Pearls of Wisdom

If you haven't had the chance to hear Carla Harris speak, you have missed out on a wealth of information and a rare treat. Not to worry, Carla Harris has written a book, Expect To Win--Proven Strategies for Success from a Wall Street Vet. In this book Harris calls her key survival tools for the work place "pearls". Just last year I had the opportunity to hear her elaborate on a few of her "pearls": taking risk, using your voice, authenticity, and the power of perception. I won't spill the beans here, but make sure you pick up a copy.

You can pre-order online at Amazon or Barnes&Noble.com.

I'm Still Here

So much has been going on at the office. I recently switched jobs. On boarding, training, learning the ropes and the politics is time consuming. And frankly, I'm beat. However, I do have a lot more material for new posts, so please be patient with me. I'll be back on it soon. Thanks.

The month of August was interesting. I've known for quite some time that it was time for a job change. I enjoy the work that I do, but three years in one position was long enough. I really was looking forward to spreading my wings. So I followed some advice that I received in a development workshop and decided to not only look for a new opportunity but to do so in concert with some professional goals that involved "PIE" : Performance, Image, Exposure (more on this in upcoming post), along with other goals both personal and professional, within 100 days. This has really been an interesting adventure. One of the things that has been most surprising is that in addition to me reaching out to others, expanding my networking circle, I've actually had the opportunity to coach some others and hopefully help them in their own endeavors. In turn, I've learned a lot from them.

Taking the time to help others has helped me, which in turns helps me to help them even more. So I encourage you, to reach out and help others. Sharing lessons learned, strengthens and builds upon the skills that you already have. When you see someone who is facing the same career challenges that you've faced, it further impresses upon you how to employ the tools that have been shared with you by your mentors. So don't be fearful of helping someone else. In the long run, you'll help each other.

I See You

You sit at your cube day in and day out working routine assignments as diligently as possible. While you may keep the work flow moving--which is always appreciated--you fear that your efforts go unnoticed. You're probably right. Your boss may appreciate not having to be bogged down with the nuts and bolts of your daily tasks, but your personal development and career goals are not usually the first thing on her mind.

Make sure that you are clear about your career goals. Then, share your them with your boss. Do not expect her to take you by the hand from there. Unfortunately, employee development may not be one of her strong points, so you will need to have a plan of action for increasing your visibility at work. Present your boss with the following suggestions:

Volunteer to attend, represent or lead department meetings, projects, cross-functional teams or committees. This gets you out of your cube and on the radar. Other employees and managers will now have a chance to get to know you and see your skills in action. In turn, you'll get to know others in the company and learn about different career opportunities in the process.

Use your meetings as a way to have more communication with your boss. This helps her to take notice of your leadership skills and builds confidence in your ability to take on additional assignments.

Demonstrate that you take your development seriously by asking to participate in seminars and training classes that are of value to the company and/or to your development as an employee.

Don't allow your skills to lie dormant. If you aren't using a particular skill in your current role, seek opportunities to put them to good use. Let your boss know how this particular skill can be utilized in your current job function or role that you would like to take on.

Remember, exposure is key to advancement. Being visible in your organization, meeting people and becoming familiar with various projects makes you a valuable asset to your team.

Rehearse the Positive

It's a familiar situation. Your co-worker or boss says or does something that is completely out of line. You spend the next few hours fuming, planning to give them a piece of your mind. It would feel great to let them know what you really think of them. But after you've told them a thing or two, how will you be impacted in the long run? Will your reputation improve? Not likely. There's a lot of wisdom in the advice: think before you speak.

The key is to respond and not react to the actions of others. Reactions may feel good and may even be justified, but the end result does more damage to your career than that of the person that offended you. Instead of entertaining thoughts of telling off your boss, mentally rehearse the most positive outcome that could come of your exchange. Imagine how good you'll feel when you were professional enough to take the high road. Imagine how good you'll feel when you are known for your level-headed, dignified responses instead of the hot head that no one wants to work with or the office grouch. When you respond to a person or situation, you've allowed yourself some time to process their actions/comments, which puts you ahead of the game. How you present yourself is an important ingredient to a successful career and it will get you noticed in the right way.

