Cómo construir la carrera de su vida

by Stephen R. Covey

Consiga un empleo excepcional y desarrolle todo su potencial. ¿Tiene una buena carrera, una carrera mediocre o una carrera grandiosa? ¿Cómo lo sabe? ¿Y cómo se construye la carrera de sus sueños? Ya sea que esté buscando trabajo o bien que quiera pasar de su empleo actual a uno mucho más gratificante y trascendente, este libro es para usted. "Stephen Covey es una leyenda en el mundo de los negocios porque sus consejos son atemporales y aplicables a todo tipo de personas en todas las etapas de la carrera. Dada la turbulencia del mundo laboral en que hoy nos desenvolvemos, los principios de Covey y de Colosimo para aportar nuestra mejor contribución, volviéndonos indispensables y ayudando con ello a resolver los problemas de nuestra empresa, deben ser prioritarios para todo aquel que pretenda conservar su relevancia y empleabilidad a lo largo de varias décadas. Cada perla de sabiduría en Cómo construir la carrera de su vida está ilustrada con anécdotas inspiradoras de personas de carne y hueso, demostrando así que una vida profesional satisfactoria es posible para todos. Alexandra Levit, autora de New Job, New You "Cómo construir la carrera de su vida le ayudará a descubrir la pasión, los talentos y las fortalezas únicas que tiene para ofrecer en el mundo laboral y lo inspirará para realizar la contribución y la diferencia que sólo usted puede hacer." Marcus Buckingham, autor de Primero, rompa todas las reglas

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Stephen Richards Covey was an American educator, author, businessman, and speaker. His most popular book is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His other books include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, The 8th Habit, and The Leader In Me: How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time. In 1996, Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential people. He was a professor at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University (USU) at the time of his death.

Reviews

[Mateo D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Para empezar fue un libro difícil de conseguir.
Me gustó que los autores remarcan el hecho de que cada persona es única pues no hay nadie con los mismos talentos, pasiones y conciencia. Además se me hizo interesante e útil el manifiesto de contribuciones porque ayuda a enfocar la carrera a objetivos específicos. Sin embargo, considero que algunos conceptos son utópico o más dirigidos a puesto administrativos o de oficina.

[Matthew Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic guidance on how take ownership of your career and make yourself indispensable by focusing on your contribution, not your job. This is one of those books I wish I'd been able to read at age 22 when first starting my career! Regardless of where you are in your own career journey, there are still plenty of insights to be found in this book.

[Irina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really wonderful motivational book if you're facing some sort of uncertainty in your careers path.

[Cara St.Hilaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very inspirational if you are
a. looking to change careers if you are unsatisfied with what you are doing
b. out of work and looking for a career (not just a job)
c. looking for better career opportunities in the company you are in
d. ready to break away from "common" and follow your dreams

If you are looking for a book that will give you prescriptive step-by-step instruction on finding a job, this isn't what this book is meant to do. However, it will get you thinking and it will serve as a motivational pep talk if you are intimidated or unsure.

The overall theme--don't be a victim. Stop saying "my boss has it out for me" or "the economy is bad" or whatever excuses you may come up with. Instead, use your community, your skills and most of all, your passion and interests to find or create your ideal career. Transition yourself from the industrial age way of thinking to the knowledge age. My favorite two quotes from the book: "You are not a 'job description' with legs," and "If you are weak in a hard moment and sleep in instead of getting up, it becomes the first of many little failures."

The key to what makes this book special? The anecdotes that the authors give us to highlight real people that have used their very cool skills to stand out. The next best think about the book? The activities at the end of each chapter that will get you grabbing a pen and paper to dive into your thoughts about how to get your dream career.

The only reason this isn't a 5 star? I would have liked just a little more on resume writing and interviewing. Information is there -- but it could have had a bit more attention. They are both still key skills if your dream job happens to be in a company as opposed to working for yourself.

These authors know their stuff! If they had a seminar in my area, I'd sign up in a heartbeat.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guide by Dr. Stephen Covey shows you how to have a fulfilling career--one that doesn't just rely on climbing the corporate ladder, but on making a difference.

