The Seven Sins of Career Management Kathleen Grace, MA, PhD ABD Grace Consulting

Transcription

1 The Seven Sins of Career Management Kathleen Grace, MA, PhD ABD Grace Consulting

2 About GCS Organizational psychology consulting firm specializing in the assessment and development of leadership potential Over 15 years experience in selecting and developing leaders in North America, South America, and Europe

3 About GCS Assessment Development Selection Executive Coaching Leadership Development Programs Succession Planning Leadership Team Performance Consulting Leadership Due Diligence for M&A Transactions

4 Your Career

5 CAVEAT Sex Gender Blue and Pink

6 What Determines Pink/Blue Style? Biology Matters Personality Matters Socialization Matters Culture Matters

7 vs. General Leadership Style Differences people & relationships consensus more emotional expression process and outcomes multi-task production task orientation win/lose competition speak first & more often outcomes focus strategy Though they may exhibit different leadership styles women are at least as effective as men once in a leadership position

8 7 Deadly Sins: Self Assessment

9 SIN Wanting to be liked Failure to take risks Uncomfortable with Conflict Settling for recognition instead of rewards Unskilled at Bragging Balancing Self Advocacy with Team Play Lack of Focus Self Assessment GUILTY? Y/N IDEAS (THINGS TO START/STOP DOING)

10 Wanting To Be Liked Instead of Respected

11 Failure to Take Risks

12 Uncomfortable with Conflict

13 Settling for Recognition Instead of Rewards

14 Unskilled at Bragging

15 Balancing Self-Advocacy with Team Play

16 Lack of FOCUS

17 Solutions Wanting to be liked vs. respected

18 Solutions: Getting Respect Let go of your need to be universally liked Build a visible track record of success every 6-months an accomplishment with clear links to team/business unit/corporate strategy Focus on quality relationships (vs. quantity) Two firm power brokers Two key clients (internal or external) Two influential peers Seek out Leadership training Grow your circle of influence: NOT EVERYBODY HAS TO LIKE ME! (repeat as needed until feelings of panic subside)

19 Solutions Failure to take risks early and often

20 Solutions: Taking Risks Pursue stretch assignments (e.g., specialization, relocation, new business area) to add value for the company and your own skill set Enlist help: seek out senior leaders and involve them Purchase risk by cutting back in other areas Examine the upside and downside equally Lessons learned are tuition not mistakes Personal experience with outcomes is the biggest factor in future risk taking

21 Solutions Uncomfortable and/or unskilled in dealing with conflict

22 Solutions: Dealing with Conflict Understand why you try to avoid it challenge your fears Reframe the conflict as an opportunity for: Deeper understanding Creativity Resolution Feel the fear hang in the conflict just a little longer each time practice matters Plan for important anticipated conflict with your coach strategize and role play

23 Solutions Settling for recognition instead of holding out for reward

24 Solutions: Getting Rewarded Ask for what you feel you deserve Make your desires and expectations clear Negotiate on the front end Ask the right questions when taking on new assignments Build your business case/rationale Demonstrate your business acumen

25 Solutions Unskilled at bragging

26 Solutions: Selling Yourself Develop a Me Inc. mindset Reframe bragging as education Strive to make your organization a meritocracy Recognize how often we need to sell

27 Solutions Failing to achieve a balance between team-play and selfadvocacy

28 Solutions: Practicing Self-Advocacy Identify unconscious messages (e.g. a good woman is selfless/ nurturing / puts other first) that may be holding you back Self-advocate even when it s uncomfortable ask for what you want Remember that your leaders have a limited attention span no room for victim mentality Have coaches or mentors advertise on your behalf Connect with individuals and teams in ways that benefit you both

29 Solutions Lack of FOCUS

30 Solutions: Gaining Focus & Control There is power in knowing what you want Understand why you want to lead what you want to achieve beyond title/promotion Understand your leadership value proposition (Sales, Innovation, Client Service, Teams, Strategy, a unique combination of skills that produces valued results) Write it down and keep it in front of you Make a To NOT Do list

31 Accelerating Your Leadership Development Assessment: Insight (realization of the need to change/grow) Motivation (clarity regarding why I will change/grow) Stretch assignment Willingness to take some risk Organization and the individuals must embrace the tuition of mistakes Support Coach, mentor, executive coach, training, etc.

32 Questions

33 Goal Setting Form Goal #1 (Me): MEASURES OF SUCCESS: Goal #2 (Me): MEASURES OF SUCCESS: Goal #3 (Other): MEASURES OF SUCCESS: ACTIONS STEPS: ACTIONS STEPS: ACTIONS STEPS:

34 Personal Goal Setting Turn your notes into an action plan Find a buddy share your plan Schedule a phone call/coffee date 60 days out to check progress

35 Relevant Resources Pitch Like a Girl, Lichtenberg The Female Advantage, Helgesen Leadership and the Sexes, Annis Briefcase Essentials, Spencer The Connectors, Kuzmeski Work the Pond, Rezac

36 Parting Advice Ask the right questions Demonstrate business acumen Recognize how often we all need to sell Let go of some things to move forward Believe you are capable of more