I Wish I'd Known This - 6 Career-Accelerating Secrets for Women Leaders

When I started my career in the mid 1990s there were no podcasts, internet was dial up, and there were few resources?to?guide women. We were the blind leading the blind. Young women today have so many resources and mentors at their fingertips. As experienced professionals we “wiser women” have advice?and war stories to share. Young woman – you are not alone and there is a tribe of women to guide you!?

Twenty-five years ago, I could have used the advice from Brenda Wensil and Kathryn Heath in their book I Wish I’d Known This. They share six valuable career-accelerating secrets for woman leaders. There are numerous real-life stories about women who have stumbled at work including the struggles they experienced and what they could have done differently. Each experience offers alternative strategies and a “coach on your shoulder.” Along with coaching, each chapter offers a summary of highlights and key points. The end of the book has an individual and group discussion to review what the reader learned in the book and how it is applicable to your life and career. Moreover, so many of us feel like we are working blind and I Wish I’d Known This details blind spots that we either ignore or just do not want to acknowledge. ?

So, what are the six secrets women need to know and the blind spots? ?

1. Career drift: You need a vision, strategies, and a plan?
2. Lake of self-awareness: Know who you are and how you land with others?
3. Vague reputationality: Get known for something and tell your story. What is reputationality??It is your reputation and your personality that work together to “support your narrative”?
4. Operating on autopilot: Install a career GPS to guide you?
5. Missing the point pf preparation. Be strategic about the outcome you want?
6. Trying to go it alone: We all need to assemble a posse to achieve professional and personal happiness?

Women should think like a CEO regarding?our careers. Too often we work blind and fail to establish a career vision. We must take the reins of our career rather than allowing others to direct how we grow.?Start today to learn where you want to go and how to open your eyes to the blind spots working against you.?