Owning Your Career

Owning my Career

I often get asked how I achieved all I did in such a short amount of time. Climbing the ladder being promoted nearly every year until the moment I achieved Executive status in my late thirties. All the while having had my own business for nearly six years, completed a Masters during my time as Chief Human Resources Officer for a high growth startup, in the middle of a pandemic.

One colleague accused me of being a Type A personality and I laughed in her face. I am the furthest from a Type A. I'm deeply empathetic and self critical to the point of near paralysis - well historically that's been my MO and yet, here I am. Happy, reaping the rewards, integrating the lessons and continuing on my path. The five things I learned early in my career that helped me most, I will share here.

Try them on, take them or leave them, though I recommend you read them from a place of curiosity to start. When things are laid out simply, our ego has the urge to resist. Your ego will say things to you like, "these tips helped her but the world has changed and therefore these are irrelevant".

But, the truth is human beings haven't changed in millennia, and therefore companies haven't either (because they are run by humans). So take a beat and try them out. These tips worked for me and countless other's that I have mentored and coached over the years. Consider if so many have reaped the benefit, perhaps you will too.

1. Network, Network, Network: It might sound trite, but talking to others, especially in the field/career you are trying to build is everything. Networking is all about getting to know people and understanding how you can help them. In exchange there may come a time when they can help you. Sometimes, in the early days, you may have very little to offer, but always ask, "How can I help you." In addition, in those early days, your networking may take the shape of "informational interviews". It was through a series of informational interviews that I landed my first HR job and in close succession the second, which launched my career in tech. I am grateful to all those who helped me, and continue helping me. People really are awesome when you ask.
   

2. Yes and! (aka raise your hand for more): Do more than just your job! If you have interest in other areas, ask to be part of those areas, by volunteering for projects, even if it's to take notes, observe, etc. you are taking interest. This interest in turn benefits the team, organization and company. The more you express interest and are eager to help, the more you will be thought of for new opportunities. It was this "Yes and" attitude that had me learning about other aspects of HR, which helped me refine what I wanted out of my career. It also gave me opportunities like helping to set up the Asia Pacific Headquarters in Singapore for one company when I was barely in my late twenties. But Silvia, how do I do extra, when I can't keep track of my day job? Keep reading...
   

3. 80/20 Rule (Pareto's Principle): This is one of my favorite concepts for productivity. Remember in the above when I mentioned laughing in my colleagues face? Well that laugh went along with the following comment, "I'm not a Type A, if anything I am a lazy overachiever. I do the bare minimum for maximum result". Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you should sacrifice quality, but when doing work, you need to know what your most important priorities are. Those priorities that will have the biggest impact. The 80/20 rule dictates that 20% of the effort will yield 80% of the result. Therefore, wouldn't it be better if you spent most of your time on the critical few versus the unimportant many? As you grow your career and become a leader, this discernment is essential if you want to lead teams and not be overwhelmed. Hone this skill, it will take time to refine and you may never perfect it, but it's worth it to learn!
   

4. Know what you want: The forth concept may seem easy and it might be for some,but at times we can all fall into FOMO. We may think we want something that really isn't our soul's calling. Really getting clear with yourself is essential. And I mean getting real about what's important to you in your career and life. Not only will it help you in owning and growing your career, but finding satisfaction and happiness in life. This has been quite the lesson for me to learn and I continue to learn it. More on the "how" of this one in a later post. But for now, observe what things feel good and are aligned to who you are. Be aware of what doesn't resonate for you. Give yourself permission to do what you want versus what you "should" want.
   

5. Pay it Forward: There is nothing more fulfilling than helping others. Even those that may be just a few steps behind. Just like I mentioned in point one, you may not know (or even imagine) how you will help someone, but just offer. If you can help them out you will and if not, you can share that too. I find it fascinating that so much of our culture revolves in the notion there is a single pie we must all fight for, but that's just not how the world actually works. Over my career my ego has felt as if this is how growth functions, but the evidence shows me that lifting each other up makes a huge impact that lifts everyone up - there is no pie!

So there you have it, the five tips to owning your career and growing it in a way that is aligned to who you are! You will get so much benefit from activating these tips. I'm sure there is so much more nuance and detail I could provide, so please ask questions, push me to define something further if it will be of service.

In the mean time, leave a comment, question or celebration.

And until next time, be well, be safe, be free!