Professional growth goals | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: At work, two colleagues discuss professional growth goals and choose a measurable target for presentation skills..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Professional growth goals to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Quiero establecer objetivos más claros de crecimiento profesional para mi puesto actual.

KYEH-roh es-tah-bleh-SAIR ohb-heh-TEE-bohs mahs KLAH-rohs deh kreh-see-MYEN-toh proh-feh-syoh-NAHL PAH-rah mee PWEHS-toh ahk-twAHL. I want to set clearer professional growth goals for my current role.
B

Empieza por identificar una fortaleza y una debilidad.

em-PYEH-sah por ee-den-tee-fee-KAHR OO-nah fohr-tah-LEH-sah ee OO-nah deh-bee-lee-DAHD. Start by identifying one strength and one weakness.
A

Mi fortaleza es organizar tareas, pero tiendo a evitar presentar ideas.

mee fohr-tah-LEH-sah es or-gah-nee-SAHR TAH-reh-ahs, PEH-roh TYEHN-doh ah eh-bee-TAHR preh-sen-TAHR ee-DEH-ahs. My strength is organizing tasks, but I tend to avoid presenting ideas.
B

Entonces, las habilidades de presentación serían un área útil para desarrollar.

en-TON-ses, lahs ah-bee-lee-DAH-des deh preh-sen-tah-SYOHN seh-REE-ahn oon AH-reh-ah OO-teel PAH-rah deh-sah-rroh-YAHR. Then presentation skills would be a useful area to develop.
A

¿Debería pedir un mentor o practicar durante las reuniones del equipo?

deh-beh-REE-ah peh-DEER oon men-TOR oh prahk-tee-KAHR doo-RAHN-teh lahs reh-oo-NYOH-nes del eh-KEE-poh? Should I ask for a mentor or practice during team meetings?
B

Las dos cosas podrían ayudar, pero elige primero un objetivo que se pueda medir.

lahs dohs KOH-sahs poh-DREE-ahn ah-yoo-DAHR, PEH-roh eh-LEE-heh pree-MEH-roh oon ohb-heh-TEE-boh keh seh PWEH-dah meh-DEER. Both could help, but choose one measurable goal first.
A

Mi primer objetivo será dar una breve actualización en una reunión del equipo pronto.

mee pree-MAIR ohb-heh-TEE-boh seh-RAH dahr OO-nah BREH-beh ahk-twah-lee-sah-SYOHN en OO-nah reh-oo-NYOHN del eh-KEE-poh PROHN-toh. My first goal will be to give a short update in a team meeting soon.
B

Es lo bastante específico para evaluarlo más adelante.

es loh bahs-TAHN-teh es-peh-SEE-fee-koh PAH-rah eh-bah-loo-AHR-loh mahs ah-deh-LAHN-teh. That is specific enough to evaluate later.
A

También quiero recibir comentarios sobre la claridad, no solo sobre la confianza.

tahm-BYEN KYEH-roh reh-see-BEER koh-men-TAH-ryohs SOH-breh lah klah-ree-DAHD, noh SOH-loh SOH-breh lah kohn-fee-AHN-sah. I also want feedback on clarity, not just confidence.
B

Unos criterios claros hacen que los objetivos de crecimiento profesional sean más concretos y prácticos.

OO-nohs kreh-TEH-ryohs KLAH-rohs AH-sen keh lohs ohb-heh-TEE-bohs deh kreh-see-MYEN-toh proh-feh-syoh-NAHL sahn mahs kohn-KREH-tohs ee PRAHK-tee-kohs. Clear criteria make professional growth goals more concrete and practical.

