The One Question That Can Change Your Career Trajectory

We all reach moments in our career when things feel unclear. Maybe you’re in the wrong role, chasing someone else’s definition of success, or feeling restless — like something’s missing but you can’t quite put your finger on it.

It’s in these moments that clarity isn’t always found in more job hunting, endless pros-and-cons lists, or another online personality test. Sometimes, what you really need is one powerful question.

A question that gets under the surface. A question that stops the noise and makes space for insight.

Here it is:

“What do I want to be known for?”

Why This Question Matters

This question bypasses job titles, qualifications, and annual reviews. It speaks to identity, impact, and alignment. It invites you to think not just about what you do — but about the legacy of how you do it.

It helps you:

• Get clear on your values
• Reconnect with your unique strengths
• See beyond short-term career steps
• Stop performing and start leading

When you’re stuck, this question shines a light forward. When you’re growing, it helps you steer with intention.

Step 1: Sit With the Question (Not the Answer)

We live in a world that rewards quick answers. But this is a question that deserves time and space.

Start by journaling. Set a 10-minute timer and free-write around the question. Don’t edit. Don’t overthink. Let the answers flow in fragments if needed.

You might be surprised by what comes up:

• “I want to be known for being a thoughtful leader.”
• “I want to be known for creating clarity in chaos.”
• “I want to be known for helping people grow.”

These insights are gold — they point to your leadership style, your purpose, and your next right steps.

Step 2: Look for Patterns and Priorities

Once you’ve spent time reflecting, review what you’ve written. Look for repeating words, themes, or emotions.

Ask yourself:

• What strengths am I proud of?
• What impact matters most to me?
• What moments in my career have felt most aligned?

Patterns reveal priorities. Priorities shape decisions.

If what you want to be known for isn’t reflected in your current role — that’s a powerful signal it might be time to shift.

Step 3: Let This Question Guide Your Decisions

This isn’t just a reflective tool — it’s a compass.

When you’re deciding whether to apply for a new role, launch a project, or say yes to a speaking opportunity, ask:

“Does this take me closer to what I want to be known for?”

If the answer is yes — even if it’s a stretch — lean in. If it’s no, or it pulls you away from alignment, pause.

This question protects your energy and focus. It filters out noise. It brings meaning back to your decisions.

Step 4: Use It to Strengthen Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand isn’t just a LinkedIn tagline. It’s how people experience you — what they associate with your name, your work, your presence.

When you’re clear on what you want to be known for, you can:

• Write a more authentic LinkedIn bio
• Speak about yourself in interviews with clarity
• Choose projects that build your narrative
• Share content that reflects your expertise and values

Over time, people begin to reflect that identity back to you.

“You’re the one who always brings structure to a messy project.”
“You’re the coach who really listens and challenges at the same time.”

This is how careers accelerate — not just through promotions, but through alignment and visibility.

Real Client Example: From “I Don’t Know” to “This Is It”

One of my coaching clients, a marketing manager in her late 30s, came to me feeling stuck and unsure of her next move. She was considering everything from a new job to quitting altogether.

When I asked her, “What do you want to be known for?”, she paused. Then said:

“I want to be known as someone who builds people, not just brands.”

That moment shifted everything. She realised that her true strength was in mentoring junior team members and creating healthy team dynamics. We used that insight to explore roles in people development — and within six months, she had transitioned into a culture and leadership role in a growing startup.

Not because she forced clarity. But because she got honest with what mattered most.

Final Thoughts: Your Career is More Than a Job Title

When you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what’s next — come back to this question:

“What do I want to be known for?”

Let it guide your choices, shape your story, and reconnect you with your own potential.

You don’t need a five-year plan. You just need enough clarity to take the next aligned step.

 

© Glen Rogers, All rights reserved, 2025.