Navigating the Core Pillars to Career Progression

Mastering the corporate game often feels like a mixed bag of talent, timing, and sheer luck.

One minute you're coasting along on autopilot, and the next, you're scrambling to stay ahead of the curve.?

Peel back the layers and you’ll find that elevating your performance, cultivating your presence, and strategically positioning yourself — three of the six dimensions of the Leadership Performance Prism (?) framework? — my multifaceted approach to leadership that ensures individuals are well-equipped to lead with impact, integrity, and innovation — often sit at the heart of sustained career success.

In this article, you’re in for a treat! I am co-writing with Mrs. Marshun Scott Graham , a Sr. Project Manager with American Airlines. We will be discussing part of the framework and how it has impacted her growth as a leader.??

Marshun mentioned that, for years, she was chipping away at this triad all without realizing she was casually dancing around the edges of a much bigger strategy for her career and leadership.?

That's when I introduced her to the Leadership Performance Prism (?) framework, we focused on the three particular dimensions of the six - Performance, Presence, and Positioning.

“It wasn’t until I was exposed, in my leadership development journey, to the six dimensions of the Leadership Performance Prism(?) by Dr. Malik that it all clicked. My new approach wasn't just me winging it. I was aligning with a tried-and-true concept, one that continues to shape the tales of countless corporate success stories.”?

The New Approach - Leadership Performance Prism (?)

In the Leadership Performance Prism (?) framework, Performance, Presence, and Positioning are three of the six dimensions. You may be eager to know the other three. Be patient. We will dissect the other dimensions of the framework over the course of the next months.

Performance is the bedrock—ensuring your ability to deliver outstanding results, ensuring efficiency, and driving success within your team and organization while laying a solid base for growth.?

This is the foundation. It refers to the quality of work and the results achieved in one's role. High performance is essential for long-term career success as it demonstrates competence, reliability, and value to the organization. Continuously striving to elevate performance ensures that individuals stand out for their accomplishments and contributions.

Presence pertains to developing an authentic leadership presence that inspires confidence, fosters trust, and motivates and influences those around you.?

A question to reflect on is: how are you perceived by others in the workplace??

It encompasses factors such as professionalism, communication skills, and personal branding.?

Cultivating a positive image involves presenting oneself authentically, building credibility, and maintaining a reputation for integrity and professionalism. A strong image can enhance opportunities for career advancement by instilling confidence in others and fostering trust and respect.

Positioning is about cultivation of a strong personal brand, visibility, and strategic relationships that propel career advancement and influence. This concept extends beyond your positional role within your organization.

It also ?involves the visibility and recognition one receives within their organization and industry. It includes aspects such as networking, participating in high-impact projects, and seeking opportunities to showcase expertise. Strategic exposure ensures that individuals are known for their capabilities and achievements, opening doors to new opportunities for career growth and advancement.

This framework shakes up the traditional belief that hard work alone will get you noticed. I’ve realized it's not enough to be good at what you do. You’ve got to be seen doing well too.

What speaks to me is the framework's insistence on a more sophisticated strategy.?

You're no longer in the shadows, hoping someone will see your worth.?

Instead, you take the reins, ensuring your work doesn't just speak for itself but that you also spotlight it.

Being excellent isn't enough if you're the best-kept secret. Merging hard work with strategic visibility opens up a whole new world of opportunities.?

The Synergy Between Performance, Presence, and Positioning

The more I pick apart the six dimensions of the Leadership Performance Prism (?), the clearer it becomes how it lines up all the career advancement ducks in a neat row.

Performance is the foundation. It embodies the continuous striving for excellence in your work, the countless late nights and early mornings dedicated to perfecting your craft. ?It’s about setting clear goals, and seeking? feedback to identify areas for improvement.

Without solid results, aspirations remain just that.?

Even the most sterling performance can be lost in the shuffle without the right Positioning to spotlight it. This is your stage, the platform from which your achievements can sing. Some ways to position yourself include actively seeking out high-visibility projects to enhance your visibility, building relationships with key stakeholders, volunteering for projects, participating in professional development activities, and engaging in networking both within and outside your organization.

Don't miss out on previous insights on how coaching and sponsorship can be your allies in the Positioning journey.

Then there's Presence.?

The finishing touch.?

It's the polish on your professional persona, ensuring you're not just seen, but seen in the right light. This entails paying careful attention to how you present yourself professionally, communicate effectively, and uphold ethical standards.

It's a dance of give and take. Performance boosts your credibility, which in turn can be magnified by your Positioning. A sterling positioning can enhance how your work is perceived, creating a cycle of positive reinforcement. It is also important to be self-aware of any gaps in your performance and/or goals.

One thing I have found to be very important is to invest in personal development to enhance your skills and capabilities, like enlisting the expertise of a coach like Dr. Malik .?

Drop the ball on Performance, and there’s nothing to expose or paint in a favorable light. Fail to secure the right Positioning, and even the best efforts simmer in obscurity. Neglect your Presence, and watch potential opportunities slip through your fingers.?

By prioritizing the Leadership Performance Prism (?) , individuals can create a strong foundation for career success, positioning themselves for growth, advancement, and fulfillment in their chosen field.?

“Now, there's no pretending; it’s a maze, alright, and I'm still finding my way through. I'm still very much a student in the art of optimizing these three critical facets. But, isn't that the beauty of it? Every day presents a new lesson, a new challenge, and a fresh perspective.”

How is your own struggle or success story with Performance, Presence, and Positioning? Do you feel they are equally critical, or has one proven to be more significant in your professional journey? Your insights, lessons, and recommendations are welcome in the comments.

Dr. Rubina F. Malik is a global strategic advisor and thought leader. As a champion of career and leadership development, she is an expert in helping organizations create strategies to enhance the engagement, retention, and promotion of diverse candidates by empowering them to become influential leaders who drive positive change and foster global understanding. Competitive edge-driving organizations from international start-ups to fortune 500 global enterprises depend on her guidance to propel programs centered on global leadership, mentoring, career sponsorship, and leadership development, cementing her reputation as an invaluable catalyst for professional growth and organizational success. www.rubinafmalik.com

My business grows graciously through word of mouth and referrals. If you know of someone who might benefit from my professional services, please do share my profile and let them know to contact me.

Marshun Scott Graham is a native of Dallas, Texas, and holds a degree from the University of North Texas. She is currently a Sr. IT Project Manager at American Airlines, a company she has long admired and aspired to join.

Her passion for technology is rivaled only by her love for exploring new cultures and destinations worldwide, bringing unique insights into both her professional and personal life. This zest for discovery enhances her perspective, celebrating the richness of diversity in and out of the workplace.

Moreover, as a devoted wife and mother of three—two daughters and a son—she is deeply committed to maintaining a balance and cultivating empathy in every facet of her life. Marshun is a certified yoga teacher, focusing on promoting mindfulness and holistic well-being. She is also dedicated to creating inclusive environments that value and support people from all walks of life.

?With a robust foundation in technology, unwavering family values, an enthusiasm for global exploration, and a steadfast commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Marshun continues to inspire and lead with empathy and innovation.