Part 2 – There are the 15 things no one tells you about to do consistently throughout your career.
Last time I shared 8 personal development action items compiled from women who have reached the C-Suite. We received a lot of email thanking us for this helpful information. Continuing with more valuable insider information to help up your game, here are 7 more action items to help increase your visibility and improve your personal brand.
- Get noticed by the significant people in the organization. This is done through networking, references from personal contacts/mentors or outstanding qualifications. Make yourself stand out based on authentic accomplishments.
- Get on important committees, lead roles on high-profile strategic projects, or demonstrate a rare skill or knowledge of particular value to the company. This is how you will get recognized as someone who is interested in moving up in the company.
- Build alliances with managers from other functional areas who will promote you to their bosses or get you onto project teams that showcase your abilities. Seek out someone who wants to learn about other functions, yours, in exchange for learning about theirs.
- Do high level board work at charities or nonprofits. Join a board of directors. This gives you leadership experience and understanding of diverse board members. This work shows your desire to learn more about leading and helping others.
- Attend as many corporate events as possible. Early in your career, volunteer to help at the events. As you progress in your career, attend the important events and get to know the senior leadership any way that you can (ethically and in good taste!).
- Identify the main “players” or influencers. Every company has these, and many times they are not in senior level positions. These influencers oftentimes have a say about who gets the nod to move up. These are key people for you to know. As soon as you join a company, start asking around to determine who these key players are.
- Act and behave as an executive before you arrive. You’ve heard the expression, “She looks presidential.” The way you dress, your posture, how you present, and your presence make a difference. Observe those currently in such roles. See yourself there. Be authentic to who you are and simultaneously let people know you are authentically someone who is capable of leading from the C-suite
And lastly and very important in today’s world, get a coach. Early on you’ll need a career coach. As you progress through your career, an executive or corporate coach will help you to continue to define, focus and reach your goals
I know, it’s a big list of requirements. And to make matters more complicated, many companies don’t see it as their responsibility to help you update your skills. Some companies offer learning opportunities and they’re pleased if you’re able to keep up. In the end it’s really up to you to manage your career. As an aspiring global executive, you have the opportunity to have an exciting and rewarding career, and it will take a lot of planning and vigilance by you.
So how are you preparing for the future?
Let us help you.