Cubicle Style: II

I knew it. I said a few weeks ago that the summer tempts us to be a bit more daring with our wardrobe choices Was that the understatement of summer or what? Now I don't know how it's been going around the corridors of your office, but the report from my cubicle has not been good. I hate to have to break it down, but I must. There are just some things you should know and I might as well be the one to tell you.

1. Cover your tattoos. Remember that tattoo you got 2 years ago across your back? Well it shows when you wear a scoop neck top. And guess what? It sends the wrong message. "Pookie's Girl" written in script on your back or peeking out from any other visible place does not make for a polished image. Now, if you have a hit song, a hot video and a stylist Ala Rihanna--it's cute. In Corporate America it is not.

2. If you decide to wear slingbacks, mules, or peek-toe shoes, please, please, please get a pedicure. It is a real treat and you can usually get one for under $40 at a nail salon.

3. Ladies, when you wear a sandal, even those with a heel, your foot should remain within the confines of the shoe. In other words, it is not okay to go outside of the lines. No peeking through the straps of your sandal or over the edge action. Keep it inside, ladies.

4. Dry your hair before you get to the office. A crowded elevator and dripping hair will get someone's day off to a bad start.

Stay Pressed, Stay Ready.

On A Mission

The mission statement. Almost every company has one. A mission statement allows a company to define itself to the public and state it's overall goal and a broad synopsis of it's strategy in achieving that goal. Just this week a friend of mine was speaking to me about her personal mission statement. It is important that you know your company's mission statement, but you should also have a personal mission statement as well, so that you can stay grounded and focused on what you hope to accomplish in your role and in your future.

A mission statement can help you better understand if your values and goals are in line with that of your employer. Simply put, it can be a compass to help you determine where you are and where you want to be. Remember that movie, Jerry Maguire? It was his mission statement that led him on a different path to realizing his professional and personal success.

Recently, I attended a development conference where Susan Taylor, formerly of Essence Magazine, was the keynote speaker. As always, she was inspiring in her delivery and encouraged the audience to develop a plan of action, to reach out and help others and enjoy the journey. A mission statement is one of the best ways to begin charting your path. In her book, All About Love, Ms. Taylor writes under the section titled, Mission Possible:

"Fill your mind with positive thoughts about yourself and your goals, and make realistic plans to take you from here to there. Know why you're working where you are: to gain a skill, to earn money to invest in yourself, to educate your children, to buy a home, to lay the foundation for your own venture--or simply because you love the work. Every thought and move related to your career should be focused in the direction of your dreams."

That is just the beginning. You want your statement to include the details of what you hope to accomplish as you move toward your larger goal Your mission can and should include how you want to perform in your role. But remember, a mission statement doesn't have to be long, so don't get discouraged about the length or lack thereof. Familiarize yourself with your mission and refine it as you move along in your career.

Creating a personal mission statement is your opportunity to become really clear about who you are, what you want and to design a plan of action.

Want to Move Up? Move Over

You've been patiently waiting for that golden opportunity: the newly created role or a sudden vacancy on the organization chart to seize a promotion. You've been honing your skills and even though you were passed over for the last five promotions, you're sure that you are ready for expanded opportunities and a new job title this time. If you have found yourself in a similar situation, you may want to rethink your career plan.

Career growth is not always vertical. In fact, many have discovered that sometimes the best move is a lateral one. Your job title may not change, but often lateral moves allow you the opportunity to gain experience and develop expertise in areas that you may not otherwise be exposed to, making you a well-rounded and valuable resource to your organization. Learning all there is to know in a certain role should not be your goal. Rather than making you a shoe-in for the next promotion, knowing-it-all is more likely to keep you locked into your current role.

So keep looking up, but keep an open mind to moving over.

Audition

It's not what you know, it's who you know. We've all heard that one before. If your list of contacts is lacking, that statement can be somewhat discouraging. But it doesn't have to be. The truth is you know more people than you think. You don't have to wait until a position is open or you land an interview to make a good impression. Every encounter, every meeting and every exchange that you have with other teams, managers and executives is a chance for you to audition.

