OGL 482 Pro-Seminar II

Module 6 Assignment:
Career Plan Template
Section 1: Creating your BHAG
Following the information in the “Good to Great Connections” PowerPoint presentation and all
of the additional information provided under the Module 4 content area, and taking your
Personal Mission Statement development efforts into consideration, carefully develop your own
personal long term BHAG. The timeframe for your BHAG is 10-25 years out, however it will
depend upon your age. For example, a 55 year old person might be closer to the 10 year BHAG,
whereas a 30 year old or younger person should be considering a BHAG 25 years out. This
BHAG may be related to your overall life/lifestyle aspirations, or it could be related to some
organizational, protean, or entrepreneurial vision you have for the future. That is up to you. What
it needs to be is BIG! HUGE! REALLY HAIRY! STRETCH YOURSELF! LOOK BEYOND
GRADUATE DEGREE! LOOK BEYOND A JOB! HOW WILL YOU MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD????

Answer the following:

1) What is your BHAG?

My Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal is to become a CEO of a technology-based organization.

I want to be at the top of the food chain with nobody above me, the closest person I want
to my position is a partner (ex. CFO).

2) Why is this your BHAG?

This is my BHAG because my biggest pet peeve in life hat people do not know about me
is working for somebody else. It makes me feel like I’m making money for somebody
else and getting a small piece of profit from doing the majority of the work. I want to
have all control over what is happening in my company and I want to be the one that is
signing all the checks rather than the one cashing them out at the bank.

3) How does your BHAG align with your vision statement from Module 4?

Vision Statement: “To be a true leader that is willing to get my hands dirty and help
others improve themselves. I will strive to use my values and experiences through
culture, diversity, and collaboration to create positive impacts upon others.”

1
 This vision statement aligns with exactly what type of leader I would want to be in the
CEO position. It has to do with knowing myself and understanding what I can bring to
the table along with how I will lead once in a position of authority. This vision statement
is forecasting the future of me becoming a CEO one day.

4) How does your BHAG align with your mission statement from Module 4?

Mission Statement: “I will continue to become better by increasing my experience

through other cultures, adapting to the environments that I am in, and remaining resilient
when facing adversity. I will use my communication to act toward becoming a better
leader and achieving my goals every day.
I will use my integrity-based leadership style to make others around me better through
confidence, positive decision making, and meaningful work. I will use my creativity to
effectively spread collaborations methods that benefit all members involved with
organizations, programs, and projects. I will use growth and development to seize
opportunities that I have never had before then help propel others into the same direction
to create a prospering environment for all.
I will strive to achieve mental health allowing me the freedom to pursue personal interest
along with work-related goals. I will live a healthy lifestyle that is a perfect balance
between work and personal life, focused around efficiency and growing professionally. I
will make a difference in my community that reflects my character, morals, and ethics.”

This mission statement aligns with my BHAG because it shows me the road, I will take
in order to complete my BHAG will not be short or easy. It will require me to learn from
people of other cultures, different leaders that use different leadership styles, and
experiences that will help mold my decision-making skills. My own values, ethics, and
morals will help me become a true leader that will lead an organization under the right
intentions of becoming successful based on integrity.

5) List your top five (5) obstacles in order from number 5 being least difficult and
number 1 being most difficult you need to overcome in order to obtain your BHAG
and explain the relevance of each one.

Obstacle 1 (most difficult)- Self doubt- I have always had an issue with my making
moves or not making a move because I do not believe I can do it or afraid of if it does not
go right. Fears, limitations, and self-criticism has held me back from situations in my life
and I would hate to make this mistake again because when in pursuit of a CEO position, I
need to be confident. Confidence is key when expecting to be at the top of the food chain
and I cannot expect my followers to use confidence in their abilities if I am not confident
in my own.