[Malin Friess · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this book as a group as a dental department and attended a FC class.

3 stars...a lot of repeat of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

[TN · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a pretty inspiring book on building meaningful career. I really like it and will use some of the ideas for sure.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books forces you to look at your career path holistically and future thinking. A great read for someone considering a career change or looking to amp up their current career.

[Byron Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es un buen libro aunque un poco soñador y no muy aterrizado a la vida corporativa

[Alexander Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, very well thought out by the authors. It leaves you with a very interesting reading experience, with its real-life examples, technical language and psychological aspects that help you understand the essence of the book, with ideal techniques and tools for those who are looking for a new job. or how to improve their contribution to what they already have.

[Sylvie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read. In a time where people are reinventing themselves, sharpening their saws, this book puts into perspective on how to better market your skills. I'm going to rewrite my resume among other things mentioned the book.

[Abdul Aziz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ini bacaan wajib. Lebih-lebih lagi bagi yang baru masuk alam pekerjaan.

[Catherine]

Quite insightful on improving ones ability to be distinguished during an interview process,one must have two sets of resumes a generic and a targetted resume .

[Shaukat Alam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book for making an impact on your career, takes you to a while new approach only few will dare to do....

[Abby Needleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for class
Happy it was relatively short !

[Amanda Molina · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok i guess. good tips. just basically tells you to change your perspective in the knew “knowledge era”

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know many people who are out of work or are dissatisfied with their current jobs. I myself am not actively job hunting nor am I particularly dissatisfied with my job. However, this book can be read, enjoyed and applied by anyone who has an earnest desire to find that "great career" or to create a "great career" at his or her current job. For those job seekers, the end of the book does include some suggestions on crafting a resume, cover letter or even on giving presentations to prospective or current employers outlining your plans for success.

If you have read 'The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People', you'll notice a lot of familiar language.

In discussing the nature of our current economic times, the book talks about such concepts as the "Abundance vs Scarcity Mentality", "Circle of Influence vs Circule of Concern", "Emotional Bank Accounts" and changing our Paradigm to look at the workplace through the lens of the Knowledge Worker age rather than the Industrial Age. The book talks about (though I don't think it ever used the '7 habits' terms) "production vs production capability."

And it spends a considerable amount of time talking about problem solving, identifying needs, turning needs into opportunities and creating your own personal Contribution Statement based on your own strengths, talents, passions and your moral compass or conscience.

The book gives advice for taking that Contribution Statement and actually conducting a "Need-Opportunity" presentation rather than going to job interviews. It presents ideas and methods for helping yourself stand out from the crowd to a prospective employer or even to your current boss. There are suggestions for expanding your "Circle of Influence" to better meet your talents and passions.

The authors also go into some depth about "Building Your Village"…a 21st century mindset around networking and working through people you know to achieve your goals. The book talks about creating a village through your friends and co-workers but also about about the importance of carving a space out for yourself on the Internet…diving into social networking such as LinkedIn or even Facebook….creating your own webspace by writing a blog about your passion/expertise…maybe even writing an e-book. The authors emphasize that your village should be based on "real" relationships rather than just a bunch of names who can "do something for you"…focus on building that Emotional Bank Account and then use your village to synergistically achieve your goals.

Like many books in this vein, there's not a lot here that felt "revolutionary"…on the contrary, it all felt like "common sense" and a lot of it feels like those "aha" moments where you smile, nod and wonder "why didn't I think of this earlier". The writing style is simple and easy to understand. There are a bunch of inspirational stories and examples and there is plenty of great advice.

So whether you're on the hunt for a job, trying to improve your current position, or self-employed and looking to solidify your own contribution, this book should have something to help you develop, focus on and come up with a plan to achieve your long-term career goals.

