Fast track your career. Many years ago, a project was failing. 2 project managers couldn’t make it happen. I’d been designing some related training for the project sponsor and he asked me to take the project manager role on. Eyebrows were raised. I was an occupational psychologist, what did I know about managing a project? But he’d noticed my strengths – and offered me the job.
Hell yes.
Without hesitation I said yes.
I knew I could learn more on the job. I knew I was very good at asking questions and listening and implementing.
I learnt on the job, I kept him informed, I got people involved, I created a team of people who wanted to succeed.
It was a great success. This is how you Fast track your career.
I then got promoted. Big step up. To be a member of the organisations major change project.
I was by far the most junior.
I had to learn quickly.
Again, I asked good questions, and listened and implemented. I worked hard, but smart.
Further success and another promotion.
So, when I work with clients who are seeking promotion and I tell them my story they know I’m not just giving an academic response, or (gasp!) making it up (and I’m learning there are a lot of bull s**tters out there). I’ve been there, I’ve learned how to be successful and I coach my clients to be successful too.
I encourage my clients to step outside their comfort zone, to volunteer. To make suggestions. To be proactive.
It takes nerve. It demands self-confidence. It means putting yourself out.
You may have to put in the hours.
You may have to say no to something else.
If you want success you need to make sacrifices.
