‘Opportunities don’t happen- you create them’
-Chris Grosser
Leadership Books I love!
How to advance your career in 5 steps! A few of these I’ve learned the hard way haha. Learn how to gain new skills, build your network, and achieve your professional goals. This guide provides actionable advice to help you climb the career ladder! Let’s dive into 5 things I did in my 20’s to level up my career that will help you do the same!
1. Stepped into Leadership
Contrary to popular belief, titles do not define leadership. I previously assumed that without a managerial role, my contribution was limited to task execution. This misconception hindered my progress. However, I’ve learned that leadership is not solely about authority but rather about influence and impact. John Maxwell’s leadership principles shines light into this mindset. Stepping into leadership has brought more joy to my career than I ever realized it could!
2. Learned to accept Constructive Criticism
I like to think I’m always Winning or I’m LEARNING. As long as you’re always giving 110 percent- Learning to accept constructive criticism is a vital skill for professional development. It offers valuable insights that can help you identify areas for improvement and enhance your performance. By viewing feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, you can foster a more positive and productive work environment. Remember, it’s not about avoiding mistakes but about using them as stepping stones towards greater success!
3. Brought Solutions to Problems
The quicker you become a problem solver and MASTER this skill, the better. I promise! haha. No one wants to solve problems for you all day.
Developing strong problem-solving skills is essential for career advancement. By proactively addressing challenges and finding efficient solutions, you demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, and become a valuable asset to any team.
One effective approach is the 1-3-1 method: Identify the problem, bring 3 impactful solutions to the table and IMPLEMENT the best solution if possible without supervision or guidance from your superior. Most of the time, even if you’re wrong and make a mistake, if you chose the best possible solution to the problem and understand why you chose that solution, you are likely to find better feedback from your superior.
4. Implemented a Gym Routine: Create Good Habits
Going to the gym consistently when I get off work has easily become one of my favorite habits. It’s time where I can decompress, think about my day and focus on me. (I think this is where the real growth happens haha). Think about habits that you can create for yourself- this will overtime change your life!
5. Got Productive: Prioritized my Time
Getting productive = efficienciency. I’ve always been a procrastinator until I realized I was just wasting my time on so many non sense things. When you’re productive, you’re able to meet deadlines, manage your workload effectively, and deliver high-quality results! Efficiency, on the other hand, allows you to optimize your processes and minimize waste, saving both time and resources. In today’s business world, being productive and efficient is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for career advancement!
