How to Unleash Your Inner Leader
Written by Monique Jordan-Cave
Leadership & Holistic Coach
Hello, magical human,
I hope you’re ready to fill your career strategy tool kit and learn
How to Unleash Your Inner Leader with Confidence!
Most of us want to succeed at work.
Unless you hate your job! lol
But it can feel difficult to navigate what you should do, when you should do it or how to go about it.
Knowing the right actions to take next that will push you to exceed your own expectations and succeed in your role are key.
All you need is the right strategies in place to advance your career and today, that is what I am sharing with you.
These are just some of the same strategies that my high performing professional clients have used to get promotions, get the pay they deserve and even transition out of their role
Who loves you?! 😘🦄💜
So where do I start?
1. What does success mean to YOU?
Success is something that YOU have to define for yourself.
It could mean a sense of accomplishment by taking on a new project outside of your role.
Going on sabbatical to another department or speaking up more in meetings?
It’s entirely up to you.
This is a crucial step and it’s important to use the word “I, I, I”.
This isn’t about anyone else or what they are doing in their career.
If you don’t define what success means to you, you won’t be able to create it and you won’t be able to find the right opportunities and the right people to help you make it happen!
You want the success others have, but not their story.
I’d love to be successful like Janet Jackson but I don’t want her journey!
And besides, I can’t sing to save my life!
Here are some questions I get my clients to think about:
What truly matters to me in my role?
What are the things that set me on fire with passion at work?
What do I want my career to look like in 2, 3 or 5 years’ time?
What do I want my career legacy to be (map out success story)?
2. Make an Impact
Take the time to be proactive and take on new projects.
What events or ERG’s can you get involved with that align with your values and adds value to your skills and career vision?
Whilst you may feel uncomfortable stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll generate more possibilities to be seen, and boost your confidence.
Okay MJ, but how EXACTLY?
That’s it!!!
What are you exceptional at?
What is happening in your company right now that you can offer your vast and amazing skills for?
What is uniquely important to your boss right now?
When you focus on the sweet spot, your impact is going to be unforgettable!
3. Build the Right Network
The secret to networking isn't about attending every single event you can or meeting as many people as possible!
Instead, concentrate on who you know and what events you can attend to make a difference in your career.
“But Monique, I love all people, and I want to meet as many amazing humans as I can!”
I hear you babe, so do I.
If the idea of only speaking to people who can elevate your career, makes you feel like a popmus arsehole.
DON’T!
What’s the point in turning up to every finance social event if you are interested in moving into marketing?
Makes sense, no?
Being strategic in who you speak to and what events you attend, to enhance your career, doesn’t change who you are to everyone else!
Be intentional with your contacts and create win/win situations because it’s not just about what others can do for you, it’s also about giving back!
Being valuable in those relationships, sending good karma and energy helps to build long-term relationships which is vital for career growth.
You can build good, authentic but highly effective networking relationships and still be a lovely human to everyone else.
4. Self-Promote
I have to say, this affects us all and my clients struggle the most with this one.
They are wonderful leaders, creators, communicators and super proud of their accomplishments.
But they find it uncomfortable boasting about how amazing they are - which is just crazy!
I have to set them straight and now it’s your turn!
Here’s the truth.
You can be amazing, exceptional and making dramatic impacts at work.
Sometimes it goes noticed (and you feel like the superstar you are) and sometimes it doesn’t (those ungrateful little shi*ts!).
Telling your boss or expressing how great you are at your job, doesn’t have to make you feel sick to the pit of your stomach and it doesn’t have to feel inauthentic.
YOU still need to make sure that you are advocating for yourself!
I get my clients to complete my Brag Bank Template.
So when appraisal time rolls round, they have the opportunity to speak up and update their bosses on every single project and likkle bit of progress they have achieved, both in and out of their role.
What strategies will you implement to excel in your career?
Let me know in the comments below.
Over to you!
Please feel free to share this article with a loved one, friend or colleague.
MJx