Word by Word

Quiero “Quiero” means “I want” here and expresses the speaker’s personal intention to establish goals. It is commonly used before an infinitive, as in “Quiero establecer”. Use it when stating something you want to do, for example in a professional planning conversation.
establecer “establecer” means “to set” or “to establish” in “Quiero establecer objetivos”. It is an infinitive following “Quiero” and takes “objetivos” as its object here. Use it for setting goals, rules, plans, or other defined arrangements.
objetivos “objetivos” means “goals” or “objectives” here, specifically professional growth goals. The plural form refers to more than one goal and is modified by “más claros”. Use it with verbs such as “establecer objetivos” when discussing planned results.
más “más” means “more” in “más claros”, increasing the degree of clarity expected from the goals. It appears before the adjective it modifies. Use “más” to compare or increase a quality, such as “más práctico” for “more practical” in a new example.
claros “claros” means “clear” in “objetivos más claros”, describing goals that are easier to understand. Its plural form agrees with “objetivos”. Use it with plans, instructions, or criteria when their meaning or requirements are easy to understand.
de “de” connects “objetivos” with “crecimiento profesional” and indicates what the goals concern: professional growth. In this phrase, “de” introduces the area or purpose related to the noun before it. Use it in noun combinations such as “plan de trabajo” in a new example.
crecimiento “crecimiento” means “growth” in “crecimiento profesional”, referring to development in one’s professional life. It is used with “de” to specify the subject of the objectives. Use it when discussing personal, professional, or organizational development.
profesional “profesional” means “professional” in “crecimiento profesional”, specifying that the growth is work-related. Here it modifies “crecimiento”. Use it with work-related nouns such as “experiencia profesional” in a new example.
para “para” means “for” in “para mi puesto actual” and identifies the role the goals are intended to support. It introduces the intended recipient or purpose of the goals. Use “para” when explaining who or what a plan, tool, or goal is intended for.
mi “mi” means “my” in “mi puesto actual”, showing that the role belongs to or is held by the speaker. It comes directly before the noun it determines. Use it before a singular noun when referring to something connected with yourself, such as “mi equipo” in a new example.
puesto “puesto” means “position” or “role” in “mi puesto actual”, referring to the speaker’s current job role. It is the noun modified by “mi” and “actual”. Use “puesto” when describing someone’s job position or role at work.
actual “actual” means “current” in “mi puesto actual”, identifying the role the speaker holds now. It follows the noun here and agrees with the singular noun “puesto”. Use it to distinguish a present role, situation, or version from an earlier one.
Empieza “Empieza” means “start” here and gives a direct instruction to begin with one strength and one weakness. It is used at the beginning of the sentence as the command in “Empieza por identificar”. Use it when telling one person to begin an activity.
por “por” means “by” in “Empieza por identificar”, showing the first step or method for beginning. It is followed here by an infinitive. Use “empezar por” with an infinitive or noun to state the first step of a process.
identificar “identificar” means “to identify” in “por identificar una fortaleza y una debilidad”. It names the first activity the colleague is instructed to carry out. Use it when recognizing or naming a relevant strength, problem, need, or characteristic.
una “una” means “a” or “one” before the feminine noun “fortaleza” in “una fortaleza”. It introduces one unspecified item of that noun type. Use it before a singular feminine noun when referring to one item, such as “una meta” in a new example.
fortaleza “fortaleza” means “strength” here, referring to a professional ability that the speaker already has. In “una fortaleza y una debilidad”, it is one of the two areas to identify. Use it when discussing a person’s positive ability or strong area.
y “y” means “and” and joins “una fortaleza” with “una debilidad” in the requested pair. It connects items of equal importance in the sentence. Use it to link two related nouns, actions, or ideas.
debilidad “debilidad” means “weakness” here, referring to a professional area that needs improvement. It is paired with “fortaleza” as part of the self-assessment. Use it when identifying a limitation or area for development.
es “es” means “is” and links “Mi fortaleza” with the activity “organizar tareas”. It identifies what the speaker considers their strength. Use it to connect a subject with its identity, description, or defining activity.
organizar “organizar” means “to organize” in “organizar tareas”, describing the speaker’s strength. It is an infinitive used after “es” to name the activity. Use it for arranging tasks, information, schedules, or other work in an orderly way.
tareas “tareas” means “tasks” in “organizar tareas”, referring to pieces of work that need to be arranged. The plural form indicates multiple tasks. Use it with work verbs such as “organizar tareas” or “completar tareas” in a new example.
pero “pero” means “but” and contrasts the speaker’s strength in organizing tasks with the tendency to avoid presenting ideas. It introduces an opposing or limiting point. Use it to connect two statements when the second contrasts with the first.
tiendo “tiendo” means “I tend” in “tiendo a evitar presentar ideas”, describing the speaker’s usual tendency. It is followed by “a” and an infinitive. Use “tender a” to describe a recurring personal pattern without saying that it happens every time.
a “a” is part of the pattern “tiendo a evitar” and connects “tiendo” with the following infinitive. Together, “tiendo a” means “I tend to”. Use “a” after “tender” before the action that describes the tendency.
evitar “evitar” means “to avoid” in “evitar presentar ideas”, indicating that the speaker usually stays away from presenting ideas. It is followed here by another infinitive, “presentar”. Use it before an activity or situation that someone tries not to do or experience.
presentar “presentar” means “to present” in “presentar ideas”, referring to communicating ideas to others. It follows “evitar” as the action being avoided. Use it for presenting ideas, information, proposals, or results to colleagues.
