Our 2023 career research polled over 2,000 leaders and individual contributors about their career development perspectives. The results? The emergence of four paradoxical themes with seemingly contradictory messages—all of which are true.
Paradox #1
I’m more engaged in my current job when talking about my next job or my future.
![](https://es-la.gpstrategies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Career-Perspectives-1.jpg)
Paradox #2
Values and strengths are important in my current job, and financial reward will be important for my next job.
![](https://es-la.gpstrategies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Career-Perspectives-2.jpg)
Paradox #3
Ask me what I want—often—and tell me what the organization wants.
![](https://es-la.gpstrategies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Career-Perspectives-3.jpg)
Paradox #4
I want to prioritize my career development, but my current responsibilities prevent it.
![](https://es-la.gpstrategies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Career-Perspectives-4.jpg)
The critical impact of career development and career conversations between leaders and their employees is not new; the need for career discussions with a focus on what’s important to employees has not changed. What has changed is the way employees are looking at what they want out of their careers.
Download the full report to get more insights into what employees really want.