Have you ever felt like you just need a fresh start? This year has been a tough one for me both personally and professionally. Luckily, I have a strong support system at home that gets me through this kind of stuff. They keep me laughing and help me see the options I have in front of me. That is pure magic. But it doesn’t keep me from feeling lost from time to time.
I’ve never struggled at work, not really. Sure, I’ve been challenged, I’ve been nervous. But I’ve never felt like improving or tackling something was out of reach. Suddenly, that’s how I feel. It’s humbling, frustrating and scary. I’ll be honest though, I’ve been questioning my dedication to my career for the past two years and have thought about leaving my company multiple times. Now I’m asking myself why I waited. What held me back? The answer, of course, is fear. I devour self-help and business books in the hopes of boosting my motivation, finding my true calling and learning new skills. But I’ve learned a whole lot on my own, through my own challenges and triumphs. These are my lessons:
- You can’t rely on somebody else to pull you up with them. All those books that talk about women helping women are amazing and I absolutely agree that’s what should be happening. But don’t think that just because your boss preaches that philosophy that’s what he/she is doing for you. The best thing you can do is take your career into your own hands, be bold and don’t be afraid to share ideas. Don’t hold back out of loyalty or respect. A good boss would never want you to water down what you have to offer.
- Don’t be afraid to (respectfully) step on some toes to make room for yourself. If you are smart, motivated and creative people may view you as a threat. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas far and wide, reach out to other people at your company to develop new and different relationships and, if you’re in a role where you can, make decisions. Don’t always wait to run everything by your boss, if you know it’s the right answer move forward. Ask for forgiveness later.
- Ensure you have clear goals. I don’t know about you, but not having clear feedback or goals kills me. I need to know where I stand and I want to know how I can improve. Don’t be afraid to push your boss to be specific. Ask the tough questions, even if you’re afraid to hear the answers.
- If you have the opportunity to give 360 or upward feedback you should take it. Don’t be afraid of retaliation. A good boss will take it as a learning and growing opportunity, a bad boss will confront you or will take it out on you in some other way. Either way you win- your boss tries to improve and appreciates your feedback or they let you know that it’s time to move on. Because who wants to work for somebody who can’t take feedback?
- While we’re talking about 360/upward feedback, be honest but kind. Don’t use it as an opportunity to “bash” somebody, instead provide feedback from a place of kindness and encouragement. Until somebody proves otherwise, assume they want to improve.
- Take responsibility for yourself and your career. You may have some obstacles to clear, but you have more control over your situation than you believe. If you think you’re in the wrong company or career, do something about it. Take classes, apply to new positions, start networking, do anything to get yourself moving in the right direction.
- Network. Even if you’re happy in your current position, network. I made the mistake of not expanding my network, now that I’m actively looking for a new position I realize what a mistake that was. Volunteer, get active on LinkedIn, keep in touch with previous colleagues or classmates, and attend industry meetings or conferences. Even if you never use your network to help you find a new position you can use those connections to share ideas and broaden your perspective. Think of all the value you’ll bring to your employer.
- Be a leader. All the things you wish your boss would do for you- mentoring, encouraging, and educating you on the business- do that for your staff. It’s never too late to start asking questions or to enlist people from other departments to help you do this. Educate yourself, educate your employees and the value you can bring to your company increases significantly. It also helps prepare your team to move up or on to better things. That should be the goal of every leader.
Now that I’ve taken the time to let these lessons sink in, I’m more than ready for a fresh start. I deserve to be in an environment where I am appreciated, groomed for growth and inspired. You deserve it too.
XOXO
