Navigating Success: The Overlooked Skills that Propel Careers

I went from a product manager to sitting in board meetings. Not gonna lie, it's no walk in the park, and not everyone can pull it off. The top spots are limited. But here are some skills and traits I think can help anyone climb their way up.

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Be a Positive Influence

Transform negative thoughts into constructive or optimistic ones. While I won't claim it works in every situation, most business scenarios do have a silver lining. Give it a shot for 20 days. Negativity is a real killer in a company—it doesn't offer solutions and drains people's energy. I'm not saying sugarcoat things, but try to spin situations in a positive light. It'll boost the energy of those around you.

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?Be Action Oriented

Everything starts with an action. My entire career has been fueled by this principle. Whether it's strategy, marketing, or sales, everything begins with someone rolling up their sleeves and turning ideas into action. Action is key, and I firmly believe that most situations or problems can be addressed and solved through the right actions, sometimes even with just any action. In my experience, there's no business problem that couldn't be tackled with action. I've had the privilege of participating in several board meetings where we discussed robust action plans and their implementation (and not high level strategy as most would think).

Strive to be the person who can turn concepts into tangible actions.

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Decide Quickly and Iterate as Necessary

A less-than-perfect decision on Monday is better than a flawless one on Friday! It took me a while to grasp, but it's often proven true. Why? Well, on Monday, you have ample time to encounter challenges, learn from them, and iterate if needed. By Friday, you're way ahead compared to spending the whole week overthinking a decision to make on Friday.

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Be a Problem Solver

?It's frustrating when people bring up issues without offering solutions. Cultivate a critical and constructive mindset. Once you've identified a problem, focus on potential solutions. Ask yourself: What can we improve instead of dwelling on what's wrong?

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Get Things Done!

"Yes, I will do it!" is perhaps the most effective phrase in any company. Accept the challenge and figure out the how later. Commit to your words through action. I've never witnessed someone who consistently gets things done not being promoted.

During the peak of the Covid pandemic, the CEO assigned me the task of developing an app for online customer interaction. In my head, I was thinking, "I'm not a technician; I have no clue about these things." However, my response was a resounding "Yes, I will do it." Of course, the success of this project wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic work and support from all the colleagues involved. We successfully developed the first EF Virtual office, now in use on every EF computer worldwide, just by saying yes and committing to making it happen.

If it's not in your area of expertise, even better—seize the opportunity to demonstrate that you're a doer who gets things done.

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Benchmark Against your Ideal Self

Avoid comparing yourself to others, as it only breeds jealousy. Instead, measure your progress against the best you can achieve. Don't envy those earning a higher salary; view it as an opportunity to catch up and improve yourself.

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Take Notes!

Don't underestimate the power of taking notes! It's a skill that often goes unnoticed but can significantly propel you forward. I've always been impressed by those who never jot down a single note—either they have an exceptional memory, or they believe they do. Today I still sit in meetings or presentations where some don't take a single note. Research suggests that we only retain about 20% of what we're told. Personally, I've taken and continue to take copious notes. Reviewing them later, I realize how much valuable information would have slipped away without them. The practice of taking notes provides a distinct advantage over others. It simplifies your action plan, offers structure, and saves you from spending excessive time trying to recall details, allowing you to focus more on taking action and making the next move.

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Archive everything

When faced with a new project or PowerPoint presentation, the temptation to reinvent the wheel can be overwhelming. Ever wish you had a solid base or remembered a fantastic presentation from a few years ago? I've experienced that. Over my 20 years of business experience, I've built a library. I'm not suggesting we always recycle past work, but having this archive provides a strong foundation to start. Some smart ideas don't need a revolution; they just need implementation!

Bonus tip

Have low expectations and approach interaction with an open heart and expect nothing mindset.

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Cultivating traits like positivity, adaptability, and the ability to get things done can pave the way for personal and career growth. Remember, progress often lies in the pursuit of continuous improvement and the willingness to turn ideas into action.

#personalgrowth #career #personaldevelopment