Today’s Ask the Executive Coach offers seven tips on how you can get to the top quicker even though it may seem as though you are slowing down.
Q. How can I get to the top of my field without losing my way?
A. In today’s competitive environment everyone is vying for the top position or at least recognition for making a difference in their organization. And, the most savvy person will determine to do a few things right while still keeping their sights high enough to reach the pinnacle they call success. Here are a few tips for your journey:
Tip #1: Define what is success for you
What is it you want? and why? Is it money, the title, more work-life balance or opportunity? What matters most to you and what would you want to experience most in your career/life? What would make you feel as though you achieved what you wanted? And what is the evidence that you actually achieved it? Answering these questions will help keep focused while accomplishing your success. So define what is success and work backwards from there.
Tip # 2: Think when you were the happiest
What was the environment? What industry, position or role? What were moments that contributed to your happiness and what is underneath the label of happiness? Happiness tells you that you are in your strength zone of talent, capacity and the aspirations you hope to achieve. Aspirations and what we value are both important pieces of your career competitive advantage quite simply because when you’re doing work you care about, you re able to work harder and better. The person passionate about what he or she is doing will outwork nd outlaw the person motivated solely by making money.
Tip #3: Know and use your emotional intelligence
The number one attribute of leaders who make it into the Executive level or C-Suite is a high EQ (Emotional Intelligence). They figure out how to be comfortable in their own skin. “What does that look like for you and what does that mean? You will need high political savviness which take high emotional intelligence. Therefore, be very self-aware and understand your own natural wiring. Any tool that can help with your understanding of why you react to things or over-react will be a key area for growth. This is part of the executive presence you will need in the board room or the executive level position you may be seeking.
Tip #4: Be a superb relationship builder
Take time to always listen to people. Your inter-personal skills are critical for your success. How you relate with others as an honest, direct yet compassionate way will build trust and currency for future career building. Listen to what people need and be the person who is willing to add value where you can. Keep an open door attitude and also shut the door when you need to be focused. People need to know that you care before they will lend you a helping hand up. They also need to know that you believe in the words “we”, “together” and “us” vs. “I,” “me,” and “my” in your actions. Be willing to give of yourself and play it forward.
Tip #5: Have a heart and spirit of gratitude
There are no victims, only volunteers. Be grateful for the work you have and the position you are in right now. Even in the mundane and not very fulfilling work, you can find the positives. And, if you cannot, what is underneath the label of your unhappiness? It might not be your work but circumstances or relationships outside of work that is the cause of your unhappiness. Get to the root of it. There are different seasons of life. Could this be a time to take a necessary sabbatical from the work you have now? Maybe take on part-time work or consulting just so that you can figure it out and come back more grounded and satisfied.
Tip #6: Immerse yourself in your work and do it well
Do not work as if you are just ticking time off on the clock. When we keep looking at what is around the corner, we get into trouble. Once you take a position, make a meal out of it as if it is your last meal. Because it could be. Learn every aspect of your work and be excellent at the work you do. What skills do you need to add to your resume to get to success? Are there new projects or different responsibilities to learn different aspects of the position or the business that will add to your knowledge? Learn to embrace risk because with every gain there is a loss. Because before you know it people who have been watching you will ask if you are ready for the next move.
Tip #7: Utilize your most valuable asset – your time
We all have 24 hours in a day. No one has more, no one has less. Set strong boundaries for success, for fun, and for reserves. Start saying “no” to what is not important to you or to the next move. Start saying “yes” to what is most important. You will lose people along the way, therefore, use your time to be with the people that will support you the most. Sadly, not everyone will support you as you go up the mountain. For some, the only way they will taste success with you is by taking a bite out of you.
What 2 or 3 tips will you take seriously and put into action today? What can you do differently to be more intentional about your success? What would that look like for you? Are you willing to write those actions in your calendar to set yourself up for greater success?
