Finding the Courage to Seize "Small Break" Opportunities

I'm often asked what "big break" enabled me to achieve success in my career. While I've had many opportunities for growth and advancement over my 30-plus years with Lockheed Martin, I believe it was a collection of "small break" opportunities that equipped me with the knowledge and skills I needed to get ahead in the workplace.

Early in my career, there were times when I would doubt myself because I felt like I didn't have enough experience or the right educational background to pursue a certain job. It took some time for me to realize that no one is ever "fully prepared" to confront all the challenges associated with a new role. The reality is that professional growth requires a willingness to move beyond your comfort zone knowing that the best learning comes from hard work and real life experience.

Here are some lessons I've learned along the way when navigating my career:

• Lateral moves help you grow. While promotions are attractive, lateral moves can be the best way to expand your skill set. You can find these opportunities by working on a new project or with new customers, relocating to a new area, and through informal leadership roles such as being a mentor or volunteering to lead a project. Not every move is up, and you don't need "manager" in your title to be a leader.
• No one has all the answers. Science educator Bill Nye says, "Everyone you will ever meet knows something that you don't." It's impossible to have all the answers, which is why it's important to listen to the people you trust -- your mentors, advisors, colleagues, family and friends. Not every piece of career advice will be useful. However, the more feedback you get, the easier it will be for you to identify trends and look for opportunities to improve.
• Leadership requires continuous improvement. I believe that leadership skills must continuously evolve and it takes a lifelong devotion to listening and learning to stay sharp. The world is constantly changing, and the way you interact with people as a leader has to adapt as well. From talking with leaders you admire to building mentoring relationships to reading books and research papers, there are countless ways to learn and develop. And it's well worth the investment in your future.
• It takes courage to make mistakes. Playing it safe is obviously an easy approach to overcoming challenges. Although, it's rarely the most satisfying or fruitful. To grow and innovate, you must take measured risks, and know that you and your team won't always be right. The legendary Skunk Works' founder Kelly Johnson kept a stack of quarters on his desk to pay out a standing bet for anyone who could point out flaws in his designs. This was his way of creating an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable bringing their best ideas forward and empowered to question the status quo. Just know that you won't always be right and see your mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth.

Whether pursuing a different job, taking on a new project or assuming a leadership role on a team, it takes courage to say yes to the unknown. I hope these lessons help you as you progress in your career as they did for me.

Do you have more tips to share that could boost one's confidence? Share your story in the comments section below.