A manifesto for your professional growth June 19, 2022 by Belinda EganHere’s a painful truth about life that’s often forgotten: If you don’t choose your path, someone else will choose it for you – and it will be a path that benefits them, not you. Have you been allowing your leadership trajectory to be directed by someone else? Have you been so focused on the growth and development of others that you’ve lost sight of your own? Don’t get me wrong here: I talk a lot about ‘team-focused’ leadership because I firmly believe it is the best way to build strong, resilient, bonded teams that change lives and organizations from the inside out. But without the proper building blocks in place (read: a leader who knows herself really well and has invested deeply in her own development), ‘team-focused’ leadership is just a pipe dream. A strong, courageous leader knows well where she’s headed and where she’s leading her team because she holds her goals, values, and beliefs as the central force behind everything she does. If you’ve been feeling unsure, hesitant, confused, or discouraged in your leadership trajectory, today’s lesson is for you. I’m going to share with you a few of the tenets of courageous leadership that guide and direct the most focused, impactful leaders in their work. I want you to make the commitment to yourself to embed these tenets deeply into your reality – meditate on them, write them on post-it notes and put them somewhere you’ll see them often, and talk to people you trust and admire about your ongoing work to embody them. Today, you’re going to make a promise to yourself to commit to your own growth as a leader – and these tenets of courageous leadership will help you to do that! 1. You must take ownership of your leadership trajectory When you put your career growth in the hands of others (specifically, your executive team), it’s probably not going to grow. Sure, there is a certain amount of training and movement within your organization that will be ‘allotted’ to you – but it will always be in the best interest of the organization, not you. And here’s the super-cold truth: Some of the people above and beside you don’t want you to grow or move up. With these two facts in mind, it’s in your best interest to take charge of your leadership trajectory. I don’t say this to say that you shouldn’t have faith that some people will want what’s best for your professional growth. You’ll come across leaders (the type we’re growing at Courageous Leadership) who have a genuine empathy, compassion, and passion to help others reach their highest potential. But unfortunately, these types of leaders are not the majority (which is another reason why it’s beneficial for you to become one! There’s less competition up there at the top.) So take ownership and be bold. Ask about the training opportunities available, but don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Keep digging. Encourage your executive team to sign up for programs like Courageous Leadership. Invest in your growth. No one else will do it for you. It’s up to you! Speaking of saying “NO”… 2. You must say “NO” to everything that doesn’t help you grow Moving sideways is only helpful if you’re dodging an oncoming train. Otherwise, it’s just observing the same patterns, beliefs, and experiences you’ve already had. You’re not getting anywhere worthwhile. Say a loud and resounding NO to anything that you don’t see actively contributing to your leadership trajectory: Taking on more responsibility without room to move up or more compensation Being moved to a different role that doesn’t interest you or align with your goals or intended trajectory Taking on the emotional or tactical burden of bottlenecks that are someone else’s responsibility to manage These are just a few of the bigger examples of the types of things leaders are often asked to do that are not conducive to their career goals or professional fulfillment – there are many smaller, less immediately obvious ways leaders get sidetracked in their daily work lives. I know that your first thought when you’re asked to do something new that doesn’t align with your goal is to worry that you won’t seem useful or helpful if you say no – like you’re acting as a ‘team player’. But let me ask you this – if you find yourself feeling discouraged, burnt out, or repeatedly overlooked because you say ‘yes’ to opportunities that don’t help you grow, are you really trying your best in your role? Are you giving the best of you to the task at hand? Or are you acting codependently, hoping that by offering yourself up to things that don’t feel good you’ll eventually get to where you’re going? If you find yourself feeling resentful, angry, or looked over because you said ‘yes’ to something that isn’t helping you grow, you’re not growing. You’re doing the opposite – you’re stagnating. You’re ruling yourself out of the equation – and you’ll lose the respect of those around you as they see you’re making decisions that aren’t authentic to you. Don’t you think that looking for opportunities that will help you grow will better show off the best of your abilities and leadership traits? When you’re asked to do something new, ask yourself this: how will this help me grow? If the answer isn’t ‘YES’, say ‘NO’! Finally, this last point is something that many people (particularly people-pleasers) struggle with, but it’s a game-changer once you master it… 3. Once you’ve found your reason, you don’t owe anyone an explanation This is a tough one for a lot of us. You want people to understand you and support you as you push forward in your journey – and it can be tempting to want to over-explain your reasons for choosing certain paths or opportunities when you feel like you’re being questioned. Burn this into your mind: Once you’ve found your reason for choosing a path or opportunity, you don’t need to explain it to anyone outside of the people who will be directly affected by it (ie. your spouse or partner, your children, or people who have invested tangible resources into your choices.) Repeatedly remind yourself that most people don’t actually care about what you’re doing – they’re just curious. And you don’t need to satisfy their curiosity to make them feel comfortable. Keep your focus steadily on your goals and tasks. You chose them because they will take you where you want to go. The people that can help you get there will be happy to encourage and assist you – the rest will have lots to say, and most of it won’t be worth hearing. So, leader – are you ready to take action towards your growth? I’m bringing together a group of highly motivated, intelligent, and inspired women on July 14th, and you need to be there! This will be a 1 day live intensive workshop for aspiring, growing, and well-developed women in leadership to come together in fellowship and community while I share with you the most important things I’ve learned throughout my 20+ years of executive leadership coaching. This powerful event was made for you if today’s lesson shone some light in dark places where you’d like to grow. If you’re ready to take your seat at the table, practice using your voice, and make lasting change in your organization, we need you here on July 14th! Follow this link to find out more and grab your seat before all spots are filled. This will be a life-changing event! See you soon, Belinda