He was frustrated. He was furious. He had just received the highest performance rating possible, a 10, and instead of a promotion, he was advised to seek some coaching. When he asked his boss, how that could be, his boss said, “A 10 in performance on his job did not mean an automatic 10 at the next promotional level,” In my client’s case, that meant he had to change the dynamics of his communication style to become more “senior.” This raises an interesting question for all of us.
What skills, behavior changes, or competencies do you need to advance to the next position or income level in your field?
The Clichés Are True
“How do you know when you are an old dog? When you stop learning new tricks.”
“Even if you’re on the right track, if you just sit there, you are going to get hit.”
“Man sit with open mouth long time waiting for bird to fly in.”
Successful people know that what got them where they are today will not necessarily to get them where they want to be tomorrow. They are constantly improving themselves.
What Do You Need?
- Do you need to change your operating style? In my client’s case above, his up-to-
then very successful friendly, sharing communication style was just too casual for dealing with executives at the next level. We worked on bringing his communication style more into line with what the company required.
- Are there technologies you need to master? Early on in the days of the internet, I had a colleague who was blogging away, contributing to posts, twittering, doing podcasts, etc. a regular “online slut,” as she jokingly called herself. She wasn’t sure exactly what she was doing, but she sensed the internet and social media would be a major factor in business. Today, she is one of the leading online authorities in her field .
- Should you be networking with different people? For example, I recall a senior woman I coached who lost out to a colleague for a very senior job because she ultimately was not known by the right senior executives in her firm.
- Is it time to build your business acumen? Do you need to understand more deeply how different industries or companies work? For example, would that help you navigate internal decision-making for new projects or new business more quickly?
- Should you have a makeover? One client realized she had to completely revise her wardrobe and make-up because she would now be calling on CEOs, instead of IT executives and needed a more powerful look.
- Is it time to polish up your skills? Presenting demos, presenting in general, negotiating, communicating on the phone, writing, and the ability to managing internal resources are more important than ever in today’s more complex and competitive world. Are you as sharp as you need to be to stay on the competitive edge?
Take a tip from Michelangelo, whose motto was “I am always learning.” Figure out what you need to learn today and do it to be more successful tomorrow.
Anne Miller
Make What You Say Pay!
Need Help With Your Presentation or Demo Skills or Story?
212-876-1875 amiller@annemiller.com
“Anne has transformed the way we engage with clients. I highly recommend her for demo/presentation training.” Trish Bertuzzi, Pres, The Bridge Group, Inc.
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