ideas “ideas” means “ideas” in “presentar ideas”, referring to thoughts or proposals the speaker could communicate. The plural form indicates multiple ideas. Use it with “presentar” when discussing sharing proposals or thoughts in a meeting.
Entonces “Entonces” means “then” here and draws a conclusion from the difficulty with presenting ideas. It introduces the suggested area for development. Use it to connect a previous fact with a resulting conclusion or next step.
las “las” means “the” before the feminine plural noun “habilidades” in “las habilidades de presentación”. It refers to specific skills relevant to the discussion. Use it before a known group of feminine plural nouns.
habilidades “habilidades” means “skills” in “habilidades de presentación”, referring to abilities used when giving presentations. The plural form indicates a group of related abilities. Use it with “de” to specify the area, such as “habilidades de comunicación” in a new example.
presentación “presentación” means “presentation” in “habilidades de presentación”, specifying the type of skills under discussion. It follows “de” and identifies the activity related to the skills. Use it when referring to a presentation or to presentation-related abilities.
serían “serían” means “would be” in “serían un área útil”, presenting presentation skills as a possible useful development area. It links the subject with the suggested area. Use it when making a cautious suggestion about what something could be.
un “un” means “a” or “one” before the masculine noun “área” in “un área útil”. It introduces one possible area. Use it before a singular noun when referring to one item or option.
área “área” means “area” in “un área útil para desarrollar”, referring to a field or aspect of professional development. It identifies presentation skills as one possible field to work on. Use it for a particular field, aspect, or focus of improvement.
útil “útil” means “useful” in “un área útil para desarrollar”, describing the suggested development area as beneficial. It follows the noun phrase here. Use it to describe something that helps achieve a practical purpose.
desarrollar “desarrollar” means “to develop” in “para desarrollar”, referring to improving presentation skills. It follows “para” as the purpose of the suggested area. Use it after “para” when describing the purpose of an action or plan.
Debería “Debería” means “should I” in the question “¿Debería pedir un mentor...?”, asking for advice about a possible action. It is followed by an infinitive, “pedir”. Use it to ask whether an action would be advisable or appropriate.
pedir “pedir” means “to ask for” in “pedir un mentor”, referring to requesting a mentor. It takes the requested person or thing directly after it here. Use it when requesting help, advice, support, or a specific resource.
mentor “mentor” means “mentor” in “pedir un mentor”, referring to someone who can guide the speaker’s development. It is the person being requested. Use it when discussing a person who provides ongoing professional guidance.
o “o” means “or” and presents two possible actions: asking for a mentor or practicing during team meetings. It joins alternatives in the question. Use it to offer a choice between two or more possibilities.
practicar “practicar” means “to practice” in “practicar durante las reuniones del equipo”, referring to improving presentation skills through repeated use. It is one of the alternatives after “o”. Use it for repeated training of a skill or activity.
durante “durante” means “during” and places the practice within “las reuniones del equipo”. It introduces the time period when the activity takes place. Use it before an event or period to say when something happens.
reuniones “reuniones” means “meetings” in “las reuniones del equipo”, referring to team work sessions. The plural form indicates more than one meeting. Use it for scheduled gatherings where colleagues discuss work or make decisions.
del “del” means “of the” in “del equipo” and connects the meetings with the team. It is the contracted form of “de” plus “el”. Use “del” before a masculine singular noun when expressing a relationship such as belonging or association.
equipo “equipo” means “team” in “las reuniones del equipo”, identifying the group that holds the meetings. It follows “del” in the phrase. Use it when referring to a group of colleagues working together.
cosas “cosas” means “things” in “Las dos cosas”, referring to the two options just mentioned: asking for a mentor and practicing in team meetings. The plural form refers to both options together. Use it when referring generally to previously mentioned items or actions.
podrían “podrían” means “could” in “Las dos cosas podrían ayudar”, expressing that both options are possible sources of help. It presents the result as a possibility rather than a certainty. Use it when discussing what one or more options might do.
ayudar “ayudar” means “to help” in “podrían ayudar”, describing the possible benefit of the two options. It is the infinitive following “podrían”. Use it with a person, group, or activity that receives help, such as “ayudar al equipo” in a new example.
elige “elige” means “choose” in “elige primero un objetivo”, giving a direct instruction to select one goal. It is followed by the chosen item, “un objetivo”. Use it when telling one person to select an option, priority, or goal.
primero “primero” means “first” in “elige primero un objetivo”, showing that choosing one goal should happen before other steps. It modifies the timing of “elige”. Use it to mark the first action or priority in a sequence.
objetivo “objetivo” means “goal” or “objective” in “un objetivo que se pueda medir”, referring to one selected target. The singular form shows that only one measurable goal should be chosen first. Use it when naming a specific result someone plans to achieve.
que “que” introduces the description “que se pueda medir”, which specifies the kind of objective being recommended. Here it links “un objetivo” with information about its measurability. Use it to connect a noun with a following defining or descriptive clause.
se “se” in “se pueda medir” removes the need to name who measures the objective and gives the idea “can be measured”. It is part of the construction “que se pueda medir”, not a separate meaning of the whole clause. Use this pattern when describing something that can be acted on without naming the person who acts.
pueda “pueda” means “can be” or “may be able to” in “se pueda medir”, expressing the possibility that the objective can be measured. It appears with “se” and the infinitive “medir”. Use it in a clause describing what may be possible, such as an objective that “se pueda evaluar” in a new example.
