Page 204 - Roy W. Rice - CEO Material How to Be a Leader in Any Organization-McGraw-Hill (2009)

You Manage Your Career and Don’t Let Others Do It • 185

I did learn what I liked and didn’t like. It was the process of distilla-
tion that led to the perfect job.
You, not human resources, your boss, a sponsor, your parents, or
search firms, control your career. Objectively look at where you are, what
you’ve done, what you still can do, and where you could go—then do what
you should next—and continue. Ask and deserve promotions. Simulta-
neously sponsor others in their efforts.
Don’t move just because you have a situation you can’t fix. But don’t
wait until something really attractive comes along either. If you cling to
a job because it’s comfortable, the commute is easy, your in-laws are close,
you love the company or the people, you have no desire to change, you
lack focus, you lack confidence, and you can do it with your eyes closed,
you’re making a career blunder.

What Does Managing Your Career Mean?

What Does It Look Like?

If you choose to do this (because it is your choice), you

■ Are willing to work for a boss you don’t like and still make the
boss look good and smart.
■ Learn how people get promoted in your organization and do the
same and more.
■ Help your boss get promoted and help your subordinates get
promoted.
■ Consistently exceed your own expectations and even do better
than others think you will.
■ Take it on yourself to learn how profit and loss happens in your
organization.
■ Solve problems and make issues go away and communicate so
that others know what your team has accomplished and the
value they add to the organization.
■ Coach your people on the next steps they should take after each
of their accomplishments.