2
 Obstacle 2- Making change happen when it isn’t immediately necessary- I have the
tendency to get comfortable, especially when I am in a comfortable spot from a monetary
or compensation perspective. Getting out of my comfort zone and making decisions
based on where I want to be rather than trying to pursue the most compensation as soon
as possible will be a true challenge.

Obstacle 3- Support system- With me being so far away from all of my family and
friends (they’re all in the Midwest) it will be a challenge leaning on them as I face some
of the greatest challenges in my life. My focus will be thrown off especially when I will
be the only one going down the road, I am pursuing that I know. Having all your
relationships be professional at all times can be taxing on anyone. There is a sense that
you never get away from work when you need time away.

Obstacle 4- Decision Making- My ability to make decisions have been good thus far but I
think the fear of making the wrong decision will creep on me fast down this road to
pursue my BHAG. It is understandable when the road to becoming a CEO of an already
existing company can be completely ruined by one wrong or bad decision. This challenge
touches a little on my first obstacle which is self-doubt but focuses directly on making the
right choice when it presents itself to me.

Obstacle 5 (least difficult)- Prioritizing- Sometimes when I am fed up with work or doing
a task that I am not enjoying; my priorities go out the window and I focus on what makes
me happy. I think sacrificing what I am enjoying and prioritizing what is important will
be a huge challenge for me because I truly hate when I am unhappy with tasks that I have
been assigned and sometimes it reflects on my work. Keeping my priorities in order will
be detrimental when pursuing my BHAG.

3
Section 2: Career Vision
Consider your long-term vision for your career. Respond to the following questions, and make
connections to your personal mission statement, your BHAG(s), the themes you developed in
Module 4, and the textbook/supplemental readings (as applicable).

Answer the following:

1) Analyze the type of career you want to have, in terms of an organizational career or
a protean career, make sure it is clear you understand the concepts as outlined in
the textbook. Why?

I would want a protean career rather than an organizational and there is no hesitation in
my saying that. An organizational career focuses on you providing what the organization
needs when they need it and making them high when it comes to priorities. I want to
focus on a balance between the organization and myself but putting more focus on
myself. I need to have a work-life balance that gives me time away from the organization
and helps me focus on family, hobbies, etc. That will always be the number one priority
for me.

2) Analyze your career with an explanation as one that moves you up the organization
or one you develop seeking alternative career paths. If you see yourself taking an
alternative career path, which one(s) sound the most likely? Why?

My career path would be one that moves me up an organization. With my desire to build
relationships and stay with one organization that I can grow and build with; this is the
more ideal career path for me. For example, my BHAG is to become a CEO of an already
existing company but the likely hood of that happening without committing to one
organization for long periods of time is unlikely this a move me up organization would be
my preference.

3) Discuss and explain if you see yourself working an alternative or flexible work
schedule/arrangement? If so, which ones and why?

I could see myself working a flexible schedule if it aligns with my professional goals. For
example, if a weekend every once in a while, or a longer workday is necessary to finish a
project or task I am not opposed to it. When it comes to my everyday schedule though I
expect a standard business hour schedule with weekends and holidays off. If I cannot
have a normal schedule and it helps me pursue my BHAG I am willing to compromise.

4) Research and post current, or past, job postings from your local area, across the
country, or from around the world which illustrate how you might reach your
BHAG. Be sure to provide the Job Title, a small description and why it supports

4
 your BHAG when you provide the URL. Websites such as CareerBuilder, Monster,
or Indeed might be a good place to begin. Also, career-specific websites such as
SHRM.org or AICPA.org often have job postings. Provide 2 listings for each of the
following time periods:

a. 2 years from today

i. Public Relations Manager

Director of training and development that working with the CEO and
COO to create a strategic plan to implement public relation and marketing
processes.

This will give me hands on experience at one of the working functions of a

company that is needed for success and gives me direct contact and
supervision from the CEO.

