Invent Your Future Conference in Silicon Valley, CA
You need to be in control of your career destiny so it doesn’t happen by default and learning to manage your career is something every professional woman can do. Whether you are contemplating a career reinvention or looking to jump start an existing career to reignite your passion – you need to know the essential tools for survival. After interviewing 375+ women around the world for my book: This Is Not the Career I Ordered; I have compiled valuable lessons applicable to every working woman from entry-level to C-Suite executives. I’m eager to share these action steps at the Silicon Valley Invent Your Future Conference on April 24th. Let me whet your appetite with a few salient points from my session.
Assemble Your Personal Board of Directors
I am a firm believer in the power of a personal Board of Directors The it takes a village philosophy is alive and well but you need to mobilize your people so they know how they can help you. It’s important to seek out their collective wisdom effectively.
When seeking your Board of Directors look for a variety of people including an Accountability Master to hold your feet to the fire on goals you aspire to achieve. A Motivator is essential to keep you focused and enthusiastic about your career game plan and a Connector will help you enhance and develop your network. Your Strategist is a visionary that can help you map out the big picture while a Specialist might include anyone from your accountant or lawyer to your personal trainer or physician. You should assemble a myriad of supportive people to help you navigate different segments of your career journey.
Manage Up
Many larger companies are bringing in consulting firms to assess staff efficiency and fiscal responsibility. If your boss doesn’t know what you do well, chances are, he or she won’t be able to tell someone else why you shouldn’t be let go or be promoted. You must tell your superiors what you are accomplishing on a regular basis. Consider sending a monthly email with your achievements, goals met, or solutions provided. Good news is rarely shared so take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your worth. Anonymity is dangerous – be seen, heard, and speak up so others know what you are accomplishing.
You should also observe your boss’s behavioral and communication style. Is she fast-paced and quick to make decisions? Is she slow to think about things and want time to process? The more you can match your style to your boss’s style when communicating, the more she will really hear what you’re saying.
Find out your boss’s preferred method — email, in person drop-ins, or lengthy memos — and be sure to pass along information to her regularly. Most bosses don’t like to be caught unaware. Even if your boss doesn’t ask it of you, tell her what’s going on — keep her updated. Managing Up should be a regular part of your career management strategy.
Take a Seat at the Table
The table is wherever you are in your career. You need not be at the executive level to be seen and heard so be sure to tap into your professional power and make yourself known.
- Show Up – be present and position yourself wisely.
- Speak Up – communicate concisely, clearly, and confidently. State – don’t ask, and stop apologizing!
- Stand Out – showcase your emotional intelligence; increase your visibility by seeking out opportunities to impact change. Have a point of view.
Become your own best self-advocate and chart your career destiny by becoming pro-actively involved in your career management. I hope you can join us at the Invent Your Future conference on April 24th in Silicon Valley.
