For years, I aspired to ascend to a senior leadership role, leveraging my strategic acumen to drive success in the Human Capital Management industry. Despite my strengths, I faced stagnation, struggling with networking and gaining visibility among decision-makers. I analyzed my leaders’ behaviors, seeking to emulate their success, but remained confounded by the process. Eventually, I decided to leave, realizing the necessity of proactive self-advocacy and the power of a professional network. Here are my key takeaways on navigating career growth and leadership advancement, emphasizing the importance of initiative, networking, and resilience.
Striving for Senior Leadership
There were a number of years where I wanted to move into a senior leadership position within the organizations where I worked. My number one strength was “Strategy” – outperforming competitors, assuming responsibility for profit/loss, making our way to the forefront of the Human Capital Management industry.
Facing Roadblocks
Lack of Progress
But something was wrong. I was making no headway. My networking and relationship-building skills were in the toilet. Key decisions were being made and I wasn’t consulted. My leaders were busy doing other things. I wanted to ask for help, but I didn’t know how. What could I do? Apply for a new job? Attempt a lateral move? Figure out which group had the most visibility to senior leaders?
Analyzing Senior Leaders
I tried to analyze (over analyze?) the senior leaders within my company. What was it they were doing differently? Was it the way they spoke, the subjects they talked about? What were they reading at night or on the train to work?
Building a Professional Network
Or was it more about who they spent their time with? How did they develop their professional network? Who did I need to know?
Seeking Help and Making Decisions
The process was confounding. I wondered again… how can I ask for help?
In the end, I left. It was simply too difficult to figure out… and I knew there were other places where it would be easier to figure out.
Key Learnings
Personal Growth and Initiative
- No one will care about your professional growth more than you will.
- Don’t wait for something to change. Make change happen for yourself.
- Set time limits on your patience and your goals.
Resilience and Problem-Solving
- Don’t take “no” for an answer; find a way.
- Don’t talk about problems until you also have ideas and solutions.
- Measure every impact that you make; for senior leaders, data makes the world go ‘round.
Networking and Relationships
- Never underestimate the power of a professional network.
- It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true: It’s not about what you know, but who you know.
- Never pass up an opportunity to meet someone who could change your life.
Attitude and Persistence
- Act with kindness and generosity, but never settle.
More next week!
