Table of Contents
Recommendation
In this episode of the How to Be Awesome at Your Job podcast, host Pete Mockaitis and guest Adam Bryant reveal the crucial steps to becoming an executive. They discuss the art of effective delegation, the importance of a reliable “do-to-say” ratio and the essence of making important decisions. Bryant shares enlightening stories and experiences, highlighting how top leaders differentiate themselves. Learn why some rising executives tap out and how the ambitious can leverage the unique challenges of our times for career success.
Take-Aways
- Aspiring leaders should always ask, “What can I learn from this experience?”
- Communicate your goals and strategies.
- Promotion comes to those who act like leaders.
- Aspiring leaders must be reliable and trustworthy.
Summary
Aspiring leaders should always ask, “What can I learn from this experience?”
Effective leaders constantly reflect on experiences and learn from them. When you maintain an open mind, you can find lessons everywhere. Various CEOs – particularly those with unconventional backgrounds – demonstrate the effectiveness of continually questioning, observing and understanding your environment.
“You should always be prepared at any moment of your life to learn the most important lesson of your life.” (Professor Ruth Simmons)
Embrace silence and take time to process experiences instead of constantly consuming information. This quiet patience leads to profound insights and more sound decision-making.
Communicate your goals and strategies.
Leaders must set a clear path and ensure that everyone can follow it. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, exemplifies this behavior. He articulated a three-part plan: Focus on great content, promote global expansion and embrace new technology – especially if it disrupts Disney’s existing business model. This unwavering commitment to clear, simple goals allowed everyone in the company to understand their direction and how they can contribute to Disney’s success. Leaders who provide a straightforward strategy boost morale by helping teams understand how they aid their organization.
Promotion comes to those who act like leaders.
To advance to a leadership role, learn to delegate. This includes tasks you enjoy and at which you excel. Anyone taking on the more comprehensive responsibilities associated with C-suite positions must understand how to delegate effectively.
Leaders must make tough decisions and fully own the outcomes of those choices, regardless of their popularity. For example, a new CEO reminded himself that while he could seek advice, the final decisions were his, and he would bear the consequences if they went awry.
“It is your job to make these hard decisions.” (Adam Bryant)
Being in charge involves continually facing and solving problems. You can view these challenges as burdens or intriguing puzzles; the latter perspective benefits those seeking leadership roles. The pathway to promotion requires self-awareness, the ability to see challenges as opportunities, and looking for ways you can help others accomplish their goals – building mutually beneficial working relationships with both your direct reports and higher-ups within your organization.
Aspiring leaders must be reliable and trustworthy.
Distinguish yourself as a leader with the “do-to-say” ratio, which measures how often someone follows through on what they say they will do. CEO Brett Wilson, for example, highlighted the importance of this ratio in assessing a leader’s dependability. He distinguished himself by building a reputation for reliability and consistently delivering on promises.
“You’re going to get more responsibility because people just know you’re the kind of person who’s going to own it and deliver it.” (Adam Bryant)
Maintaining a high do-to-say ratio boosts your reputation and positions you for more significant responsibilities and career advancements. Enhance this ratio by keeping track of your commitments and ensuring consistent delivery. In doing so, you foster trust and confidence among colleagues and superiors, which fuels your career progression.
About the Podcast
Pete Mockaitis hosts the podcast How to Be Awesome at Your Job and Adam Bryant is senior managing director and partner at the ExCo Group.