****
3 out of 5 stars

[Ray Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Work Great Career is a business book written by one of the most respected business authors of our time, Stephen Covey, along with his associate Jennifer Colosimo. This is a useful and easy to read guide for anyone seeking a job or a more fulfilling career. It came to me just at the right time. I had sold my company, completed the integration of the business and was struggling to find energy in the new business. I was given this book by a friend and after a quick read, I had developed a new plan to find renewed focus through a career transition, and to create the job of my dreams based on my passion and energy. Having read 'The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People', I noticed a lot of familiar language in this book. The writing style is simple and easy to understand and there are a number of inspirational stories and useful advice. There are suggestions for expanding your "Circle of Influence" to better meet your talents and passions. There is also a particularly good section that discusses problem solving, identifying needs, turning needs into opportunities and creating your own personal contribution. This Contribution Statement needs to be based on your own strengths, talents, passions and your moral compass or conscience. This book is a useful resource for anyone looking for a career transition, to fine tune your resume and to help you define your unique contribution, and should be useful for anybody looking for a plan to achieve their long-term career goals.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

What might sound like a series of clichés coming from a typical business writer could, out of reverence, be called “tapping into the zeitgeist” when it is presented by a bona fide guru. In a quick 156 pages (including a Frequently Asked Questions section), Stephen R. Covey and co-author Jennifer Colosimo work to overturn the ordinary ways people seek and acquire jobs. Like the authors of a diet book, Covey and Colosimo ask you to make healthy choices to shape your work’s waistline. Choose a meaningful career, not a job. Think of yourself as a “volunteer,” not an employee. Adapt to the “Knowledge Age” and leave behind the “Industrial Age.” Use a job interview as a “research opportunity,” and see a résumé cover letter as a chance to define yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Granted, if you don’t want to be told to change your paradigm, or to invent your own job if you can’t find one, you might want to invest your dimes elsewhere. Then again, if you’re tired of the patterns in your professional path, Covey and Colosimo’s new career-seeking terminology might be just the jolt you need. Old habits die hard – maybe it’s time for some new ones. getAbstract recommends this book to job seekers, bootstrappers, service industry personnel, Covey fanatics and all workers in a rut.

[Vanya Prodanova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Започнах си новата година с Кови. Аз си го харесвам, приятен е за четене за тези, които се вълнуват от темите, за които пише. За другите - може да им се стори безочлив, нагъл и арогантен и нищо неразбиращ от това как се намира работа в България. То не е лъжа, че не познава пазара на труда в нашата страна, но идеите му никак не звучат зле и чудесно могат да се модифицират за нашата действителност. Хубавото е, че огромна част от нашето общество мисли и разсъждава като него, затова и има шанс за "лудите" глави, мечтаещи за нещо повече от "просто" работа. :Р
За книгата - заглавието е преведено абсурдно и сериозно затруднява положителното възприемане на книгата. Също така Кови има навика да се увлича в помпането на самочувствието на читателите си с повтарящи се надъхващи фрази на всеки 20 страници, което е досадно и обидно на моменти.
Оставяйки всичко това на страна има какво да те надъха и да вземеш от книжката, както и да си свериш часовника къде си ти по своя път към успешна кариера и каузата, която си избрал да следваш. Разбира се, ако това е, което търсиш от живота си - смисъл. :)

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I actually did not finish this book. And yes, it really did take me almost two years to not finish all of it even though its width is smaller than that of my thumb.

So did I dislike it? Is that why it took me so long? No, I actually thought it was very thought-provoking. In fact, it was TOO thought-provoking. Each time I picked it up, I’d start writing down quotes and thoughts like a frenzied madwoman. I couldn’t read more than two pages in half an hour because of all the to-dos WHILE reading it. I finally had to say, “Is this helping me anymore? Or am I just trying to finish it for the sake of finishing it?” Once you get to that point, you know it’s time to move onto something else.

What I DID get out of it was good. The book focuses on finding a way that YOU can contribute. Your contribution should include three things: 1.) It taps your talent, 2.) It fuels your passion, and 3.) It satisfies your conscience while answering a significant need.

It was a good book. I guess that self-help books require me to be just too involved for me to ever finish them.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me at the right time. I am educated, sure, but I have no idea what I want to do with my life. Do I want to use that education? Or is there something else that is much more suited to my tastes. I am going through a quarter life crisis, no joke. It is awful!