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Be-A-Champion%2C-
Inc.&t=Public+Relation+Manager&jk=9c7df40384c4bfc1&sjdu=QwrRXKrqZ3
CNX5W-O9jEvQOURiBK2fpQ4vUAeoCKDMUXpXC-
G883mqDy55aMSCLJXV3zyXM8vhYb-
0As3QPBbDrQX4PPHhmxBImGbpMHduA&tk=1e70rc1hrbhom800&adid=333
247752&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&vjs=3

ii. Sales Manager in Training

Services existing accounts, obtains orders, and establishes new accounts

by planning and organizing daily work schedule to call on existing or
potential sales outlets and other trade factors. Also, this position requires a
person to manage the team and customer complaints.

This is what I discussed in my vision and mission of not being afraid to

get my hands dirty and manage operation from the base level of a
company.

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=LONE-STAR-STAFFING-
SOLUTIONS&t=Sales+Manager+Training&jk=cabe36c881db607f&sjdu=QwrR
XKrqZ3CNX5W-
O9jEvdWaFExGg97Dg5JRAWGCkoCCKL0Pw7b84_BTawB3pl0O-
Cno9gjXM2sAMxVdzLuwa_4-
qMtWXa3RqSNHpXQJrOZH1jPe_3fLt0v8cpqOoaRB&tk=1e70rc1hrbhom800
&adid=335760668&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&vjs=3

b. 5 years from today

i. Sales and Marketing Director

5
 Guiding family members and seniors through one of the most difficult
decisions in their life and compelling them to make a decision and
implementing monthly marketing plans, closing leads, and working
referrals.

This relationship building, managing, and first director role is a great

steppingstone to moving to the next level (partner) in an organization once
proof of excellence is shown.

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Parsons-House-
Cypress&t=Sales+Marketing+Director&jk=1a28601993b43f08&sjdu=QwrRXKr
qZ3CNX5W-
O9jEvdWaFExGg97Dg5JRAWGCkoB9tz1nN1AWFf71Iu9n3C9qnytig7G1VIsi
JIGnbDSF3Ef4VjwLw8yj19siZtMtHiM&tk=1e70rq3b9bhom800&adid=338041
736&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&vjs=3

ii. Director of Strategic Channel Marketing

Provide marketing counsel to distribution partners, building relationships

with senior leaders, and creating financial/marketing consumer collateral
product launches

Product launching & building partnerships with local distribution is key to

knowing when to make the right choices in a CEO role. I think that this
will be a great steppingstone to know the ins and outs of the organization.

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?
jk=652a688f16e499b0&tk=1e70sb4h2f0j3800&from=serp&vjs=3&advn=96852
46735664481&adid=116645914&sjdu=TQeu5vSyBmSWfXrRcm-eCLP5n_-
s08hrxMD-dtpZk1lATfGbrmyRHaJ5HdbQlbznHFtXrMGCFdGZmM-
lwZd3rCo6hlE4CxKsWXbWdGbnbnj71RBA8oCJqFPjD4FKfvikEJrIqySdin28H
I5nogvhjzQ_jN7H1QnN1WkhJHMQigF_xVNL4btf0qMIXxnX0swG

c. 10 years from today

i. VP Sales & Marketing, Railroad Construction Services

Lead, train, and motivate sales team to drive new sales growth, develop
strategic and tactical sales and marketing plans, generate sales forecasts
and accurately predict revenue.

This role is no longer dealing with leading the sales team but motivating
the leader of the sales team and overseeing the team along with the leader
of the team. Forecasting their revenue and developing strategy for them to

6
 improve which is close to what a CEO has to keep in mind when running a
company, a key position to have.

