Becoming A Participant Versus an Observer

At a time where the world of executive life comes to a screeching halt, those of us left at the helm are swept away with nagging doubts, fear, and despair at the hands of uncertainty. Or at least that’s what happens to you when you are insecure in yourself.

 Personal performance and the implementation of the right strategies are at the heart of survival both for the business and the individuals. When I was finishing up my masters degree about 9 years ago a fellow student was commenting about the vicious number of layoffs and cutbacks at work.  Another student replied, “my advice is keep your head down and hope that you don’t get caught in the crossfire”.

 That was the worst advice I had ever heard. As an executive with over 15 years leading different business divisions and coaching countless people in their careers, my values and those of my team have always been “it’s better to be a Participant than an Observer” even if you get caught in the crossfire!

 No one wants to lose their job at any point in their career. However, the truth is it will happen, or at the very least you will realize a set back or get passed up on a promotion. Is this something that is preventable? Well, yes if you believe in yourself and have a proven track record to back it up and the courage to see through whatever obstacles you encounter.

 There are fundamentally five rules to manage your career and give yourself the forward momentum you need to breakthrough today’s over crowded arena of talent. Especially today where just about everyone has an MBA and ten plus years of experience in senior levels.

 Exec Guy’s Five Rules to Becoming a Participant versus an Observer is about you, how to stay in the game and manage yourself and perhaps even those around you.

 Rule # 1 Leverage your Strengths and Improve on your Weaknesses

 Too often executives at any stage in their career realize, albeit too late, that the skills that got them into one position will not get them to the next level of performance.  Career management is about being aware of your shortcomings and doing something about it.

 If you want to lead you have to supplement the areas that you are weak in. If you don’t see a weakness in yourself that’s the first sign of trouble, do some soul searching.

Rule # 2 Positioning Yourself

Being a recognized contributor in and out of work is at the heart of managing your career. Becoming a go to person when someone needs assistance with a problem adds value to your reputation. However to get that network, reputation and relationship of trust built takes time and tactful planning. Earning this level of respect and trust comes from your work ethic, a successful track record and are key aspects to why people will seek you out.

Positioning yourself in the workplace has a little bit to do with politics and a lot more to do with your own personal performance. Frequently, you hear the old saying “it’s really who you know” however while there is some truth to it, who will want to know you will really depend more on your past and current performance and contributions.

For upper management to recognize your contributions you will need to be consistent and visible with your performance and it must have compounded annual growth written all over it or you run the risk of being a one hit wonder. 

Performance improvement is an investment in time and recognition comes from great teamwork and even personal sacrifice. Leadership is the first trait you begin to develop when you reach this level of organizational awareness.

Rule # 3 Find a Mentor

It’s not easy to find a good mentor. My company has a mentorship program however, what’s missing is a good match up of personalities and the desire to be a mentor.

Seek out people who have a reputation in developing others and not someone who could be of influence. The real decision makers are hard to get to and they already have an agenda. A mentor should be a great listener and able to offer you concrete advice on how to improve, in addition to this once they feel confident in your abilities and personal growth they can become an advocate and supporter.

It is also important to know yourself and the areas you want to improve in. If for example you want to improve your financial skills take a course. Mentors are primarily meant to help you sound out and polish your leadership skills.

One of our marketing people wears their ambition on their sleeve.  As an executive I am turned off by that so I would not be their mentor. I am only interested in candidates who are realistic, humble and willing to put their leadership on the line to learn and improve.  The business world has no room for blind ambition and thrill seekers.

Rule # 4 Take the Tough Assignments

The best way to catapult your career is take the assignments most people are holding off from. In today’s world, the more experiences outside your own home country and the broader your exposure in your company’s business the more valuable you become internally and externally.

Living abroad isn’t always a lot of fun, however the education you receive with an international assignment or a domestic one taking on something specific in a poor performing or start up division will say a great deal about you. 

After 20 plus years in the workforce and a new assignment every couple of years I have been fortunate to gain an extensive level of experience in North America and abroad.

Rule # 5   Don’t be Afraid to Quit

Wondering what the signs are of a stalled career?  If you are in the same position for the last three years and at each review your boss skirts the issue of promotion or succession planning, then you’ve stalled.  It makes no sense to try and understand why, only that it’s time to make a decision.

When looking for your next position be prepared to explain why you are interested in pursuing external opportunities.  It’s not enough to just want a promotion it has to be about what you have to offer to the next organization.

Recruiters and companies alike want to place and interview candidates that will add value and a high level of competencies to an organization.  Know how you can help them deliver their objectives. 

The interview is your one and only place to sell your skills and added value to a potential employer.