As you've advanced in your career, you've likely relied on specific strategies and habits that have contributed to your success. However, as the saying goes, 'what got you here won’t get you there.' It's important to recognize that some of these approaches, while effective in the past, might now be limiting your growth. Let’s take a closer look at what you might be doing that seems productive but could actually be holding you back.
Only the tactical
Getting bogged down in minute details prevents us from stepping back and seeing the bigger picture. At this stage in the game, we need to adopt an enterprise-level mindset. Focusing solely on daily operations is actually holding us back.
Not Delegating
Closely linked to focusing solely on tactical tasks is the challenge of not letting go. Delegation is a must; it allows you to free up time for strategic thinking and leadership development.
Avoiding Risk
Playing it safe might maintain stability, but it doesn’t demonstrate the innovative thinking or bold decision-making that senior leaders are looking for. Sometime in your career you have to take calculated risks. If you don't, chances are that you will remain invisible.
Underestimating building a network
Failing to build and leverage a strong professional network within the organization can limit a manager’s ability to influence and be considered for new opportunities. Networking allows you to be visible and influential.
Now that we've identified some of the common behaviors and mindsets that can create barriers to our advancement, it's time to shift our focus toward the positive steps we can take to overcome these obstacles. So what skills are required to advance your career? Here are 5 to consider now!
Skills you need to Advance you Career
Building trust through genuine connections
As a leader you need to go deeper with your connections. Truly understand your team's perspectives, show appreciation for their efforts and have their back. Trust will be built as over time your team sees that you are consistently prioritizing their needs and supporting them in a way that shows you are committed to their success.
How to get started: In your next one-on-one or team meeting, focus on listening more than speaking. In fact, speak less than 10% of the time. And when you do speak, take the time to ask open-ended questions that encourage your team to share their thoughts and concerns.
2. Practice your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions while also being attuned to the emotions of others. In other words, when there is a high amount pressure in the organization, maintain your professional attitude and keep morale high. Your team will thrive if you can diffuse tension and stay positive.
How to get started: Acknowledge things that trigger you. It could be not being heard, or not being kept in the loop. Remember to step away from a situation when you feel your trigger points are being accessed. Take a break. When you come back, reframe the situation as an opportunity (vs. a challenge).
3. Step beyond your comfort zone
While playing it safe might maintain the status quo, it’s the courage to take bold steps that will set you apart. Be willing to push boundaries—whether that means proposing a new idea, challenging outdated processes, or leading your team in a new direction.
How to get started: Identify one area in your current role where you can take a calculated risk. It could be a new project, a different approach to solving a problem, or an opportunity to innovate.
4. Learn the art of getting buy-ins
Even the best ideas will fall flat without the support of your team and stakeholders. This requires the ability to understand your counterparts' risk tolerance, what motivates them, and what they perceive as priorities.
How to get started: When you introduce a new idea or initiative, frame it in a way that highlights the benefits to your team. Show them how their contributions are integral to the success of the project, and encourage their input. Use words like collaboration, co-creating, influence, and enterprise mindset to rally support for your idea.
5. Digital Adaptability
In the age of A.I. you must be seen as adaptable to the breakneck speeds technology. Digital adaptability is about recognizing opportunities where technology can streamline processes, improve productivity, and drive innovation within your team. This is the time to raise your hand and say, "I will lead the charge here."
How to get started: Choose a new tool or platform that’s gaining traction in your industry and in your company and take the initiative to integrate it into your team’s workflow.
Conclusion
There you have it—five ways to start being seen as a leader in your organization who is both willing and able to take the next step. One truth I've discovered is that we must take responsibility for vocalizing our contributions loudly and proudly. We can’t rely on our work to be seen and noticed automatically. Organizational leaders are busy, and they need our help to connect the dots. As you implement the strategies above, continue developing a personal marketing plan to showcase how you're elevating yourself.
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