Career Corner: Some Advice

It has been a minute since I’ve provided any sort of career advice!

Something I’ve been working on in my own career journey lately is making myself a differentiator. What that means is what can you do to make yourself stand out at work so that when it is time for raises, promotions, and bonuses - you are at the forefront of management’s mind?

Here’s what I’m doing.

Master your role

First and foremost you need to be a master of your role. This should be your number one priority at all times. You cannot expect to be rewarded for anything until you know how to excel at what you’re paid to do. Additionally, any networking you’ve done, any side projects, none of those matter if you are only mediocre at the job. Be the best at what your roles and responsibilities are before anything else. That is your brand.

Next Level

Once you’re completely mastered your current role, look to what the next step responsibilities are and start mastering those. For example, if a promotion for you means managing others, start to be a leader on your team. Support others, provide growth opportunities, share feedback. Become someone that is a resource for the rest of the team. Be seen as a leader among your peers.

Learn Learn Learn

Never stop learning. If your company provides growth training or opportunities to attend conferences, take them. I work in tech. I am constantly having to reeducate myself on our technologies and solutions as well as teach myself about the ever changing new tech in the world. Never ever get comfortable in thinking that you are an expert. There is always something more to learn.

Differentiate

Figure out an area that your company or team is lacking and provide solutions for growth. Showcase the skills you have that can fill this void. I am passionate about hospitality and creating one of a kind experiences. I work at a company with endless resources to accomplish this. So I’ve challenged myself to go the extra mile and provide next level experiences for our customers.

Network

Always be networking. But effectively. It’s about who you know, but it’s also about the relationships that are authentic. And back to number one, the best networking you can do is be great at your job. You will get noticed when your brand is associated with excellence. It’s also about making meaningful connections. Don’t always look for the highest ranking person in the room, they truly rarely have time for you (rightfully so). Get to know people in the room that can provide a mutually beneficial relationship and that can teach you something. Be respectful of their time. Be authentic. Don’t be someone who only reaches out because they need something. Networking shouldn’t be a forced fake interaction. It should be real and make sense for two people.

It seems simple, but that’s a lot of things to put in place. Put the work in. Be a good person. Go above and beyond. Be authentic. And when it’s your time, give back to the next generation.

Good luck out there sequins!

Career Corner: An Update

It’s been awhile (I feel like I say this every single time) since I did a career update. It has been SEVEN months since I started at Google. Time flew by and at the same time I think about my life in Texas and it feels like it happened decades ago.

Where do I start? Short answer, I’m thriving. I love this job. I love this company. I love this team.

I have always thought that I would have to choose between loving my job and loving where I work and at Google, I don’t have to make that choice.

I’m going to caveat that no, things are not perfect rainbows and unicorns 24/7, but that’s not a realistic expectation to have in life; in any capacity.

Things are really shiny and sparkly though and I have all the boxes checked when it comes to what matters to me in a career.

Growth

Growth is really important here. There are endless opportunities to learn both online, out in practice, and from your fellow Googlers. And it’s all valuable. Every avenue for learning is beneficial to me on a personal and professional level. I have avenues to grow into within this company and those possibilities are endless.

Respect

I am respected. And at any point if I am not, it is addressed immediately and thoroughly. My supervisor has repeatedly had to remind me that I am not in my past roles and she does not tolerate abusive behavior from anyone - within Google or from outside visitors.

Challenge

I am challenged every single day. Truly, I learn about a billion new things each day and there is still so much more I have not learned. There’s no possibility of “I’ve learned it all” here. And the talent pool is so stacked that I’m forced to keep up if I want to stay relevant.

Time

My time is respected. I have a social life. I control my schedule and I’m allowed to say that I’m overwhelmed or burnt out and need support. This has vastly improved who I am as a human being. I’m finding that a lot of my cranky behavior in the past was due to being so miserable and unhealthy in the workplace. I don’t have that here

The bottom line is I’m so happy. I’m so thankful and I’m so encouraged by what I’ve found at this point in my journey. And I hope it encourages you to never settle for anything less than everything. It’s out there. And it’s worth the fight.

Career Corner: An Update

I guess it’s time for a little career corner update. I’ve been a Googler (shout out Cloud team!) for about three months now. Practically a seasoned veteran.

Bottom line - I’m happy and I’m thriving. Let’s break it down.

Can I hack it?

All of the intense fears I had about not being good enough are all but gone. Being new to the tech world was a really intimidating thing. I didn’t know the lingo, the products, the way things are done - and I still don’t. But the best thing I was ever told was that I’ll never know. Tech is ever evolving. By definition that’s its job! And that’s my favorite thing about being in this industry. I cannot learn everything. There will always be a new training I can take or a new product to research. I cannot ever be the smartest person in the room because of how large this field is. When I said I don’t ever want to be an expert in anything, I certainly hope I meant it because here I am living that truth.

Life Balance

I watched one TedTalk on Work/Life balance being a sham and here I am drinking the Kool Aid. I buy into the fact that sometimes all your marbles live in the work bin and sometimes they’re rolling around in your party pants. Thankfully, three months in I feel pretty good. The first two months were a lot of studying. A lot of shadowing. A slow ramp up. All things I hate. But all very necessary to being successful in my role. Then here we are in January which has been the wildest Fast and the Furious movie yet. But I’m in the thick of it and I’m able to contribute to the team. We are all learning about some cool new changes together. AND I’m not the new kid anymore! There are days I’m exhausted. Sure that affects my personal life - yet most days I feel a reasonable level of stress and the ability to do what I need to do personally.

