Shift Happens

We don't always notice when shift happens.?

I remember working with a coach earlier in my career to hone my skills as I was about to do my first budget presentation to the executive team. We were sitting in the big board room to simulate the actual meeting. I was nervous even as I practiced, and I had to be intentional about every element of the presentation, from my word choice to the core content, where I would stand in the room, my non-verbals, my pace, and even where I would stand to take questions. Every part would be orchestrated, so I had a plan to follow and not choke. I even prepared by anticipating the feel of the room and who would be there, about how I would feel before, during, and after, what questions would be tricky to answer, and where I would sit when I finished. It was all new to me, stressful, and my every move was a part of the rehearsal. Over time, I slowly needed less preparation, and some things that felt foreign became second nature. I didn't wake up one day and think, "I have mastered the skill of presenting in front of a group, and I no longer need the same level of preparation." It just happened.?

Our careers are like that. We plan, struggle, and progress but don't always notice. So looking back to see progress and recognize how far we have come is good. It can propel and catapult our development to the next level. Yet we don't appreciate the adjacent skills we sharpen as we go from conscious incompetence to unconscious competence.??

We are more inspired to continue on that trajectory when we appreciate how far we have come.?

I remember my friend Dorothy telling me that I would experience levels of quantum leaps during my career and that it would only be certain moments of clarity when you recognize those breakthroughs. She was right, and I try to allow those moments of clarity to linger to soak out all of the associated benefits.?

When I work with younger executives, I can see their passion for quickly getting all the information and insights to propel their development forward. I believe it takes a combination of coaching, learning, and experiencing to create consistent growth. No program can inject the correct variety of skills to accelerate development. Some of the best education is the struggles that are not possible to simulate. The battle is not only natural, but it is essential.?

So looking back can help provide additional context on how you naturally develop and grow. When you think about those combinations of information, support, and experience when you see the quantum development leaps, what were the catalysts for you? What things always came naturally to you that you can see in yourself as you reflect on your first job that still serves you today??

Shifts from early in our careers are effortless to see because we seem like an entirely different version of ourselves. This one will be easy for me to illustrate because my first job out of college was with the local television station. I did everything from running a camera and producing news segments to on-air talent. It was a small operation, so the opportunity to learn and grow was ample. When I think back and put myself in this period, I can see the shifts that have occurred since. But what hits home for me is what still holds true. I can see my passion for people, and I have always enjoyed being on camera and having multiple responsibilities. As we know from Gallup's research, when we focus on areas of raw talent, we can create excellence because when we focus on areas where we have passion and natural skills, we can hone these skills toward excellence. I am not saying that my on-air performance here is stellar, but I can see what I loved to do even as a young adult.?

(You are welcome for this cringe-able clip!)

Can you tie the passion you found in your first role with what you do today??

Ask yourself:

• What drew me to my first role??
• What did I enjoy???
• What did I take away from that experience??

For me, it was learning to be a good team member. We were responsible for supporting the community and being thoughtful about what we covered in the community. I didn't know all that I took from the experience at that time, but it is clear to me now.?

Some of the most uncomfortable experiences for me ended up accelerating my growth. The only way to level up your career skills is to combine professional training with expertise and embrace uncomfortable experiences.

Years after that initial job, I suddenly had a team of 30+ entry-level people. I felt pretty good about myself because I was the boss. However, my direct supervisor always wanted things done a certain way and demanded that each person is on time (to the minute.) Since I worked for her, she would require that I sit at the door at 7:30a and "have a talk with" anyone who arrived "late."?

After months of this, I told my friend Jon that I hated managing people. His response, "It shows."?

I took a quantum leap at that moment. I realized that managing takes an investment in time and energy. And, it is a two-way street as the manager needs to invest the time to know how to motivate and coach. It isn't easy, which is why it is rewarding.?

I learned a lot from that experience. I took more time with each person and got to know them as people and not just a person filling a seat. It isn't very pleasant to admit, but I wouldn't be growing if it wasn't.?

A current favorite - if you don't look back and cringe, you aren't improving. There are a lot of cringe-worthy moments for me.?

Ask Yourself:?

• What comment do I remember that catapulted my understanding of myself as a leader??
• Is there something from that past learning that you can hear to apply again today??

I recently had coffee with my friend Jill. She is an accomplished executive with a career as long as mine. We were talking about this idea of shifting without always seeing our progress. She mentioned the change of focus she notices now as someone with a career full of experience. She said she slowly moved from self-focus when the accolades of senior people energized her to where she prefers to be on the sideline and focused on the people on her team.?

Her comments landed with me. I remember how important it used to be that I focus on expanding my network, increasing my exposure within the organization, and being recognized for my accomplishments. I am more satisfied now to be the silent partner for business professionals, and the hustle feels more like an open road on cruise control. The joy of getting older is feeling more comfortable with who you are. Isn't that what we are all in search of??

Ask yourself:

• What do I do now in autopilot that used to be a struggle?

Looking back to appreciate your shifts helps us see how far we can come and creates momentum to bring us to our next quantum leap. Shifting will continue to happen along with struggle and learning. It is about the journey, but it doesn't hurt to turn around to enjoy the progress along the way.?

Be sure to look back and ask yourself where you need to focus on creating the experience, struggle, and growth when you see the progress you have made.?

Share with me a cringe-able memory that created a quantum leap for you.?

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