This book has a great treasury of stories about executive people of color, their trials, and their successes. The authors clearly take thestories beyond “surface political polish” and delve into what each ofthese people learned through trial and error. The leaders did not usetheir race or gender as a crutch; instead they honed in on criticalskills that helped them to become strong leaders.
Reading the book inspired me to revisit the essential mindsets article I wrote a few months ago for my blog, and I want to share withyou what I have discovered to be common mindset themes within my circleof experience and resources for professional women in advanced careers.
Read on to find out if you can identify with any of these.
7 Essential Mindsets
- I am a life-long student of business
No matter what industry you are in, or what degree you bear, in order to be successfully branded in the corporate arena and beyond, you musthave solid business skills. To understand economic indicators, businessstrategy, and basic survival techniques be consciously invested inlearning more about the business side of what you do.
- Authentic marketing is everything
I often hear that phrase used by one of my favorite “unconventional” marketers, Andrew Lock of the website, Help My Business Sucks, when hesays “Everything is marketing & marketing is everything”. Since Ifirst heard Andrew use this phrase, I knew that it was true. Just lookat the number of ads and visual promotions you are exposed to every day.The key is to ensure that you market only what you know you candeliver – thus, authenticity is a must in marketing your career brand.
- I establish relationships with key influencers and resources that are mutually beneficial
In order to achieve higher levels of career success, it is important to establish and maintain solid relationships with key influencers andresources in a way that both parties understand the advantage. When yousurround yourself with people who are not like-minded individuals andnon-supporters, it can significantly decrease your chances of raisingyour “game” to be able to compete with others for the top positions.
- I choose where I invest time, energy, and money; therefore, I choose my results
Too many times I’ve heard professionals blames someone else for their lack of promotion, or even lack of motivation. However, our investmentof time, energy, and money is always a choice. Learn who wields powerin your organization and establish yourself as a go-to expert for them,someone who can get them and the company the results they are lookingfor. Prioritize your day to get the most critical things accomplishedin an efficient amount of time and you will be seen as asolution-driver.
- I am comfortable with competition
Understand that no matter what level you have achieved, there is always someone else right at your heels. As a leader, and particularlyas a woman of color, it’s important to know that you will face adversityand you will always be challenged to be more excellent with every taskyou take on. As long as you know this, and you learn to expectcompetition, you will be mentally prepared to watch for opportunities toexcel above the norm.
- The outcome matters
You can do tasks all day long, but unless you drive results no activities really matter. Consider what your daily activities are, whichof them add the most value to your company’s bottom-line, and whattasks need to be eliminated. Decide on the outcome you want and orderyour day to get there.
- Change is a vehicle for my growth
It is the one thing that is constant and everyone knows it’s coming – change. When you can look change in the eye and say, “I see you. Whatlessons do you have for me today?”, you open your mind to opportunitiesinstead of setbacks – jewels instead of blocks. Learn to notice thesigns of change coming and be prepared with your mental “emergency kit”so that you can swerve to a different path at a moment’s notice. Alwayskeep your resume current and build on your personal brand daily. Don’twait until it’s too late to design a consistent, powerful career brandthat will carry you to the next position or opportunity.
About the Author: Tanya Smith of Be Promotable shows ambitious working professionals how to get the promotion of their dreams. To getinstant access to her free special report on surefire steps to gettingthe ideal job promotion stop by and visit http://www.bepromotable.com.
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