Friday Roundup - This Week's Top 3 Career Makers

It's official. 2020 has started. Last week was more of a catch-up and get ready week. There is no more pretending or running away this week. It's time to work.

For those of you new to my Friday Roundup - I share stories that popped during the week as real world examples of what TO DO and NOT TO DO at work, when managing your career, asking for a raise, building your reputation, being a leader or a host of other things.  One of my favorite pieces of advice from my very first manager was "it is just as important to learn what NOT to do as it is to learn what to do". (Thank you Adrienne Altman!).


Here's this week top 3 Career-Maker's :

1. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Leaving Royal Life

You could say they are reinventing their careers, disrupting an age-old industry, I mean institution, and, of course, ruffling a lot of feathers. Apparently even Oprah Winfrey might be advising them on their actions. In due time, we will all learn more about the real reasons - could be security, could be an unwillingness to play second fiddle to William and Kate, could be they couldn't handle the immense scrutiny?

This is exciting because it really proves that anyone (a la Elon Musk) can disrupt an industry or institution. There will be a lot of hurdles and tons of backlash. It takes tons of perseverance and fortitude. If you are ready to completely change careers despite popular opinion (your family and friends), have a plan, plot your course of action and stay committed. Be prepared for the transition to take time and that you may have to prove yourself - again.

2. Mike Leach Left Washington State to Become the Head Coach at Mississippi State 


'Tis the Season for NFL Football Coaches (and College Coaches) to be evaluated and - maybe - let go. Getting fired, rehired, and relocated and can be the name of the game - just ask an NFL or College Football Coach. Their job security is predicated on the success (or failures) of their teams.

Once you get to an executive level, the risk of getting "fired" gets higher. Performance is key. No one knows this better than football coaches. This really isn't just about Mike Leach. At the executive level, the risk of companies merging, being acquired, resizing, downsizing, rightsizing or shedding some management layers increases.  The lesson? When you sign the offer letter, ensure there is a severance clause. If not, negotiate one before you walk out the door.

3.Ricky Gervais Tells it Straight Up - REALLY Straight Up

Do you watch the Golden Globes - or Hollywood award shows? You may never have watched one but it would have been hard to escape the shock of Ricky Gervais' opening monologue. Not exactly known for being PC, he didn't hold back. It is expletive filled, or I would have posted a video.

Whether or not you agree with Ricky, here is the lesson. At work, you can be direct but you can also be too direct. Ricky will not hurt professionally or finally from his monologue. But if you take a more direct tactic at work, calling people out because you feel you have the moral high ground, or believing being direct and strong means you are empowered and confident, think again. Look around. Do people like working with you? Do they ask to work with you? Have you gotten promoted more quickly than other people? Or did you tend to find yourself always thinking "this place is not for me"?

You can be honest in a polite and professional manner. My other favorite piece of career advice - you can soften your message without weakening it. And if you do that, you will be 1000000% more likely to gain followers, influence and persuade others, get your point across and achieve your objective.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. You can always change your career direction -  but it might not be an easy road

2. Make sure you negotiate a competitive offer when you accept a job offer

3. Don't confuse being brutally honest with being an empowered leader. 





Rise to the Top

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