“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ’Til your good is better and your better is your best.” – St. Jerome
Wow! I mean like WOW!
Recently, I have experienced rapid growth in my career. Last Friday, I was a guest presenter at the year-end Senior and Middle Management meeting. The high point of my career so far. I was prepared and practised. I had a 20-minute slot, and the rehearsed slide show came to 18 minutes. So maybe I could take a question or two.
For those who don’t follow me, I have recently moved to a new position where I am over-enthusiastic but on paper, underqualified. This presentation was my shot. I was a bundle of nerves and anxiety. And did I mention that I continually need to manage my fear of public speaking?
I walked out of that meeting very disappointed. I forgot sections of my speech. My voice and my mic were continually shaking. No one had any questions. In short, I felt defeated. I packed up my laptop and left as soon as I was done. I wasn’t out the door, and the Teams messages started to come through. I couldn't bear to look at them. I got on my motorcycle and went for a drive to calm myself down.
By the time I returned to the office, I had calmed down, and I had a plan to turn this situation around. Then I started to read the Teams messages. They were wonderful. Some of the best praise that I have received in my life. And they kept coming all through the weekend. Some even said that I inspire some of the most senior managers! I nailed the presentation. It was a humbling moment of self-reflection for me.
In the days that have followed, many more people have congratulated me, and some have asked me to share my success and some tips.
So here is my recipe for success in ten steps:
1. Be Present – Always
Time is currency, and it is dear. So don’t squander it at work or at home. Always find ways to be 100% at your given task. You don’t have to be passionate about everything. I am never going to be passionate about cleaning my house. But I am committed to finding the best way to get the job done. And if you have a mundane job, find something in it to be passionate about – even if it is your salary and the things that it enables you to do.
2. We are all Managers
No matter how low you are on the corporate ladder, you are a manager. You manage yourself, your time and tasks, and your relationships with others. That is, in essence, all that good managers do. So, model yourself as a good manager. And learn to speak the management language of your team and company. Over the years, I have seen books on senior managers' desks like Radical Candor – Kim Scott, The 5 am Club – Robin Sharma, and many more. Yes, they, and many more, are all in my library now.
3. Practice Gratefulness
I often stop and think of three things that I am grateful for, followed by three people who do not have those things. This helps me be present, open to opportunities, and able to enjoy the moment.
4. Watch your (Inner) Vocabulary
For most of us, words become thoughts. So, by controlling your words, you can sculpt your thoughts and perception of life. If you call yourself stupid, you will act stupidly. One of the words I no longer use is “problems”. I have completely replaced it with “challenges”. This gives me a continual “can-do” attitude.
5. You are not Entitled to Anything
I don’t care who you are; the only thing that life owes you is death. If you want to keep what you have, earn it again every day. If you want more, DO MORE. Work a lunch for free, come in early sometimes, stay late, and study more. It will pay off eventually.
6. IT IS MY JOB
Years ago, I said in an evaluation that “I am but a blunt tool to be applied at the discretion of management.” I was told that it was a very negative outlook to have. Studies and experience may have sharpened my blade over the years, but I stand by my statement. I strive to be the tool that management needs to get the job done, and not just another screwdriver in the box. At the end of every interaction, I always ask, “Is there anything else that I can do for you?”, and I mean it. If fetching coffee, dropping the kids off at school, or digging a hole is the best way to get others around me to perform better, then that is the best use of my time.
7. Create your Safe Space
When I get a new manager or supervisor, I sit with them and discuss “Managing Chris 101”. In it, we define clear reporting and communication boundaries. I embrace them as mentors, and I open channels for open and candid communication. Trust is implicit. I do push boundaries, and I expect them to reel me in before I go over the edge. I also find one or two people to be “My Person”. These friends and colleagues are safe spaces where we can safely vent and get over frustrations before emotions boil over and negatively impact our relationships. The clearer boundaries that you have in (particularly your work) relationships, the less stress you will encounter further on.
8. Live your Life in Seasons
I don’t believe in work-life balance. There will be times when you will want to invest more in your career, and others in your personal life. These seasons can be as unpredictable as the weather. So, like I said in my first point, always be present. And work neatly and document as much as you can so that others can easily pick up the slack should you be required elsewhere. Making sure that you are replaceable is a good thing. The last thing that you want to be is stuck in a dead-end, mundane job because management is too scared to move you.
9. Have Difficult Conversations Often
There is no such thing as “bad” news. People act on information, and it is unfair to withhold information, particularly if it will impact their reaction. Being fat and comfortable is detrimental to your growth as a person. Difficult conversations, both at work and at home, improve the quality of your relationships and provide growth opportunities for everyone involved. And if it is “bad” news, someone needs to take accountability, so it may as well be you. Don’t be stupid about it, but come forward with the facts and something resembling a plan, and you should be OK. You should embrace fear as a means to identify areas for growth and not things to be avoided.
10. Think Bigger Than Yourself
If your boss is applying pressure, stop for a moment and try to picture the pressures that he/she may be under. Apply steps 1, 3 and 6, and you should immediately find that by decreasing your boss’s pressure, your life becomes easier. If someone is giving you grief over the phone, perhaps they are micromanaging as a coping mechanism or a desperate attempt to be relevant. In most cases, it has nothing to do with you, but simply acknowledging that other people and entities exist with their own goals and challenges can help you to actively participate in the solution and not take it personally to your detriment. And if it is your fault, refer to step 9.
I hope that these simple rules can bring you the same, or more success than they have for me.