This book was great because it really go me thinking and assessing where I am in life right now (career in academia) and what I am going to do with it or where I am going to go with it.

The biggest strength of this book by far is that it makes you think about yourself. It's like thinking with guidance.

I would recommend this book to everyone, at some point in their life or another. I really took away that you want to be an active participant in your job to enjoy it and this book helped me get to a place where I was thinking about what I could be passionate about and actively, enthusiastic about while making money.

Great Read.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an updated version of the same essential job/ career question, "Who are you?" (aka Do what you are, have a mission, or in this book, "what is your contribution?" ) I've considered this question before so this was a quick read for me. I started with the section, "Build your Own Village" because that's more where I am now. It's a nicer way (and probably more useful and successful) way to think about networking. I also liked the action steps at the end of each chapter which listed explicitly what to do to achieve the concepts just described. This included a page of questions to discuss with others, which was a good idea because it prevents you from trying to build your life in a vacuum. However I didn't think the questions were very good because I wouldn't say those things to people. It would have been more useful to me if it were not in the specific language of the book.

[Joseph Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Generally, they tell you how to position yourself as a information worker - problem solver by discovering problems with the companies your applying to and positioning yourself as the one who can fix their existing problem.

There was a lot of feel good bs in this, along with many inaccurate statements. I guess this book isn't really for me, because I'm not looking for the same type of amazing career that they seem to be catering towards. In my current job, I feel I find problems, I solve problems, or document the ones that people don't want to fix just yet. It might be related to my position as a Quality Assurance Tester that makes this book sound much like useless vagaries.

I can see how some of the tips could help people, including myself, improve their resume or job search process. However, the book overall feels flimsy.

[Sujata Sahni]

You are not a job descripton with legs because your particular combination of strengths, experiences, talents and ingenuity has never existed anywhere else and will never ever be repeated. Transitioning from an Industrial age worker to a knowledge age worker is no mean task. What is going to be your contribution and how are you going about doing it? Your employer doesn't lack problems to solve and challenges to meet.

The Industrial age paradigm talks about dependency on industry, boss, job description, standard operating procedure and everything else that makes you a victim. The knowledge age paradigm however concentrates on looking for significant problems to solve to make your contribution.

It is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is difficult to have a meaningful life unless you have meaningful work.

~ Jim Collins

[Ahmed Al sanhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about creating contribution statement which distinguishes job seekers from career seekers. As it is siad in the book, people in knowledge age are the tools and means of company's production unlike in tje industrial age. Further, discovering three things to build great career: your talents, passion, and conscience.

I really like this book as I can see it as a great book for fresh graduates to consider reading before graduating because it will widen their gaze regarding differences between job and career and tje importance of contributing to the job rather just be a gear of the overall production. Additionally, I see this book as study book, not just reading as I think this book should be comprehended well.

[Mark Holencik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple system to finding and keeping a job, when everyone else can not find one. You need to be a problem solver, not someone who meets the job requirements. One of the things I tell people looking for a job that can not find one is to volunteer somewhere and the job will mysteriously appear. No one has done it yet. I got validation in the book, because they tell you to volunteer to find a job. Stephen Spillberg got his career/job directing by volunteering from the age of 15 at a movie studio.

[Ubi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a fan of this book
Even I don't know why I dun really like it

Maybe because i just can't relate myself
I am not planning to be what actually I be
So, I don't feel to give my contribution for something I dun even like

I don't find any solution in this
Except they said about 'it is just mind works'
But I do feel I want to be something else

It just doesn't feel right
Nah, maybe it is just me

[Heather Friedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems many of my friends are struggling today to find meaning and happiness in what they are currently doing. This was a great little book with great tips on how to find focus and find reward in creating the job of your dreams based on your passion and energy. Really found some great nuggets and exercises that were really helpful.

[Ehsan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great work, great career is really a good read on the subject of finding the suitable job, the author illustrates in detail the whole working life purpose and empower you to be an effective person, solution provider and passionate about your purpose and goals in work and life, highly recommended for any one who seek to build his career.