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Big Success (Part Three)
(This is Part Three of the Big Success series.)
You’ve dreamed about it. You’re the understudy watching from the wings, waiting for your chance to take the stage and show them what you’ve got. You know you can play the part. Then it happens. The lead starlet does what everyone was telling her to do. She breaks a leg. And now it’s your chance. Same play, different cast. You’ve been invited for an interview [or a promotion, or to participate on a really big project]. You’ve been given the opportunity. This is your chance to shine. You’re prepared. You’re confident. You are the star of this event. Take center stage and perform exceptionally. (From Find a Job: The Little Book for BIG SUCCESS)
You can’t show up at Orchestra Hall, the Super Bowl, or Oliver Stone’s casting call without preparation.
The same is true on our jobs. Whether we like it or not, our performance is observed and evaluated every day by colleagues, supervisors, clients, and customers. We may not always get feedback, but people are noticing.
What are you doing to develop your skills or build your reputation? It’s not enough to wait for your supervisor to find the budget dollars to send you to a workshop. Take ownership for your own career.
Read. Study. Watch. Practice. Stay informed. Participate.
What’s new in your field? What soft skills do you want to improve? Will your technical skills keep you up to speed in the market?
My suggestion? Each week identify one career or life-enhancing activity in each of three areas:
- Personal development. Exercise, eat healthier, nourish your soul and spirit, or stop an annoying habit or behavior.
- Professional development. Read a book, study a topic in your industry, listen to a lecture, or research a topic and write a white paper on it.
- Network. We can learn so much from each other. Who are you connecting with? (And this is in addition to the postings you do on your FaceBook friends’ Walls.) Talk to people. How can you support them and their dreams?
When the Ramsey Lewis Trio takes center stage, they are prepared. Mr. Lewis didn’t do a crash course in playing the piano the night before the sold-out concert. He’s put years into learning and loving his area of expertise.
What’s standing between you and your next level of achievement? Break through it. Committing to three activities each week, focusing on personal development, professional development, and networking is a great place to start.
Marshall Goldsmith has written a great book, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” It’s a must-read for leaders at all levels.
Don’t settle for “what could be.” Perform exceptionally.