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Hire-
Horizons&t=VP+Sales+Marketing&jk=2fbebcad1f0bffd5&sjdu=QwrRXKrqZ3
CNX5W-O9jEvZn9pQiVS6OthrupVhBli-Kkz_WyA4BMVOE6Acp-
eSnEACy2rKMVF8z3tnq5aCDNRyqU3_UCmaMeAauT0Rnc0cjJ3UHjoatzV5nt
Ft29JDML&tk=1e70rq3b9bhom800&adid=344418530&pub=4a1b367933fd867
b19b072952f68dceb&vjs=3

ii. Senior Director Marketing Operations

Define the Marketing Operations vision, strategy and analytics, lead

efforts to define and build success metrics for Marketing programs and
campaigns, coordinate quarterly and monthly executive management
deliverables and reporting to senior leadership team.

This role puts the director over all other directors and helps spearhead
them in the right direction when it comes to their marketing goals and
strategies to pursue those roles. The creation of tactics is a great 10 year
goal to have because it will also help me become a better CEO from a
decision making perspective.

d. BHAG Achievement Year

i. Hospital Administrator/CEO

Responsible for all day-to-day operations of the Hospital, accountable for

planning, organizing, and directing the hospital to ensure that quality
patient care, Reviews and approves all financial reports, budgets, managed
care contracts and major expenditures, managing the ongoing functions of
the Hospital by recruiting, employing, and directing.

This is the role I am pursuing, instead of running a program or division, I

would be required to approve or deny anything related to the organization
(hospital) while still using the skills learned from all previous roles to
make the right decisions. This is where I believe I will be in 25 years.

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=OCEANS-
HEALTHCARE&t=Hospital+Administrator+CEO&jk=9cce7c646d8bcd7
8&q=ceo&vjs=3

ii. LTAC Hospital Chief Executive Officer

7
 Chief Executive Officer to join our team to lead our Long-term Acute
Care Hospital who is actively engaged in the community, serve as a public
educator, well-versed in hospital operations, and knowledgeable in
marketing and medical staff development.

This role will put all the other jobs into use from a marketing, customer
support, relationship building, and strategy perspective. It gives me a
chance to apply everything into this one position which is where I want
myself to be in 25 years and my BHAG is all focused on this position.

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?
jk=82dda91227f4d3dc&tk=1e70tu05nbhom800&from=serp&vjs=3

8
Section 3: Long-Term Strategy
Develop a strategy for moving toward your ideal future work/life situation and the realization of
your BHAG(s). Consider the timeframe for your BHAG(s). Provide a vivid description of life
“the way it will be” once your BHAG is realized.

1) Critically think about and then list the interim steps or milestones you have laid out
for yourself that will aid you in reaching your BHAG (you should have at least 10 to
earn a rating of excellent and be referenced by time)

My first milestone that I will cross is going to USC to get my MBA. I cannot expect to be
a CEO without getting a business degree and why not go to a top 25 school to get it.

My second milestone is to use the 300k strong USC connections to my advantage. My

sister received her MBA from USC and speak highly of the relationships associated with
her experience there.

My third milestone is to get involved with enough start ups that work alongside the CEO
in order to gain the best insight possible from them and master the concept/mindset.

My fourth milestone is adding the correct personal characteristics that will allow others to
see the difference between my performance being good and great strictly through my
actions without me having to explain.

My fifth milestone joining a startup or a company closer to the startup side in order to
gain a director or senior director role. I have a better chance of moving up faster with a
startup rather than a large company.

My sixth milestone is to lead an effective small team that inherits my management

approach. Showing great skills in recruiting, inspiring, and training is important.

My seventh milestone is creating a great relationship with co-founder that lays out
expectations and duties for each of you in order to create a unity and vision amongst both
of you.

My eighth is putting up money from my own pocket to ensure the team is being built
correctly and they have the right tools to be successful from the beginning. I cannot be
focused on monetary gain at the beginning and need to focus on team success.

My ninth milestone is learning to effectively combat competition to show my leadership

role is significant and prove my approaches will work in the long run.

9
 My tenth milestone is proving that I am a qualified CEO and even though I was not here
when the company started, my work ethic, leadership skills, morals, and values show that
the company is best left in my hands.

