Sometimes you just need some inspiration. Whether you are in the middle of a job search, are in a career slump or are starting your own consulting business, wise words can sometimes help give us the boost we need to move forward and help those around us do the same.
As we say adios to 2013 and take a look at our career in the year ahead, take some advice from some leadership gurus, as suggested in Tips & Secrets from Top CEOs. Not only does this advice apply to leading others, it applies to the whole spectrum of your career.
There is a lot of emphasis put on production, but that can’t happen if you are so brain-fried that you can’t remember your own name. You may feel like you need to work 12 hour days, and the truth is, there may be days that you have to. But it does not need to become habit.
Harry Herington, CEO, NIC: “I have three children and have told them time and again to follow their passion – not the dollar. I don’t dwell on what issues might keep me awake at night – I’m setting goals according to what motivates me to get up in the morning. Focus on what you are passionate about.”
Is it true that you can’t buy happiness? Well, let’s be honest, we all like money. But there are other, much more important factors to take into account when getting serious about a career path. The Career Anchors Self-Assessment tool, developed by Edgar H. Schein, professor emeritus at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, can help you assess areas of competence, motives and values related to your work choices, according to Hannah Morgan, 6 Considerations for Choosing a Career Path. This is just one of many tools out there to help you assess what you are passionate about.
Jason Rhode, CEO, Cirrus: “Every single interaction you have with another person leaves that person a little more energized, or a little less. That’s true for all of us, but the further up the leadership ladder you are, the greater the leverage you have becomes. Employees notice every single thing you do. Be very mindful of the messages you’re sending.”
This goes for everyone. Whether you are the head of your company, a contractor with clients or are interviewing for jobs, you always want to put your best foot forward. You never know who is watching.
And in this day and age, you can almost guarantee more people than you think are aware of your every move. Hear about the PR exec who posted a message about traveling to Africa on her personal Twitter account, and got fired for it? It’s just one of many such real-life stories. The moral is that we don’t live in a private world anymore. What you do and how you act in AND out of the workplace is noticed. Make sure that the face you show to people is what you want them to see.
To see how your social identity could affect your career aspirations, check out, More Employers Finding Reasons not to Hire Candidates on Social Media, finds CareerBuilder Survey.
Bryan Shinn, CEO, Silica Holdings: “You have to create a zone where you can push everything else aside and clear your mind. You’re not only serving yourself from a mental health point of view; you’re also serving the business. I’ve had some of my best ideas away from the office so I try to plan that down-time into my schedule.”
There is a lot of emphasis put on production, but that can’t happen if you are so brain-fried that you can’t remember your own name. You may feel like you need to work 12 hour days, and the truth is, there may be days that you have to. But it does not need to become habit.
Know when to say when. Step away from the computer. And if you do have to pull a long shift, at least take small breaks. Here are some exercises you can do at your desk to make sure you get a break.
Brian Mueller, CEO, Grand Canyon Education Inc.: “Don’t be afraid to be bold and don’t be afraid to take on the status quo. Make your plans big and then, in the middle of that, make sure everybody wins. There has to be balance.”
Great advice, plain and simple.