That's a wonderful, provocative question, Chris.
In one organization, we did it first as a group exercise, identifying new tech trends and and potential clients that the organization wanted to pursue. (goals) Then staff were encouraged to take specialized training preparing them for new(ish) roles related to those goals. Performance appraisals/development plans included training/education efforts connected either to promotion potential or the identified goals.
If an organization doesn't work that way, annual performance appraisal time is an opportunity for us to follow a similar personnel process.
Bill Mc
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William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., BC.CE, BC.NE, F.ASCE
ENGINEER
Columbus MS
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-14-2025 10:31 PM
From: Christopher Seigel
Subject: My First Day of 29th Grade
As a new school year kicks off for many families, I find myself thinking about my career in a similar way. In school, each grade often brought clear milestones-new subjects, new challenges, and new lessons to carry forward.
How can we facilitate those same types of opportunities for ourselves in our careers-ways to keep growing, learning, and setting new milestones year to year? Do you set "grades" or milestones for yourself in this way?
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Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
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