2) In addition to career-related roles, consider your other life roles in relation to your
career goals. Revisit your responses to the Identities Exercise that you completed in
Module 1 of the course. Based on your long-term strategy, what are the 3 most
precious things you are willing to sacrifice, besides time, to achieve your BHAG?
Why?

Compensation: Money is important to me in a sense because I do need it to maintain my

life of course. If an opportunity presents itself that helps propel my career forward but
does not pay anywhere near what I want I can make that sacrifice. In the long term it
would be more beneficial to sacrifice money to get the position I want in the future that
will end up paying out the most. I would consider this an investment in my future.

Schedule: I realistically never want to work weekend or past 5pm again in my life
because of all the years I have spent doing it. When it comes to sacrifice I am willing to
throw this in the mix, if I will have to throw in my weekends and taking a random
Tuesday and Thursday off to get where I want to be I am willing to. Also, if I have to
work a 2pm to 10pm shift to help get to a CEO role then that is a sacrifice I am also
willing to take, investing toward the future is the priority.

Position: There are positions in big companies that are available which pay decent,
provide benefits, and even have a great work life balance associated with them. I am not
into being comfortable, I am into executing goals I set for myself. With that being said,
my position can be sacrificed if a better one that gets me closer to be a CEO presents
itself. Investing this to become a CEO at the top of the food chain is a temporary and
necessary sacrifice.

10
Section 4: The one to two year plan
Using a SMART goals-based approach, as well as project planning and management skill best
practices, create a detailed project plan for at least two specific goals. At least one must be
related to your long-term BHAG. The other may be related to some other aspect of your career
development or career-life integration. Both of these goals need to be things that you are
passionate about accomplishing.

Your selected goals and SMART plan (see SMART goal information provided in the module)
should be structured based on a one to two-year timeline. It should include specific milestones,
action items, sub-tasks as well as task-related interdependencies as applicable. With respect to
each goal, critically think about what specifically are the things you will do in the next one to
two years to achieve these goals.

Develop a clear and detailed SMART plan, with facilitating goals and steps/actions required
to accomplish your selected goals. It should be evident, by looking at the format and structure
of your plan, that you have developed some significant skills respect to project management.
Include Gantt charts (T) or other visual project representations as you see fit, and be sure to
address your approach to tracking/measuring your progress (M).

1) What is your #1 Goal? (at least one of the following must be related to your BHAG)

Continue higher education by receiving my MBA

a. Specific- I want to pursue my graduate degree at USC and get my MBA focused
on business management starting July of 2021.

b. Measurable- I will measure my success by making the deadlines to sign up, taking
the steps to understand how I will pay for it (GI Bill), and executing a move to
Los Angeles. Then when in the program I will gauge my success by my
assignment completion and watching grades. If I can execute the signup, move,
and program then I would consider this goal a success.

c. Attainable- This is possible because once I finish my undergraduate it not only

makes me eligible to get my MBA, but my grades and work ethic have proven to
make this goal possible. After not thinking that I would even go to college to now
speaking about an MBA, I now feel more motivated than ever moving forward.
The move would only be a five-hour transition and there are affordable areas that
make it possible to live at a certain price.

d. Relevant- This matter to me because I want to present the credentials that shows
the mind of a businessman that is ready to become a CEO one day. This leads
back to my BHAG and I believe getting an MBA with a focus on business
management presents the perfect image of a CEO.

11
 e. Time based- I plan on beginning the execution of this plan in July 2021 and
completing May 2022.
MBA GANTT CHART
* = an automatically calculated cell
START ON DURATION*
TASK NAME START DATE END DATE
DAY* (WORK DAYS)
First Sample Project Pursue Degree
Pursue Degree 4/28 8/11 0 106 How to Measure
How to Measure 4/28 4/29 0 2 Attainability
Attainability 4/29 5/11 1 743 Relevance
Relevance 7/11 5/11 74 670 Time Frame
Time Frame 7/11 5/11 74 670

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

Days

12