Here are a few of the essential career lessons I have learned (some the hard way), and I share them whenever I am asked to reflect on leadership and professional growth:

  • Have a career path that you design and you your immediate supervisor actively supports. Trying to move ahead with- out a documented plan and the endorsement of your immediate supervisor is virtually impossible.
  • Create and maintain a congenial, yet respectful, relation- ship with your boss.
  • Develop self-confidence and a willingness to take risks by trying new jobs that will enhance your competencies.
  • Foster a rich, deep, and broad network of people at all lev- els of the business. This is essential for career development and progression.
  • Build an impeccable reputation whereby you are known for your integrity and for high ethical standards and behavior.
  • Acquire the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead others to achieve outstanding results, even against all odds.
  • Recognize that a willingness to ask for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
  • Understand that you are employed to deliver results that drive to the company’s bottom line.
  • Take stock of what you have been good at and, just as importantly, what area of the business makes you want to get up every day and do your best! Find your passion early and then craft a career plan that will afford you lateral and upward moves until you have reached your goals.
  • Create a legacy of giving by nurturing and coaching others. Require those you nurture and coach to do for others what you did for them