Hard Work vs Strategy: Which one puts you ahead?

Hi Reader,

I used to think that the more effort I put into my career, the more results I’d see. I eventually learned that success isn’t guaranteed just because you work hard. In fact, getting to that next level in your career will often require a different set of skills.

??Tip of the Day

?? Be proactive and learn how to ask for what you want. I had a former coworker tell me her manager was actually waiting for her to ask for a promotion. He assumed by her silence that she was happy where she was.

If you’re looking for a raise, a promotion, or a completely different role altogether, ask for it. Work on a strategic plan with your manager to understand the steps that will lead you there.

Here’s a sample script you can use:

Hi [Name], I’d like to discuss future growth opportunities within the company. I’m passionate about the work I’m doing and excited to continue growing with [company]. Over this past year, I’ve contributed to our success by [add your achievements or contributions that align with the company’s goals and bottom line], and I feel I’m ready to take on additional responsibilities within the team to help my promotion case. Would you be free to chat so we can discuss this further? I’d love to come up with a list of concrete skills and results that you’d like to see that would help my case.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Need more advice on building a productive relationship with your manager? I’m sharing even more about managing up in next week’s newsletter!

Want a few quick tips right now? My LinkedIn Learning course, Managing Up , shares easy-to-follow guidance on managing up, including understanding your manager’s working style, anticipating your manager’s needs, offering solutions, and more.

Check it out and comment below to let me know what you think!

? Lorraine’s Latest

My friend Martin Gonzalez is giving away 100 free copies of his forthcoming book, The Bonfire Moment: Bring Your Team Together to Solve the Hardest Problems Startups Face !

It’s a must-read for (aspiring) startup founders, innovation team managers who are under startup-like pressures, and learning/talent/org development practitioners. In it, he shares unique insights from his pioneering work with Google’s Startup Accelerator on why building teams is harder than building tech—and open sources a workshop that has reached founders in 70 countries around the world.

Endorsed by Garry Tan (YCombinator CEO), Kim Scott (Radical Candor), Laszlo Bock (former CHRO of Google), Bob Sutton (Stanford University), Eric Reis (Lean Startup), Noam Wasserman (The Founder’s Dilemmas), the founders of YouTube and Fitbit, and many other bestselling authors, founders, VCs, and academics.

Interested in a free book? Fill out this Typeform by Friday May 10th at 12pm Pacific Time. Martin has promised to protect your data, so your information will be deleted once the books ship. You can expect just a few emails letting you know when books are on the way.

?Ask Me Anything (AMA)

Thanks to everyone who let me know they enjoy the AMA feature — for now we'll include it anytime we have questions from subscribers. :)

Q: Is age a detriment to landing jobs?

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