Think of your next meeting or conference call as an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, in a relaxed setting. This is when others get to see your skills in action. So don't dread the meeting or multitask on the conference call. Participate. Audition for the role you see yourself in. Others will begin to notice. Before you know it, you might just be the one to know.

Q & A

So you've been fortunate to land an interview. Your suit is sharp, you've done your research and you know you're perfect for the job. But are you ready? You're about to sit down for an hour, maybe two and have a conversation about your work experience and your abilities. Your responses--both verbal and non-verbal--will be closely observed. Still feeling confident? Preparing for an interview includes anticipating the questions you'll be asked and knowing your intended response.

Well, let's review a few possible questions and the context in which you should take them to help you develop an appropriate response.

1. Give an example of any major problem you faced and how you resolved it?

The manager is trying to determine how you handle problems that may arise and how you deal with challenges. Provide detail, details, and more details. The good thing is it doesn't have to be related to your job. It can be something that occurred while you worked for a charitable organization or volunteering. Be sure to identify the situation that was the problem. Refrain from making your response about a particular person. Be clear to identify the problem, the options you had, the solution, and the outcome. When you mention the outcome, again, provide details. Instead of saying, "it all worked out". Say something like, "by the end of the day we completed the upgrade ahead of schedule and ultimately decreased processing by 40%".

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Don't mention that you like to sleep late or that you buy lotto tickets. Focus on weaknesses that relate to your professional life and that could put you in a positive light. Ex: I'm a perfectionist. I have to go through my reports with a microscope or I don't forget when I make a mistake. I'm obsessive about getting things done right.

3. Tell me of a time when you needed to complete a task or respond to a client and you didn't have the answer. How did you handle it?

Now is the time to promote your resourcefulness. Don't say I waited until my co-worker came back from lunch, vacation, etc. Use an example of when you had to really dig for an answer. For example, you could explain that you keep a log of past issues /problems and were able to use that as a resource. You could also share that you had already asked a vendor to provide documentation on a similar subject previously and had it available to you in your time of need. If your example includes legislation of some sort, you might have found the Internet resourceful. The idea is to use an example showing how you can be independently resourceful, keep your composure and get the job done.

4. Do you have questions for me? That's easy...see last Thursday's post "Interview With a Twist?"

This Just In...

DiversityInc magazine has released it's 2008 list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity. You may want to pick up this issue, but for now here's who made the top 10.

1. Verizon Communications
2. The Coca -Cola Co.
3. Bank of America
4. Price WaterhouseCoopers
5. Proctor & Gamble
6. Cox Communications
7. Merrill Lynch & Co.
8. Johnson & Johnson
9. IBM
10. American Express

Happy Monday!

Welcome to the beginning of another work week. I know that some of you walked into the office this morning grudgingly. You were dreading all that awaited you, the e-mails, the deadlines and the politics. So as you sip on your coffee, fantasizing about quitting time, the weekend, vacation, or the day you hit the lotto and resign, I wanted to share with you the following thought.

Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well. --Josh Billings

The same is true on our jobs. Today, take a moment to recreate your attitude and rethink your strategy. Remember, whatever your situation is, you have the opportunity today to change it for the better. Speak positively to yourself and others. This week make it a goal to change the language that you use when you think and speak of your work environment and your projects. Don't be afraid to use words that are exciting. You can start in small ways. When someone asks how you are doing, respond with "fantastic". When they ask about your weekend, "wonderful". The coffee is, "delicious".

I wish you a productive, exciting and wonderful day. Let's work.

Interview With a Twist?

Maybe you've heard that now is not the time to look for a job. Well, the next time someone tells you that, ask them when is the time. Life is what it is and regardless of the economic outlook, we may find ourselves needing to pound the pavement or in search of a better opportunity.

Regardless of your situation, you'll probably experience some interview jitters. Most of us go into an interview with the objective of impressing the hiring manager. In the back of our minds we want to measure up to their standards. And rightly so. However, the interview is also the time to make sure that the company, the position, and your potential boss are right for you. The best way to discover this is to interview them.

