I Never Thought I Would Do This

As a General Motors executive, my growth path wasn’t your typical one.

I didn’t go to a high-end university right out of high school. I started on a production line at the GM Lansing Car Assembly plant in 2002. I learned the ropes, built relationships, and figured out what it takes to contribute to something bigger than myself. Things were humming along.

But one day, the General Assembly Area Director asked me if I’d ever thought about doing something different. He saw potential in me that I didn’t see myself. I got the opportunity to move into a salary position, and eventually went back to school for an engineering degree while working and traveling full time. It was the ultimate hustle, but I’m immensely grateful for it, as it provided me with not only a bachelor of science degree, but a minor in grit and tenacity.

I took every opportunity given to me and have spent the last 12 years growing, pushing boundaries, and continuously learning.

?

Looking back, I never thought I’d be where I am today. Simply because: a) I didn’t know what was possible in a big company like GM, and b) I didn’t dream big enough. (Ouch, that one hurts to admit.)

Today, I’d like to share my top five takeaways with you…

1.????? Have a Vision for the Future

Leaders inspire action by having a vision of what the team’s impact could look like in the future. Go bold, and share how you see your organization making an impact on your consumers, customers, clients, etc. Then, let the leaders on your team help craft the mission(s) to achieve it.

2.???? Control What You Can Control

A leader once gave me great advice: if you want to grow, take control of the things you can change. Self-reflect and see what is truly in your control. I went back to school to get my degree without worrying about what my next role would be. Life, including your career, is ambiguous. Do an audit and just take the next best step.

3.???? Move Through Uncertainty and Discomfort, Not Around It

Every time I thought I might say no to something — like going into a salary role or taking on massive projects like BuildShy and Reflash — I instead chose to say yes. I seized the opportunities, no matter how impossible they seemed, even though I was uncertain and uncomfortable.

However, every time I faced a new challenge, I learned something new. In fact, the more challenges I took on, the more confident I became. Didn’t John Wayne say something like “growth and comfort seldom ride the same horse.”?

Move straight through uncertainty; even if things don’t go perfectly, you will find your way through it and come out better on the other side. Tackling what seems like impossible challenges keeps life (and your career!) interesting.

4.??? Care About Growing Others

The most important part of this journey hasn’t been the titles or milestones — it’s been the people. Every day, I get to challenge my team to reach their full potential, step outside their comfort zones, and grow into the leaders I know they can be. If you truly care about their experience as your team member, they will feel it and respond accordingly in their daily actions.

5.???? Make Receiving Feedback as Easy as Receiving a Gift -- Because it Is.

Leadership is a continuous learning process, and it’s truly a gift. I’m far from perfect, but I wake up every day with the intention of becoming a better leader than I was yesterday. The secret? Feedback and an open mind. My inner circle holds me accountable, and I’m grateful for the people who aren’t afraid to tell me when I’m wrong. Be humble enough to admit you don’t know everything, and remember that there is often more than one right way to accomplish something.

?

What will my new takeaways be in five years? I don’t know, but I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and pushing forward at General Motors.

I hope my story reminds someone out there that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. Dream big, work hard, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who push you to be better.

Please forward this to anyone who might need that nudge.

?What did I miss? Anything to add? I’d love to hear your experience.

?

#Leadership #Growth #PeopleFirst #ContinuousLearning #IWorkForGM #ExecutiveJourney #GM #GeneralMotors

?