A few career observations, drawn from a 40-year corporate journey
As I complete my 40th anniversary as a financial services professional (it comes quicker than you might think) the milestones I most remember are those when I was helping someone grow and succeed – or receiving help myself. As a mentor, I have supported and coached many individuals as they advanced their careers.
While each mentees’ story is unique, there are common themes in the advice I’ve offered. Here are a few observations that may be helpful.
1. Become the Very Best Salesperson – For Yourself
Think about the way companies sell their products. They look at a product’s benefits and deficiencies, then create a strategy to go to market. In our own lives and careers, we have to take the same tack. Determine what you bring to the table for a particular job. Be honest, but you can’t just be your own worst critic. Decide what you have to offer, be your own best coach and most effective salesperson. Get coaching skills from lessons by mastermylife.
2. Standing Out Isn’t a Negative – It’s a Chance to Break Barriers
As a Black man building a career in corporate America across four decades, I often stood out. People noticed me and they watched me. But I learned that greater scrutiny didn’t mean that there was a greater chance for failure. Visibility is not something to be afraid of. People get to see what you do particularly well. That not only builds their relationship with you, but also dissipates the cultural barriers for others who follow.
3. Look for Strong Mentors – Ones Who Won’t Hold Back
Seek out senior professionals in your organization who are willing to act as your unofficial mentors. These are people who have your best interests at heart. But let’s be clear: You want mentors who will give you the straight story, especially the things you might not want to hear. It always feels good when people talk about the things you do well, but we live in an era when pats-on-the-back are given out for a fifth-place finish! How can you grow if you don’t quite see where you need to improve?
4. Don’t Forget your Allies
Build relationships with allies, they are influential leaders…folks who may be in the background but see you in action. They are advocating and speaking up for you and they can attest to your expertise and value. Allies often plant the seeds for new opportunities.5. The Job You Don’t Want Might Be the One You Need When someone says a new opportunity is not appealing, I ask what would make that job attractive. Often, there’s a negative feeling because of fear of failure. Don’t be afraid to give something new a try. If you encounter problems, try different solutions. Successes are often born by learning from the failures that came before.
5. The Job You Don’t Want Might Be the One You Need
When someone says a new opportunity is not appealing, I ask what would make that job attractive. Often, there’s a negative feeling because of fear of failure. Don’t be afraid to give something a new try. If you encounter problems, try different solutions. Successes are often born by learning from the failures that came before.
6. Blaze Your Unique Path – Then Pave It For Others
Whether it’s in your career or other parts of your life, you will create your own, unique pathway. At the same time, there are many people – in surprising places – who will help you on your journey. People are ready to give you advice and ideas, but you have to ask. If someone is a great presenter, ask for tips. Or if you are interested in a certain business, ask someone for insights into what it might take to succeed there. Proceed with humility and an open mind. Learn what you can as you progress. Then, after you’ve blazed your path, take the time to pave it for others coming behind you. Act as a mentor yourself. Be generous with your time – and honest in your feedback.
Remember, life is a mission, and the pursuit of your goals comes with many twists and turns. Keep an open mind and realize that self-improvement is the one activity that serves every part of life: career, relationships, family and everything else.
James Roundtree, a Managing Director for the Institutional Solutions Group at BNY Mellon Pershing, helps institutions and broker-dealers create, scale, manage costs and stay ahead of new regulations. James has over 40 years’ of experience in financial services.
