Assuming that people are mind-readers is a BAD strategy for career advancement

Here’s something that I’ve realised after coaching hundreds of women. We are FANTASTIC at creating economic value. We work hard, we get shit done, we’re reliable.

IF ONLY that was the sole ingredient to career success…

Now don’t get me wrong, creating  value is BASIC #1 of getting ahead. But I’m guessing you’re already doing that. And doing it well. 

So, let me ask you this. If your motivation for creating all of that value is to move up to the next level of your career, have you told anyone about your ambitions?

I ask because the second thing I’ve realised after coaching hundreds of women, is that we tend to assume that other people are mind-readers. That they know all about our hopes and dreams simply because we work hard and get the job done.

Maybe that’s true, but are you willing to risk your career success on the assumption that someone else has correctly guessed, or even thought about, your career goals?  

If the only reason you haven’t shouted your ambitions from the rooftop (or at least mentioned them once to your boss) is that it hadn’t occurred to you, please just go do that.

But perhaps the real reason you haven’t done that yet is because of all the thoughts that come up when I suggest it. Perhaps you think it’s ‘presumptuous’ at your level to talk about future leadership roles. Perhaps you think it’s ‘pushy’ or an ‘inconvenience’ to raise the topic. Perhaps you worry that you’ll be told you’re not ‘good enough’ yet.

The thing to remember is that all of those thoughts are optional. They’re not ‘the truth’. I know that because we could make equally strong arguments that telling people about your ambitions shows commitment and focus; is useful for them to know from a planning perspective; is a normal (and even expected) conversation in a commercial environment.

Look, I can’t predict how your boss will react. But I do know this. If your goal is to get a promotion, it helps if the people giving them out know that you want it.

So please don’t assume that other people know or care about your ambitions. It’s your job to connect the dots between the value you create and the position that you want as a result. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how to triple your chances of getting to the next level in your career, just click THIS LINK to sign up for a free call with me.