From Entry-Level to Executive - How to Get Noticed and Make an Impact
Rinamari Rivera Gonzalez
I help teams to discover their potential so that they can achieve exceptional results, while fostering unity and shared purpose |Let’s unlock your true potential for extraordinary achievements| Coaching
In today's fast-paced corporate world, it's essential to understand the different levels of getting things done. Whether you're just starting out in your career or have been climbing the corporate ladder for years, the approach to achieving goals varies significantly.
I recently came across a video that perfectly captures this concept. In just one minute, former President Barack Obama explains how to get noticed and make an impact. I highly recommend watching it:
Now, let's take a moment to reflect on this together.
Imagine a timeline in your mind. You've just graduated and entered the workforce. As a new hire, the expectations are clear: learn, ask questions, and strive to excel at everything you do. It's crucial to bring fresh ideas to the table and make your mark.
I vividly remember a trainee who exemplified this mindset. From day one, he immersed himself in the company culture, eagerly absorbing knowledge and understanding our work processes. Within three months, he had developed a macro for our reporting system, revolutionizing the way we validated financial reports.
Not stopping there, he automated our manual files and created a trusted source for accurate information. This allowed us to quickly track and investigate any inquiries with utmost precision. The leadership team embraced his ideas, and the positive impact was undeniable.
Today, that trainee is a highly successful leader, entrusted with steering a large division within a renowned corporation. His journey from an entry-level employee to a key decision-maker serves as a testament to the power of embracing new ideas and challenging the status quo.
In your next step, you’ll take your career to the next level as a manager? without direct reports. To get noticed, you need to mentor new joiners, take on higher responsibilities, propose innovative solutions, and help implement them. It's time to step up and lead others, tackling medium-size projects and taking the initiative to solve bigger problems. Be the standout star!
As you progress further, you'll reach the senior or medium management level. This is where to get noticed, your ability to inspire others to bring their best to work becomes crucial. Communication becomes your superpower, as you align with company objectives, direction, decisions, and values. It may require a lot of your energy, but you'll become a force of influence within the organization.
This is a pivotal moment in your career. I've witnessed projects go off track because reluctant managers see roadblocks instead of opportunities. Don't let that be you. Be the catalyst for success and watch your career soar.
Now, Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Buckle up, because the real party starts now! As you progress in your career, you'll find yourself faced with complex challenges, expected to align with company objectives, and influence others across all levels. The catch? You might not have the power and control you desire. But don't worry, there's still a way to make a big impact.
To be noticed at the next level, it's crucial to effectively execute the vision of the visionary, who is typically the CEO or two levels above. How can you stand out and make things happen? Here are some tips I've learned from my own experiences and extensive reading:
1.???????? Listen and Learn: The power of listening cannot be underestimated. Pay close attention to what the CEO, their direct reports, and your own boss are saying. They hold the key to understanding what the company wants and needs.
2.???????? Build the Dream Team: Surround yourself with the right people. Having a talented and competent team is essential to getting things done. Choose individuals who align with the company's goals and possess the necessary skills to drive success.
3.???????? Utilize Individual Skills: Each team member brings unique strengths to the table. Identify these skills and leverage them in a way that benefits the company's objectives. By utilizing the talents of your team, you'll achieve remarkable results.
4.???????? Expand Your Network: Your network is your secret weapon. Build relationships outside of your immediate circle. This external network can help you overcome obstacles, gain support, and influence decision-makers. Being known beyond your team is vital.
Last but not least…
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Improve your soft skills
Soft skills are social attributes that enable you to interact effectively with others. These skills are critical for success in most careers, as they help you build and maintain relationships, navigate complex situations, and achieve your goals.
At the top of the list of desirable soft skills is #Communication. Conveying your thoughts clearly and listening to the ideas of those around you is essential in almost every job and industry. Whether you're giving a presentation, writing an email, or simply having a conversation, communicating well can make the difference in getting things done.
Next is #Problem-solving mindset, this is another soft skill that is a requirement in almost any workplace. Knowing how to identify a problem, generate solutions, and implement a plan of action is a valuable skillset that is sometimes hard to find. Whether you're working on a project, resolving a conflict, or dealing with a difficult customer; being able to problem-solve will help you navigate any situation with confidence.
We are all on the clock in one way or another. Delivering your work on time is a stabilising factor among teams, and shows that you value the time of others. Therefore, #Timemanagement is an essential soft skill that enables you to prioritise your tasks and set manageable goals. Being an effective time manager often means that you are able to accomplish more in less time. This is critical in any job, as it allows you to meet deadlines, stay organised, and achieve your goals.
Developing and maintaining soft skills is essential for success in any career. It's important to actively seek opportunities to develop and improve your soft skills, such as taking a class, attending a workshop, or volunteering for a leadership role.
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While reaching the next level may grant you more influence and control, the truth is, things don't change dramatically. You'll still face challenges and may not be making the biggest decisions just yet. But don't let that discourage you—your impact is still significant.
In the pursuit of #success , it's essential to maintain a #work-life balance . Remember to set boundaries and prioritise your mental and physical #well-being .
By utilising all available resources and setting work-life boundaries, you'll keep your career thriving while enjoying a fulfilling life outside of work.
Finally, for you to get inspired, look at this video from the Movie Finding Nemo.
This shows the power of using all the available resources to solve a collective problem, and get noticed!. Hope you like it!
So, are you ready to level up? Embrace the complexity, seize opportunities, and drive success. Your next chapter awaits!
AND Remember: Career is not all in life, there is more!!! so work to live and not live to work.