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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineWhen 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 have the biggest impact on your career is going to be those that are most closely aligned with the organizational strategy and goals. The bigger the goal, the bigger the impact; projects tied to team goals, won't have nearly as big of an impact as one tied to departmental or company goals. But, regardless of the level, when the project is tied to a goal, your leaders will have a vested interest in the success of the project.
Another impactful project type is a cross-functional projects. These projects give you an opportunity to expand your network (https://www.managingacareer.com/29) and expand your sphere of influence (https://www.managingacareer.com/70). While the project may not be aligned with YOUR organization's goals, it very likely aligns with the goals of the other organization. Your leadership will usually be made aware when you make significant contributions to these cross-functional projects.
Most companies are in business to make money. It is never a bad thing when your projects directly drive revenue or on the flip side when your project reduces expenses. People will take notice when you are responsible for the improving the bottom line.
If you're looking for a project type that is high-risk / high-reward, look for projects that are in trouble. Joining a problem project and turning it into a success will allow you to gain a lot of trust and leeway. Just be careful because it can be difficult and stressful to try to live up to expectations that you can swoop in like Superman for every project in the future.
The common thread in all four of these fast track project types is that they all provide an opportunity for you to be more visible to leadership. You can enhance this visibility by documenting the project outcomes and how your involvement lead to those outcomes. Review Episode 044 (https://www.managingacareer.com/44) for how to communicate the VALUE you provided and not just the activities you performed.
The other way to increase the impact that a fast-track project has on your career is to build your network of champions. Use the success on these high-impact projects to bring the project sponsors into your personal cheering section as covered in Episode 052 (https://www.managingacareer.com/52).
Not every project will fall into one of these fast-track categories. Next week, I'll cover what you can do when you find yourself in that situation.
Is there a career development question that you would like for me to answer on an upcoming episode? If so, go to the ManagingACareer.com website and drop me a note via the Contact form (https://www.managingacareer.com/contact/). If you would rather, you can leave me a voicemail through your computer by clicking the button on the right.