That's right. Flip the script. Once you've answered all of their questions, usually they'll ask if you have any questions for them. And you should. You should go to your job interview with a list of questions written down. You don't need to memorize your questions, because you'll have them written down. Pull them out and be very direct, "I hope you don't mind if I take notes". Then proceed with your list and make note of their responses. Whoever is interviewing you, will know that you came prepared and that is likely how you will perform in that role. As they respond to you, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.

The point is not to put the interviewer on the spot, but to get a feel for the true culture, environment, and position that you are interested in. There's no set number of questions (I usually have about ten) that you should have. Some of them may even be answered during the conversation. This is another good time to ask for further explanation on a subject, It shows you were paying attention. Here's a few sample questions that I've found helpful.

1. What are the department's goals for the year?
2. How is this role important to the company--how does it contribute?
3. If hired, would I be filling a new position or replacing someone?
4. Are sales/projections ahead of last year's?
5. Could you give me a brief tour? I'd like to see where your people work.
6. If hired would I report directly to you or someone else?

Cubicle Style

It's just a few days before summer officially starts, but the warm weather is here. The seasons change and we want to be a bit more daring with our wardrobe choices. The fact is while the fabric changes, the rules don't. I know you're tempted to wear that sundress but before you put that on, here's a few items that rank high on the Do Not Wear To The Office list.

1. Flip flops are a No-No. You won't be taken seriously and everyone will hear you coming.

2. Advertising. Shirts with slogans or pictures on them are OUT. The same rule applies to shirts with your family reunion, your dog, Eat At Joe's, Have A Bud, etc. I know you love Sex and the City, but unless you want to be "Unpromotable" in the City, it shouldn't be on your shirt. Make another fashion choice.

3. Capris. Capris are stylish, but they're tricky in the office. Some women can pair them with a blazer and make it work, but if you're tempted to wear them a little snug, with a gold belt, and a denim jacket--you're probably not one of those women. If you'd wear them to the club, they shouldn't be on double duty at the office. (Really. I'm here to help.)

By the way, Registration is now open for Essence Magazine's 5th Annual Leadership Summit-Women Who Are Shaping the World. Which will be held on October 24, 2008 in NYC. For more details visit Essence.

You've Got To Know When To Hold 'Em

It has happened to most of us at some point in our careers. We work hard on a project or idea, only to have a colleague take the credit. As tempting as it may be, a confrontation is not the way to go. Chalk the first time up as a lesson learned. The best way to deal with this is to keep your boss in the loop and updated on the project so that your contributions are obvious.

But what if the credit napper is your boss? That situation is tough, but not hopeless. Ask if you can attend the meetings where the idea/project will be discussed. At some point, before they take full credit, add a comment, but try leading with "As we discussed earlier, Bob..." Others will realize that you did make a contribution and that you can add value to the discussion.

What I found most common in my case is that I would offer an idea only to be told that it wouldn't work or that it wasn't in line with our strategy. Only to attend a meeting where someone two job titles and three pay scales above me would offer the same suggestion. In that case, try saying something like, "I think that would work. And what if we...(now add in your perspective) while your boss or colleagues are trying to pick up their faces, you'll be able to demonstrate your flexibility and possibly build a strategic relationship.

Here's another strategy, when your boss asks you for ideas, suggestions or input, be forthcoming and supportive but don't give away the store. Give a brief suggestion, but add "I'll need some time to think it through". I asked an executive about this at a recent conference and her response was, "You don't always have to shine". It's important to be a team player, but if you always provide ideas for others to use, they'll do just that. Keep a few ideas in your pocket. Sooner than later, you'll get your chance to shine.

Welcome!

This site is devoted to help career minded individuals on their journey in Corporate America. For those of you who are trying to climb the ladder, get the corner office, or keep a cube, I hope you find the entries provided to be a valuable resource. I've listened to the advice of some of the best executives and I'll share their thoughts and suggestions for being successful in the workplace.

Since this site is all about building a career, I'll keep it professional. I'll be candid, forthcoming, and who knows, you might get a good laugh along with a solution. I hope that you find the information on this blog insightful, useful and relevant to your career.

From your cube to mine!