How to Level Up your Career Development?


Hello Readers 

In this value added content, Let's establish this untold five secrets in your career road map to fine-tune your career to the next level.


1. Find a sponsor

Mentors advise you and sponsors advocate for you.

A sponsor is someone who opens door for next opportunity and helps your name/skills to be known.

· Think about where you want to go in 5–10 years/ in your next role and go and ask for advice and have a conversation.

· A sponsor is likely more senior than you, and in the same organization

· It’s a two way relationship, where you as someone being “sponsored” demonstrate commitment to stepping up

· Reach out and have more mentors inside and outside your company (so they bring different perspectives and lessens the time commitment for the one mentor)

2. Say “yes” more often

There is a tendency for women to self-doubt and underestimate their skills and abilities leading them to say “no” to new opportunities and projects.

In studies, men overestimate their abilities and performance, and women underestimate both. Their performances do not differ in quality.

Figure out what your obstacles are (ex. such as getting more help in childcare) and make sure to ask for help when changing a role or set of responsibilities (ex. help with special needs kids and childcare; relocation).

Assess the possible risk (your exit plan/severance if you have to leave the new role) and talk in terms of alternatives/possibilities instead of saying no (ex. “Maybe not now but next year…”)

3. Be persistent (not perfect)

Ask for specific feedback that gets to the root of issues instead of the surface generic questions. People naturally resist giving/listening to critical feedback so you need to actively ask for feedback from others.

·  Tell me what the last time you failed something?

·  What should I keep doing?

·  What do I need to think about differently?

·  What do I need to do to improve my team?

4. Believe!

Anticipate problems and common questions before a meeting. For example, if you fear public speaking, practice and take good notes so it know your stuff. Keep learning and expanding your knowledge!

· Be aware your language can show self-doubt (ex. using qualifiers…”I’m not sure if this is a good idea, but…”)

·  Share work informally before meeting with senior leaders

5. Negotiating your pay

Don’t take first offer (external); as there’s always leeway for offer conditions. Offers (internal) have more constraints

· There is also value in staying at a company for a time (ex. retirement eligibility). Get a lawyer to look over the offer letter (more important the more senior you are)

·  Get title, pay and benefits in writing

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