(Repost from November 2019)
As we prepare for, and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday here in the US, I thought it would be appropriate to share my career reflection.
Knocked Down But Not Out
Feeling shut out and ignored, with a master’s degree and more than 10 years of experience, I was turned down for a promotion opportunity that arose within the team. Though I continued driving organizational priorities, I figured I had hit the growth ceiling, and it was time for me to move on to another company.
Career Crossroad
Excited by this next opportunity to apply my experience, I was able to grow and develop in many ways. While supporting several key initiatives that generated positive business outcomes, I sought additional responsibilities. When a promotion opportunity presented itself, I applied. Receiving encouragement and feedback indicating I had a really good chance of landing the job, I became super excited, and began going above and beyond what was expected. However, an outside candidate was hired, dashing my hopes and aspirations. Disengaged, once again I found myself back at square one. Floundering, and at an all time career low, I made up my mind to move on and seek opportunities elsewhere.
The Breakthrough
Nine years ago, I embarked upon what has become the longest tenure of my career. At the time, I held out hope, and remained positive that this new job would be different than all of the others. Provided with the opportunity to build and lead several programs, I began to expand my knowledge, skill and confidence. Three years in, I was surprised and speechless to learn that I was being promoted. Unlike any of the previous promotion opportunities, I didn’t apply, nor sought this one out. As a matter of fact, the job role did not exist. I was promoted into a role that was specifically created for me, based on the level and quality of the work I was producing. Overcome by emotion, I began to recollect the path that I had taken leading up to this point. Humbled and grateful for this opportunity, I continued focusing on creating value, while expanding my influence through various projects and initiatives.
Twice As Nice
Three years later, I had one of those déjà vu moments. I was informed by my leader that the department would be going through a restructure, and there would be an opportunity for me to move into a leadership role. The job was not advertised, nor did it exist previously. I went through an informal vetting process, and was promoted once again. This time, brimming with confidence, yet humbled by the opportunity to directly impact others, I crafted a vision to enable my team towards success.
Paying It Forward
As the journey began with my new team, I specifically encouraged one member to transition from asking for permission to do things, to taking total ownership of her work. It became quite apparent that she took this to heart, because her job description no longer reflected the scope, and the quality of work that she was producing. Recognizing an opportunity, we partnered to craft her ideal job role. I then advocated to get the role created. After a few attempts, the decision was made permitting the promotion. Excited to share, I met with my team member to inform her about the great news, and the opportunities that lie ahead. At that moment, I finally understood and realized why my career journey went the way it did.
The fact that I could actually leverage my own struggles and victories, to help guide someone else to achieve their potential, is still very surreal. However, during this holiday season and time of giving thanks, I encourage all of us to recount the highs and lows of our respective journeys, and through humility, share our stories to inspire and enable others. The reward far outweighs the journey! Furthermore, if you’re in the midst of trying to level up within your career, but have yet to reach your target, or you know of someone who is going along the same pathway, please comment below, or message me directly. I welcome the opportunity to pay it forward.