Pushing Down or Lifting Up - MAC091
Managing A Career
Throughout our careers, we observe others around us getting ahead by various means. Some people do so by putting other people down in order to make themselves look better whereas others do so by lifting those around them up. You may have even used these techniques yourself. The secret? Both approaches can work, but only one is sustainable for the long term. Let's take a look at the longer term impact of each. Whether intentionally or not, some people will try to advance their careers by pushing those around them down. These people will...
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What Managers Look for When They're Secretly Deciding Who To Let Go - MAC090
Managing A Career
More often that you realize, when a manager is asked to create a list of people to lay off, they are rarely given much time to think about it; they are just given a target number and a deadline. When they have to react quickly, there a few criteria that they instinctively use to determine who goes and who stays. What can you do to make sure that you aren't on that list? The first thing to realize is that there are no short term fixes. The steps to take to protect your job start TODAY. In Episode 068 (), I cover some techniques that can help you identify...
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Aligning With Fast-Track Projects - MAC089
Managing A Career
Last week, in Episode 088 (), I covered the four key project types that can fast-track your career advancement. This week, I'm going to cover some strategies for when your current project assignment is not on one of those fast-track type projects. So, to review, the four fast-track project types are strategic projects aligned to organizational goals, cross-functional projects that impact multiple teams, projects tied to revenue generation or expense reduction, and finally, projects that are in trouble. If you find yourself assigned to a project in any combination of those...
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Fast Track Projects - MAC088
Managing A Career
When it comes to career advancement, some projects have a bigger impact than others. How can you make sure that you're associated with the projects that give you the best chance at success? When you look at the types of projects that are undertaken within your organization, four key types will garner the most recognition and opportunities for advancement. This week, I'll take a look at what these project types are. Next week, I'll cover what you can do if your assignments don't fall into one of these four categories. The type of project that is going to...
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Language Matters - MAC087
Managing A Career
In Episode 085 (), I covered techniques to build confidence. This week I'd like to talk about how you can use the words you say to project that confidence to those around you. When you speak with others, in order to project confidence, you should pay attention to the negative qualifiers that you use when stating your ideas. Those negative qualifiers typically fall into five categories. They can undermine your ideas such as "I think". They can undermine your self such as "Sorry" or "I could be wrong, but…". They can undermine your audience such as finishing with...
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Leadership Portfolio - MAC086
Managing A Career
On this podcast, I cover topics that can help you advance your career. In simple terms, this means putting yourself in the best possible position to be considered for a promotion. But, sometimes the next transition is from an individual to management role. This week, I cover a technique where you can document your leadership skills as you prepare for that change. When it comes to capturing the results of your work as an individual, I've covered several different methods. In Episode 044 (), I cover how to report status to various audiences showing the value that...
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Confidence Builds Confidence - MAC085
Managing A Career
Back in Episode 083 () I talked about how Imposter Syndrome and Fear of Failure can derail your plans for career advancement. This week, I'd like to take a deeper dive at Confidence. Confidence, at it's very basic, is the believe that you will succeed in the current situation. Confidence is not arrogance; but they can be two side of the same coin. The biggest difference between Confidence and Arrogance is how others react to you and how you treat those around you. When you are confident, you state your case assertively but with respect. If you are...
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Own the Problem, Bring Solutions - MAC084
Managing A Career
The other day on LinkedIn, there was a post () by Lena Reinhard, host of the Leadership Confidential podcast (), about the saying "don't bring me problems, bring me solutions". That post got me thinking. In her post, Lena () expresses that she is not a fan of that phrase because it make the target of the statement feel like they are left to do all of the work themselves. Her suggestion is clarification through communication. Does your boss really expect you to solve the problem on your own or how you can align the way you work and ask for help with the way that they...
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Faking It - MAC083
Managing A Career
There's been a lot of talk recently about "Imposter Syndrome". The term was coined by psychologists - Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes in the late 1970s, but seems to be mentioned in so many different places the past few years. Having imposter syndrome is a very common experience in that most people experience some form of imposter syndrome at least once in their career. Imposter Syndrome is most prevalent when you take a new role. Self-doubt starts creeping in as you compare yourself to those around you. You may feel like you need to work extra hard to...
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Quiet Firing - MAC082
Managing A Career
Recently, companies have been in cost cutting mode. The most obvious result of this cost cutting, at least when it comes to your career, is that companies have been laying off large numbers of workers across all industries. But these very same companies are starting to balk at the negative press associated with "yet another layoff". This week, I take a look at the subtle ways that companies continue to reduce their headcount in a less public manner. Return to Office Mandates During COVID, social distancing and stay at home orders lead many to resort to remote...
info_outlineThe job market right now is a really scary place. Large companies are laying off employees. Even the government, usually one of the more stable places to work is reducing their headcount. There are no guarantees of job security unless you own the company, but if you want to provide at least a modicum of safety when the reductions come around, you have to find a way to become indispensable.
There will be many who, when times are tough, will go into what I like to call "turtle" mode. They'll find ways to hide in their shell and hope that when the cuts come, they're overlooked. But if you want to be important, it starts with being seen. While this may feel uncomfortable and risky, if no one knows who you are and what you contribute to the company, how can you be viewed as an indispensable part of the company?
The first step to becoming more visible is to be more vocal. In meetings, pay attention to what is being discussed and look for opportunities to ask insightful questions. A well crafted question at the right time can show the attendees that you have desire to learn more about the subject. You can also express your opinion on topics that you already have a level of understanding. When others make suggestions, you can also offer support for their ideas -- just be careful of coming across as a "yes man".
The next step is to volunteer. When there are activities that involve highly visible or extremely challenging tasks, instead of shying away from them, step up and take ownership of those activities. By taking them on, you show ownership and leadership. Additionally, success on these assignments is amplified across the organization.
Another way to more visible is to tell everyone. This isn't about bragging. But, if you think back to Episode 044 (https://www.managingacareer.com/44), I cover Reporting Status. In that episode, I talk about how you can create a status report that expresses the value you have provided and how you might tailor those reports to different audiences. If you create a status report to be sent to your leader and their peers, you can increase you visibility without coming across as braggadocios.
The last way to increase your visibility is to talk to more people. In Episode 029, Building a Network (https://www.managingacareer.com/29) and Episode 070, Sphere of Influence (https://www.managingacareer.com/70), I offer several ways that you can grow your network -- both within and outside of your company. Use your network to showcase your contributions, especially with key decision-makers. Become a hub of knowledge by sharing industry trends and articles about new ideas and technology. Being that hub will have others seeking YOU out to be a part of THEIR network.
In last week's episode (https://www.managingacareer.com/80) the focus is on turning your Action Plan into daily Habits. You can apply this same strategy to increasing your visibility.
- To be more vocal, make a point of asking one question in each project meeting that you are in.
- Take ownership by making sure that you leave each meeting with at least one action item.
- Showcase your wins by sending a weekly status report.
- Build your network by scheduling a weekly coffee break with different people within your department.
Hiding in your shell and being quiet may feel comfortable, especially when the world feels chaotic, but that is not the path to job security or career advancement. When you are just starting out, use visibility to build credibility and showcase your leadership skills. When you are in the middle job grades, visibility can help you be assigned to the preferred projects. As you transition to positions of leadership, visibility will strengthen your position and ensure that you are leading a growing team.
Visibility is a critical component of growth. Help me grow this podcast by going to your podcast platform of choice or the Managing A Career website (https://www.managingacareer.com/reviews/new/) and leaving an honest review. More reviews will help others searching for career growth podcasts find and follow this podcast.