Final answer:
Janelle should improve her strategic planning, leadership, and organizational understanding to progress towards COO, set measurable career milestones, and focus on relationship building, taking initiative, and teamwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
Janelle, an operations manager with aspirations to become Chief Operating Officer (COO), should focus on enhancing her skills in strategic planning, leadership, and organizational understanding. In order to successfully advance in her career, Janelle could find it useful to set up a SMART goal that breaks down her career progression into measurable milestones over the next 2-3 years, similar to what Jane's example demonstrates. Additionally, understanding the company's organizational chart and who to approach for decisions aligns with Janelle's need to develop her relationship building skills, which are essential for senior management roles. Taking initiative in solving problems and contributing to team success, while being proactive in seeking additional responsibilities, will also be crucial steps for Janelle's career advancement.