They see within themselves that they are not as happy as they should be and take steps to find out why.

Through the murk and confusion, they are able to step back and see the big picture and leave nothing out as options.

By finding out just what is truly important to them - what gives them a real buzz, they use this to create a picture of what it is they want from their career.

And so they plan, step by step to see what they can leverage from their current role. What they have elsewhere that they can utilise. All to prepare for moving towards their future

And they have a Vision; a goal that they want to get to. This gives their activities towards their Career Development energy and focus.

Yet they take it step-by-step, in line with other parts of their lives. Unless they feel there is a moment now where the time has come to make a dramatic step, they take their time, priority by priority, to prepare the way.

The best at Career Development are able to deliver their existing role, keep their eye on the future ball as well as preparing themselves for the next challenge.

Vital to be clear on, many who are those round pegs in the square holes strive to get much, much better at the things they struggle with. Bad idea. Top performers work their strong points well and delegate the rest - or find a different role.

These folks are on a mission. They want the best for themselves. The very best stop at nothing to get there and use some skills which may verge on selfishness, both in the workplace or in their domestic setting.

Often they may map out their Career Development way into the distance. Truth is they are very unlikely to take their future by chance.

You can take control over your own destiny - but only 100% of the time, no less. And no-one else will.

Copyright 2005 Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He works worldwide, mainly by phone, with small business owners, executives and corporate leaders. He has hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website, http://www.coaching-bus inesses-to-success.com.

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