Follow Your Heart: Navigating the Corporate World with Conviction

In the fast-paced world of corporate hierarchy, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, conform to the norms, and keep your head down. However, my journey, inspired by the experiences of my current and former managers/mentors, has shown me that no matter your position or level, it is essential to follow your heart and raise concerns when something doesn't seem right.

Trust Your Instincts

Learning from these seasoned professionals, I've come to appreciate the importance of trusting my instincts. When you're working on solving problems, addressing customer needs, or driving business value, your intuition can be a valuable compass. If something doesn't sit right with you, it's worth taking a closer look and questioning it.

Inspired by Markus Hall (my last boss), I learned that trusting my instincts is paramount. Together, we encountered a situation where our recruitment process was falling short. Markus encouraged me to rely on my intuition, and by doing so, we were able to pinpoint the weaknesses and, through collaboration, transform them into strengths. Rather than accepting the status quo, we decided to challenge it together. We analyzed the weaknesses in our process and, through collaboration, turned them into strengths. This experience taught me that by identifying and addressing issues head-on, even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be transformed into opportunities for improvement.

Fearless Advocacy

One of the most empowering lessons I've learned from these experiences is not to fear challenging decisions or opinions, regardless of the seniority of the person or the team involved. If you're confident in your understanding of the situation and its impact on customers or the business, don't hesitate to speak up. Your perspective, no matter your role, can be a catalyst for positive change.

Moreover, as we advocate for change, it's essential to remember that we're not only speaking for ourselves but also for those without a voice, especially our juniors. We have a responsibility to help and guide the next generation of professionals, ensuring their concerns are heard and their potential is nurtured.??

Strategic Selection of Battles?

It is important to recognize that not every issue warrants a fight. Instead, it is valuable to actively listen to the other side, thoroughly understanding their thoughts, opinions, and concerns. This insight highlights the significance of strategic decision-making by evaluating the problem's significance, potential impact, and alignment with one's role and responsibilities. Collaboration and compromise can often be more effective in resolving certain issues, fostering positive relationships and a constructive work environment. By seeking common ground and considering different perspectives, a comprehensive understanding is gained, enabling informed decisions and the choice between standing firm or finding a collaborative solution.

The Power of Respect and Politeness?

While advocating for your beliefs, maintaining a respectful and polite demeanor is crucial. Constructive criticism and differing viewpoints should be presented with professionalism. Being respectful doesn't mean you have to be silent; it means conveying your message with decorum and civility, which can often garner more positive responses.

I learned from Ricardo Alvarado, PMP (my current manager) why it is essential to be calm, respectful, and considerate of different perspectives. Sometimes, handling challenging situations or teams can be a formidable task, but he taught me how to adapt and communicate effectively with various personalities. Ricardo's ability to remain composed in the face of adversity and his knack for finding common ground with diverse teams left a lasting impression. By following his lead, I discovered that respecting others' viewpoints, even when they differ from your own, fosters a more inclusive and productive work environment. Ricardo's approach also reinforced the idea that respect and politeness are not signs of weakness but strengths that can help bridge gaps and drive collaborative solutions.?

Additionally, part of our responsibility in maintaining professionalism is to model this behaviour for our junior colleagues, demonstrating how respect and politeness can foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.?

Finding Your Voice

From my own experiences, I've realized that your voice is your most potent tool in your professional journey. It defines your identity within the organization and your impact on the team. Encourage open communication and foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Don't be afraid to assert yourself, as your voice adds value and enriches the collective knowledge.

Karen Kehoe (my mentor) taught me the importance of seeing things from different angles. She emphasized that sometimes what you know is not sufficient; you must listen, learn, and grow. Following the precision of questioning and answering, she stressed the need to thoroughly understand before responding, adding context where necessary. This approach has not only improved my communication but also broadened my perspective, making me a more effective problem solver. Karen's approach involved a thoughtful process of questioning and answering. Rather than rushing to provide a quick response, she encouraged me to take the time to comprehend the context fully.

Through this approach, my communication skills improved significantly. I became more adept at considering multiple perspectives and analyzing situations from different angles. This newfound ability to see beyond my initial understanding broadened my perspective and transformed me into a more effective problem solver.

Overall, Karen's emphasis on seeing things from different angles, listening attentively, and thoroughly understanding before responding has had a profound impact on my professional growth. It has not only improved my communication skills but also broadened my perspective, allowing me to approach problem-solving with greater creativity and effectiveness.

Continuous Learning

Lastly, my journey has taught me that learning is an ongoing process. Stay curious, seek feedback, and refine your communication and advocacy skills. Embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth to become a more effective advocate for what you believe is right. Keeping an open eye to your surroundings is much important as there is something to learn from everyone, be it your friends, colleagues, managers, family, professional network and so many. I learn few things from them and they learn some from me and that brings up the environment of a continuous and collaborative learning.

In conclusion, no matter what position or level you hold in your organization, following your heart, raising concerns when necessary, advocating for positive change, actively mentoring and supporting juniors, and continuously listening and learning are invaluable qualities. These lessons from my own experiences, inspired by my mentors, have not only enhanced my professional journey but can serve as guiding principles for anyone navigating the corporate world. Remember, your voice matters, and it can make a significant difference in your career, the success of your organization, and the growth of the next generation of professionals.