How to Leverage Data for Crafting a Compelling Career Narrative

Early in my career, I had the privilege of crossing paths with a seasoned leader at the company who dropped a nugget of wisdom that hit me like a bolt of lightning: "So what are you making this mean?"

?It was her signature move, a phrase she'd whip out whenever some unsuspecting colleague presented a heap of information without the whole backstory.?

The result? Grown adults practically sprinted out of her office.

At first, many of us assumed she was just plain mean, but as time passed, a few of us began to think about it differently.?

It wasn't about cruelty but focus, which creates impact. She had no patience for a jumbled mess of data points devoid of context or narrative.

Clients hire me to help them get unstuck and nail the narrative.?

I've witnessed this phenomenon repeatedly, especially when people are in the hot seat presenting to a senior team or gearing up for a nerve-wracking job interview.?

The secret sauce??

You get to choose what the data and information mean. And I'm not talking about weaving tall tales or waving a magic wand. It's about looking at the information, the experience, the data, and consciously selecting what you want to make it mean.

There are two areas where I've seen this power wielded with the greatest potential for both success and failure:

Executive Presence: When you're on a quest to boost your executive presence, it all boils down to significance. Words, numbers, data, and stats can all be misinterpreted without context and your strategic input. Don't just regurgitate numbers or data. Don't make your peers and leadership team go through mental gymnastics trying to decipher your recommendations for navigating the challenge.

Career Narrative: You want to tell your story in a compelling way. Here's a challenge for you: pick a workplace experience that feels like a tangled, sticky, and tricky mess. Then, break it down like this:

1. Define your Narrative: what is the message you want to convey? Tailor it to your audience.
2. What was the Challenge: What was the task you were handed?
3. Action: What strategic and tactical moves did you pull off? Show growth and progression.
4. Results: Numbers and percentages are golden, and you want to weave them seamlessly into your narrative. Even if you have a more abstract result like as increased customer satisfaction or improved employee morale, you've got something. Gather data. Intentionally chose it
5. Impact: Because of what you did, there was an impact beyond the mere result. What kind of effect did it have on someone or something?
6. Practice. Stand up. Look in the mirror. Step into your narrative and say it out loud.
7. Update your LinkedIn profile: Ensure your online presence aligns with the narrative you've created and, don't use any confidential information.

The fastest way to ramp up your executive presence or nail the interview is to get ahead of your data. Craft a straightforward, compelling narrative rooted in facts. But remember, it's not just about the numbers but the story you choose to tell.

Channel that inner growth mindset the next time you find yourself at the crossroads of data and narrative. Shape your story, mold the meaning, carve the insights from raw materials, and craft a narrative that moves you forward.

Struggling to tell your own career story??

And when it comes to showcasing your unique career journey, do you feel like you're constantly fighting an uphill battle to convey your story with passion and impact? Ready to take your career to new heights in this super competitive market?

?Join me for our personalized and impactful Resume Refresh Session. Together, we'll unlock your potential and set you on the path to success. Learn more HERE