Getting Ahead—5 Keys for Advancing in Your Career

To succeed in the world of business, there are several things to consider. Here are a few of the most important details that you should focus on.

In her role as EVP and CHRO, Susie Robinson often discusses career tactics with young professionals. Here is some of her key advice to the next generation of business leaders:

Beyond Personality, Showcase Real Results

Companies look for results as they promote. Execution is a brilliant strategy, so make sure you can put your name next to as many company objectives and key results as possible.

“When I would interview for professional-level HR roles, the questions were, ‘Tell us about who you are and give us some examples of how you behave in certain scenarios.’ At the C-level, it is all results. ‘What did you do, what specific result did it have on the business, what role did you play and what was your direct impact?’ My goals are the company’s goals. I am responsible to deliver real results, and the buck stops here now.”

Be Careful What You Wish For

“A lot of people we interview for our company talk about how they really want the authority and autonomy of a startup environment. ‘I want to be empowered to make decisions; I don’t want to be micromanaged.’ Well, be careful what you ask for because it can be harrowing some days. You have to take risks, you have to make decisions without clear direction and direct precedence, and you have to have the experience to call on and the confidence and courage to execute in real time.”

Take the Offer (Seriously)

“Sometimes I see people wanting to take a conservative approach to their career. I talk to employees all the time that are being considered for promotional opportunities and consider declining them for a more lateral path, saying, ‘I’m a little nervous that I’m going to get the job and fail’ or ‘I don’t think I’m ready, maybe I should go sideways first and then go up.’

While going sideways is great and can enrich your experience in really interesting ways, if you’re being tapped for a promotion or being given a challenge, someone obviously sees something in you that you should strongly consider, and most of the time you should go for it. If you work harder and smarter than anyone else around you, it’s nearly impossible not to be successful.”

Dress for It

While working your way to the top, Robinson recommends you project who you want to be. Get into the mindset.

“It may be a little traditional, but I think of that old saying, ‘Dress for the job you want, not the job you’re in.’ I would expand on it to, ‘If you want to be an executive, act like one, look like one, try your best to understand how to think like one, even before you are.’”

Be Aggressive

When it comes to your career, Robinson’s advice is simple: Start with some understanding of what your talents and interests are. Next, set big goals for yourself. Get aggressive with your aspirations. Then know what it takes to succeed in whatever environment you’re in. Pay attention. Lastly, work harder than you thought you were capable of. While business moves fast and opportunities abound, there is no substitute for earned success.

 

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Susie Robinson is the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Lumeris. She was featured in Issue 11 of Forefront Magazine.

J.L. Greene is a Freelance Writer for Forefront Magazine