This week I was asked to share my career story in a presentation to some colleagues. Take time out to write the presentation I had an opportunity to reflect on how I came to my role today. That reflection helped me to bring out a few highlights to share as I told the story.
Here were the 11 key lessons of my career story:
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Titles don’t determine your contribution: contribute something of value in every interaction and always look for an action you can take to add value
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What you want to do more is a clue to your passions: Do more of what you enjoy doing. Understand why you enjoy some challenges over others. That is the way to your passions
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Ask for all that you want: Don’t negotiate with yourself first. Put your whole ask on the table. Be prepared to fight for it. This includes negotiating roles and responsibilities.
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Discomfort is a sign of learning & growth: If you don’t feel uncomfortable at some point every day, ask if you are stretching yourself enough
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If it looks like a duck: If it looks too good to be true, it is. If you have doubts before you start, they will become issues when you do. Make sure you do your due diligence.
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Take your opportunities: If an opportunity opens that will contribute to your goals, build capability or lead towards your passions, take it.
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Persist: If you know what you want, persist and overcome the inevitable setbacks. Setbacks are not a judgement on you. Setbacks are part of life and an opportunity to learn more
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People skills are best learned early: Learn to lead, influence, communicate, manage performance and develop people. You don’t have to be a people leader to do this.
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Diverse experiences and perspectives create valuable options: Show interest in things beyond your realm. Learn and study widely. Learn to work in different kinds of businesses at different stages of growth. Learn a broad set of skills. New experiences means new learning and capabilities
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Be the solution to a problem: Every role exists to solve a problem. Understand that and you will get the role and succeed.
- Stay positive and have fun: It’s better that way.
