Career reflections for my high school graduate

This week our family celebrated its first high school graduation and, as you can imagine, a flurry of emotions has dominated our home. From the pride of seeing our first child complete this important phase in life to the fact that we will miss her dearly when she heads to college in the fall.

Watching her get her diploma, it made me think about that time 30 years ago when my own path started and what important lessons I learned along the way. College prepares you well in many aspects, but it was ultimately the hands-on experience that taught me those lessons, sometimes in a hard way.

I lost one of my first jobs right after college. By focusing mostly on my own responsibilities, I put less attention on everyone around me and how critical those relationships and bonds were to achieve success as a team. As of today, I still wonder what would have happened if I had been coached effectively from day one. Even before that, what if someone would have encouraged me to have a coach?

As years went by and after having multiple roles, in multiple companies and countries, I have observed a key aspects that were foundational to many careers, including mine. (Disclaimer - this is by no means a complete list!)

The first one was a piece of advice I received from the owner of the farming operation I was managing before leaving for a job to a corporation. This was a smart, savvy, and wealthy individual - after working with him for over 4 years, I had learned a lot but the best was yet to come.

He said, “In any company you work for, build the reputation of a problem solver a live up to it. Make sure your manager can rely on you to get things done. There are no sweeter words for your manager that when you say, ‘I got it covered, don’t worry’ and you deliver on that. It makes your manager look good and she/he can devote their time to other things (take care of others who need more support, ensure you have the right resources, have more time for their families, etc)”. If the four years working for him were the prelude to this, then they were worth every minute. This has been, hands down, one of the most important pieces of advice I have received. And guess what – it works, and it makes everyone better off. Your manager, your team, yourself, and the company you work for.

Another aspect I feel very passionate about is related to sponsors, including the most important one - your manager. For all the reasons in the world, you want to have the right manager and the best possible relationship with her/him. Beyond the obvious “enjoying my work”, there is a deeper reason. Your manager is key to your career, especially early on when your passion is way larger than your experience. She/he will be your voice when you are not in the room, will support you when your work is being challenged and will share the feedback from others. A great manager will also support your development plan and career aspirations, will be generous with coaching and helping you develop in the direction you want and need. This is solid GOLD!

While I know it’s not always possible to “choose” your manager and that she/he might move on at some point, it’s too important not to make it a key decision driver when you are looking at a job opportunity. If you have the chance to choose the right manager, you definitely should. The difference between a great manager and a not so great one will have great impact on you. Over 25 years, I’ve had both (and -in full honesty- I have been both). The impact on motivation, team effectiveness and spirit, delivery of results, engagement, etc. was multiple times higher when working for the right manager.

Lastly, expanding your network of coaches and sponsors within the company and in the industry is key. Your manager might move on, or you might want to work for other managers and companies in the future. Learning from and getting to know them, as well as giving them a chance to get to know you, is both energizing and rewarding. It broadens your perspectives and expands your network…that can only be a good thing!

Finally, as I always remind my kids and myself...

Enjoy the ride, don’t take it all too seriously and have lots of fun in whatever you do!.