important if you want to achieve your goals.
How do you find out which skills to develop? - Read job postings that you want to achieve and those that are dependent on your current position. Here, you can find out the skills that those job positions need. This way, you can develop your skills and prepare for those positions.
For example, say you are a marketing manager and good at search engine optimization. However, you know that you have to be strong in content marketing. Hence, you can look for skills a content marketer needs to develop. Thereby, you can learn those skills accordingly to make a career leap.
4. Gather Your Resources
You can take advantage of many resources if you want to achieve your career goals. Understand that you do not need to meet your career goals alone.
For instance, you can start by determining whether your current employer offers a career development program. Moreover, you can explore various opportunities to meet mentors from your field. For instance, many companies/organizations offer mentorship programs for their employees.
Apart from that, you can also consider participating in career development classes or workshops. In such cases, you must not be afraid to ask questions since you learn from other experts.
5. Start Working
No matter how many plans you make, you must be willing to put in the work to make progress toward your goals. On the other hand, consider involving your supervisors and managers in checking in with them daily. Here, you can ask them to share their perspectives as well.
Hence, as you start working towards your goals, seek guidance. Moreover, do not shy away from trying something new along the way.
6. Track Your Progress
Working on your career goals and focusing on professional development are difficult. Hence, you need to keep track of your milestones. Once you keep track of your milestones, you can achieve them one by one.
Furthermore, celebrate once you achieve a milestone. This will motivate you from time to time and keep you going. You do not need to go too hard on yourself. Understand that you can develop your career and have fun simultaneously.
7. Revisit Your Plan
Refrain from expecting your plan to be foolproof. Hence, you must make your plan flexible enough to adapt to new situations. For instance, as your circumstances change, your goals might evolve. Hence, in such situations, you must modify your career plan. Additionally, review your plan every four months and revise it as needed.
Creating Your Plan: The Way Forward
When you create your career development plan, it will be unique to you. However, no one can deny that some career goals are difficult to meet. Hence, you must stay disciplined and persistent no matter how good your plan is.
The best way to achieve such goals is to break down the goals into smaller objectives. Once you accomplish each objective, try to reward yourself. This will keep you excited in the long run.
Do you have more suggestions on creating a plan for a successful career? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
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