Category: Life & Career

Posted on by simongterry in Learning, Life & Career

…one enquiry only gave occasion to another, that book referred to book, that to search was not always to find, and to find was not always to be informed; and that thus to pursue perfection, was, like the first inhabitants of Arcadia, to chase the sun, which, when they had reached the hill where he seemed to rest, was still beheld at the same distance from them.

Samuel Johnson

11 Career lessons: reflecting on my career

Posted on by simongterry in Life & Career
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:
 
  1. 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

     

  2. 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
     
  3. 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.
     
  4. 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
     
  5. 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.
     
  6. Take your opportunities: If an opportunity opens that will contribute to your goals, build capability or lead towards your passions, take it.
     
  7. 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
     
  8. 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.
     
  9. 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
     
  10. Be the solution to a problem: Every role exists to solve a problem.  Understand that and you will get the role and succeed.
     
  11. Stay positive and have fun: It’s better that way.