When Talent Isn't Enough: Three Gems to Help Pave the Way
I enjoy mentoring. In fact, I need to mentor. It's just as fulfilling for me as it is for the mentee and an excellent way to remind yourself of what matters. So when asked, "What does it take to do X, Y,Z," I frequently share some variation of the following three tips:
1. Talent/Skill alone doesn't cut it-Often times, professionals believe that their ability to complete task X should be enough to get a new job, a raise, and/or a promotion. While performance will always play an integral role, motivation involves stepping outside of your comfort zone to find creative ways to position yourself as the "best."
2. "For Sure" doesn't Exist-Throughout my career, I have spent thousands of hours preparing proposals for new business off of the hope that they may materialize. A friend once asked, "Why are you doing all of this when it's not for sure you will get it?" Motivation means that you don't acknowledge "for sure." You thrive off the concept that every piece of work you do, whether it results in the desired goal or not, builds your expertise.
3. The Secret's Out-While there are many scenarios that require you to stay mum about your professional plans, motivation is a superpower that leads to you openly communicating your goals. Fear often keeps us from verbalizing what we want in front of others. This often leads to missed opportunities considering the value of networking. Be firm and comfortable in briefly stating what you want especially when in the presence of friends and colleagues who you trust. You never know the origins of that next dynamic referral.
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Farrah Parker is a communication professional who started her career with the Los Angeles Lakers and consults for Grammy Award winner Anthony Hamilton, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, and the Dodgers Foundation to name a few. With her expertise featured in publications including the Wall Street Journal, Fox Business News, and CNN.com, she has also managed press for Shaquille O'Neal's SHAQtacular and SHAQ-a-claus charity events and the Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation.