Pearls of wisdom to get ahead and stay ahead in competitive work environments
By Jennifer Hedding, HP
We’re surrounded by opportunities
to utilize our skills, experience,
and know-how, but it’s also
important to prepare for what’s around
the corner. Whether you are seeking
employment with a new company, taking
a new job with your current employer or
may change careers, here are some pearls of
wisdom to stay current and marketable.
Do
the very best you can in whatever you do.
The key to preparing for your next job and
having opportunities “fall” in your lap is
focusing on doing an excellent job in the
role that you are in. You may not always
feel your work is appreciated, but people
notice and recognize superior results.
Focus on what can be done, not what can’t.
Too often we get caught up in the way
things have always been, or worse, we say
things like “I can’t, because…” Performing and delivering results in your current role,
and staying abreast of the trends, tools and
data in the market, will enable you to move
ahead in your career.
You must constantly learn and
push yourself to broaden your skills and
exposure. Consider volunteering to work on
a project outside of your function. Having
cross-functional experience is a great way to
advance your career and skill set.
As an example, I’ve been in Human
Resources (HR) my entire career. By taking
on different roles and asking to be on a
variety of corporate-wide initiatives, I’ve
been able to expose myself to areas outside
my area of expertise.
Several times throughout my career, I have
found myself in roles that were quite a
stretch. I was fortunate to have leaders who
pushed me and supported me in roles that
challenged my capabilities. I made mistakes
and often began with little knowledge or
experience, but I learned by asking many
questions, challenging the status quo and
speaking my mind. Be curious, seek out
the answer and focus on the work.
I always ask
questions and do research to anticipate
where the company may go, or should go,
in order to meet its goals and exceed its
strategic objectives. I’m not one to stick my
head in the sand and wait. I am constantly
observing what is going on around me.
Change is exciting and constant. To stay
marketable, you need to be comfortable
knowing that what a company and its
competitors and partners are doing today
will be very different several years down
the road. Knowing this keeps me fluid and
engaged in all elements of my work at HP.
We often think of
networking as an activity we participate in
outside the office, but relationships are the
key to success inside a work environment
too. Focus on reaching out to others,
collaborating and inviting others into
your circle. Those who are inclusive and
optimistic attract others to them.
Whenever I start a new role, like my new
role at HP, I list all of the people I need to
connect with — key stakeholders, peers,
partners and global advisors — and then
systematically meet with each one to
introduce myself and discuss roles and
process. It takes time, but overall it enables
the program to accelerate based on the
foundation of the relationships. At the
conclusion of the project, I always walk
away with a few new friends and resources
within the company.
Find a company
where your personality and values shine.
HP is the fi rst company I have felt I could
be myself in. Being a mother, wife and
professional is challenging at times, but I’ve
found I don’t have to compartmentalize my
life. I value and appreciate that aspect of
HP. It was an unexpected surprise.
Challenge yourself every day of your career.
Look for opportunities. Be prepared.
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As seen in the
Spring 2007 issue of PBWC Connections
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Role Reversal: Pearls of Wisdom for the Boss 