medir “medir” means “to measure” in “se pueda medir”, referring to checking the objective with an observable measure. It follows “pueda” as an infinitive. Use it for evaluating progress, results, amounts, or performance.
será “será” means “will be” in “Mi primer objetivo será dar...”, stating what the speaker’s first goal will consist of. It links the goal with the action that defines it. Use it to describe a future identity, result, or planned activity.
dar “dar” means “to give” in “dar una breve actualización”, referring to delivering a short update to the team. It is the action that defines the speaker’s first goal. Use it with nouns such as “dar una presentación” or “dar información” in a new example.
breve “breve” means “short” or “brief” in “una breve actualización”, describing the update as limited in length. It appears before the noun “actualización”. Use it for a short meeting contribution, explanation, report, or message.
actualización “actualización” means “update” in “dar una breve actualización”, referring to information about the current state or progress of something. It is the object of “dar”. Use it in work contexts when briefly reporting new information or progress.
en “en” means “in” in “en una reunión del equipo”, placing the update within a team meeting. It introduces the setting where the action happens. Use it before a place, event, or situation to state where something takes place.
reunión “reunión” means “meeting” in “una reunión del equipo”, referring to one team gathering. The singular form is introduced by “una”. Use it when talking about attending, organizing, or speaking in a work meeting.
pronto “pronto” means “soon” in “dar ... pronto”, indicating that the planned update will happen in the near future. It gives a time reference for the goal. Use it when referring to an action expected in the near future.
lo “lo” refers to the specific goal or action being discussed in “evaluarlo”, giving the meaning “evaluate it”. Here it is attached to the infinitive “evaluar”. Use it to refer back to a previously mentioned masculine singular thing or an idea being treated as a whole.
bastante “bastante” means “enough” in “lo bastante específico”, indicating that the goal has a sufficient level of specificity for later evaluation. It comes before the adjective “específico” in this pattern. Use “lo bastante + adjective + para” to say that something is sufficiently suitable for a purpose.
específico “específico” means “specific” in “lo bastante específico para evaluarlo”, describing the goal as clearly defined enough to assess. It is part of the pattern “lo bastante específico para”. Use it for goals, instructions, or details that are clearly defined.
evaluarlo “evaluarlo” means “to evaluate it” and refers to assessing the specific goal later. It combines the infinitive “evaluar” with the attached pronoun “lo”, which refers back to the goal. Use it when saying that a previously mentioned masculine singular item or idea will be assessed.
adelante “adelante” means “later” in “más adelante”, referring to a future point when the goal can be evaluated. Together, “más adelante” is a common expression for “later on”. Use it when postponing an action to a later stage.
También “También” means “also” and adds another part of the speaker’s request: feedback about clarity. It introduces information in addition to what was already stated. Use it to add a related point or another desired action.
recibir “recibir” means “to receive” in “quiero recibir comentarios”, describing the feedback the speaker wants to get. It follows “quiero” as an infinitive. Use it with information, feedback, help, or other things that someone obtains from another person.
comentarios “comentarios” means “feedback” or “comments” in “recibir comentarios sobre la claridad”, referring to responses that can help assess the presentation. The plural form indicates comments or feedback in general. Use it with “recibir” and “sobre” when requesting feedback about a specific aspect.
sobre “sobre” means “about” in “comentarios sobre la claridad”, identifying the subject of the feedback. It introduces the aspect the comments concern. Use it before a topic when asking for or discussing comments about that topic.
la “la” means “the” before the feminine singular noun “claridad” in “la claridad”. It points to the specific aspect of the presentation being evaluated. Use it before a known feminine singular noun.
confianza “confianza” means “confidence” in “no solo sobre la confianza”, referring to the speaker’s confidence while presenting. It is contrasted with clarity as another aspect of performance. Use it when discussing how self-assured someone feels or appears.
Unos “Unos” means “some” in “Unos criterios claros”, introducing a set of clear criteria without specifying their exact number. It appears before the masculine plural noun “criterios”. Use it before a plural noun when referring to an unspecified set of items.
criterios “criterios” means “criteria” in “Unos criterios claros”, referring to standards used to assess professional growth goals. The plural form indicates multiple standards. Use it when defining how a goal, performance, or result will be evaluated.
hacen “hacen” means “make” in “hacen que los objetivos ... sean”, describing the effect of clear criteria on the goals. It introduces the construction “hacer que” followed by a clause. Use “hacer que” to say that one thing causes another result or condition.
los “los” means “the” before the masculine plural noun “objetivos” in “los objetivos de crecimiento profesional”. It refers to the specific goals under discussion. Use it before a known group of masculine plural nouns.
sean “sean” means “be” in “hacen que los objetivos ... sean más concretos y prácticos”, describing the result that the criteria produce. It follows “hacer que” and introduces the goals’ resulting qualities. Use this pattern after “hacer que” when describing a caused result or condition.
concretos “concretos” means “concrete” or “specific” in “objetivos ... más concretos”, describing goals that are clearly defined and practical to assess. Its plural form agrees with “objetivos”. Use it for goals, plans, or requirements that are clearly stated rather than vague.
prácticos “prácticos” means “practical” in “objetivos ... más concretos y prácticos”, describing goals that can be applied or used effectively. Its plural form agrees with “objetivos”. Use it for plans or goals that are realistic and useful in an actual situation.

