Are you wondering why you’re no longer receiving promotions at work? Marshall Goldsmith says, “What got you here won’t get you there,” and as an executive coach for leaders in Fortune 500 companies, I’ve found that to be so true.
Companies hire me to prepare their leaders to step into the executive suite without missing a beat. You see, when you get to the executive suite level of an organization, there’s no room for error. The company needs to be 100 percent certain the person they’re about to put in this role is fully prepared to succeed on day one.
For many, the skills, experience, and aptitude that have gotten them this far aren’t enough to guarantee success in the executive suite. I understood that early in my career when I was promoted into the executive suite at 24 years old.
I was fortunate that my company hired an executive coach who helped guide me through some very choppy waters. He helped me build upon my strengths and encouraged me to take risks that, in the end, paid off handsomely both for the company and me.
I learned a lot from my experience working with a coach, including:
It’s impossible to know what’s hindering your leadership style on your own. You need an independent party to solicit feedback on your behalf.
Leadership is about perception. You may think you’re a great leader, but if no one else thinks so, none of this matters.
Coaching isn’t something that’s done to you. It’s something you do for yourself. To get the most out of coaching, you must be all in.
Companies that provide their employees with coaches are fully invested in their people. They want to ensure everyone in the organization has the opportunity to work for a great boss.
As you think about your future, consider the following questions.
- Where do I want to be a year from now? What skills do I need to master to be the obvious choice for a promotion?
- How am I currently being perceived in the organization? Does this match how I view myself? What, if anything, should I be focusing on to change this perception?
- How can I show up as a better leader for my people so that they will remain with me through thick and thin?
- How do I demonstrate that I’m ready for more responsibility? What specific evidence can I show that indicates I’m promotable?
By focusing on your development and gaining the skills and confidence required to succeed at a higher level, you’ll be well situated to ensure the promotion you receive sets you up for a lifetime of success.
© Matuson Consulting, 2022.
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