Grammar Points

Querer + infinitivo

Quiero establecer objetivos más claros.

KYEH-roh es-tah-bleh-SAIR ohb-heh-TEE-bohs mahs KLAH-rohs.

I want to establish clearer goals.

After querer, use the infinitive to express wanting to do something.

Tender a + infinitivo

Tiendo a evitar presentar ideas.

TYEHN-doh ah eh-bee-TAHR preh-sen-TAHR ee-DEH-ahs.

I tend to avoid presenting ideas.

Tiendo a means “I tend to”; it is followed by a verb in the infinitive.

Spanish Vocabulary

crecimiento profesional phrase
kreh-see-MYEN-toh proh-feh-syoh-NAHL professional growth
debilidad noun
deh-bee-lee-DAHD weakness
Empieza verb
em-PYEH-sah start
establecer verb
es-tah-bleh-SAIR to set; to establish
fortaleza noun
fohr-tah-LEH-sah strength
identificar verb
ee-den-tee-fee-KAHR to identify
más claros adj
mahs KLAH-rohs clearer
objetivos noun
ohb-heh-TEE-bohs goals; objectives
organizar verb
or-gah-nee-SAHR to organize
puesto actual phrase
PWEHS-toh ahk-twAHL current role
Quiero verb
KYEH-roh I want
tareas noun
TAH-reh-ahs tasks

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

goals; objectives

Show Answerobjetivos

to set; to establish

Show Answerestablecer

strength

Show Answerfortaleza

start

Show AnswerEmpieza