That Google Culture

Listen, I wish this was the moment I was able to give you some big expose on Google. I know I’m still new so in a year I could be sitting here thinking wow was I wrong (if you’re a regular reader, you’re aware it wouldn’t be the first time) but right now, I’m here for the vibe. I’m treated like an adult, with respect, kindness, inclusiveness - I didn’t know this was all a thing at a company. Sure, I have moments I get irritated, I don’t positively love every human I meet - but when this organization says you will be respectful, it damn well means it. My schedule can be flexible. As long as I do my job, the rest, that’s for me to design. Period. They really mean it. And the perks, yea, they’re pretty nice. I’m here for the googliness, I have nothing negative to say and I’m sorry you don’t get the Access Hollywood scandal, but I just haven’t experienced it.

The Role

When I first started I wasn’t sure if this was the role I had dreamed of. I was in all transparency not 100% sure of everything it entailed. Fun fact, neither was the team! It’s been an evolving ever changing role with a growing department. For me that’s not a new position to be in. It doesn’t bother me like it might someone who craves structure. I think it leads to a lot of really exciting possibilities and areas for me to grow. I’m also appreciated for the talents and experience I have. I’m encouraged to use those things to make the team stronger. I honestly don’t know what my dream role is anymore. But I know I’m happy, challenged, and I don’t dread coming to work. That’s more than enough for me.

To sum it all up - I feel like I’m balanced. Weird way to describe a new job but it’s all I’ve ever dreamed of. I’ve existed in roles I hate or companies I hate or surrounded by people I don’t respect and there’s never been just a balance of feeling calm and even and normal. I don’t have the intense Sunday scaries. I’m not looking at how I can get out of work. I’ll still always prefer to be traveling the world, but if I have to work until I win the lottery/marry rich - this gig will do.

Stay tuned…the adventure is sure to twist and turn and bob and weave and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

As always, thank you for your support and know that your best adventure is out there if you’re willing to chase it!

Career Corner: Personal Training

In every career you should exhibit a bit of personal training (AKA always be learning).  Not every company mandates that you participate in consistent career training and not every company even has resources available for you to take advantage of.  However, this doesn't mean you just stop learning, growing, and staying current.  The moment you stop your personal training is the moment you start becoming irrelevant.

Research

Most of our industries are constantly evolving.  There are new procedures, data, new players - a wealth of "new" to keep up with.  It's on you to stay up to date on what's happening in your world and be able to incorporate it into your everyday skill set and knowledge.  How?

• Subscribe to a journal relevant to what you do
• Google: seriously, google your industry and read what pops up in the news
• Check out which companies are winning awards and look at what they're doing

Network

Continue to grow and expand your network within and outside of your industry.  Talk to your clients and colleagues and get their input.  Engage with your circle by asking for feedback as well as to ask what they're doing to stay current.  

Attend a Conference/Training

Many companies will pay for part or all of your attendance at a conference relevant to your career.  Create a presentation and show your supervisor why you want to attendance a conference/training and provide clear cost implications.  Offer to provide a recap to share with the team when you return.  Make your experience something that benefits the company as a whole.  If your company doesn't support this kind of training, invest in it on your own and then get a new job with a company that does value continued education.

Take Advantage of What your Company Does Offer

Even if it's just online training, take advantage of what is free and available at your company.  Even if it's not industry relevant and just career focused (i.e. management skills, writing, etc.) make sure you're taking as much training as you can.  Attend in person workshops and brainstorm sessions wherever possible as well.  

Constant growth and training requires a lot of effort on your part.  It's above and beyond the normal everyday grind but it's absolutely critical to maintaining relevance and skills to make you the best employee and candidate in the game!

Get out there and grow sequins! 

Fake it Til You Make it: A Guide

Ladies and Gentleman, life is a grind.  It's a lot of am I doing this right?  How did that happen?  I thought I paid that bill?  What do you mean I'm late?  I need new tires?  And then sometimes it's how did I get so lucky?  I can't believe my dreams are coming true!  This is the best day ever!  

The point - it's ups and it's downs and it's a lot of nobody knows what they're doing anways.  But the ones who I know are going to be okay, they're the ones who fake it til they make it.  I'm talking the people you meet who seem to just have it together.  They're always on.  They never appear flustered.  We all know them.  We wish we were them.

So how do you fake it until you make it?  

Believe in Yourself

The first and most important rule of faking it til you make it is to actually believe in yourself.  You can't expect anyone else to buy into you if you're not confident in your product.  But what if you're just not there yet?  Before you can fake it, you've got to work on creating some level of confidence in yourself - even if you've got to trick yourself!  Start by giving yourself pep talks.  Write down things that you love about yourself.  Put yourself in situations where you know you shine.  Rinse and repeat. 

Know Who You Are

Are you the funny guy?  The tech nerd?  The one who always has random facts?  Ientify who you are - and be authentic to who that is.  Im definitely the goofball.  But I'm also really loyal, passionate, and probably too extra.  It's who I am.  I could never try to be the quiet bookish type.  It wouldn't be believable.  Know who you are, commit to that, and show people why they should care.

Stay Woke

Stay current on a wide breadth of topics.  Read the news.  Scan social media.  Subscribe to things.  Just be aware.  In order to appear put together, you need to be able to engage with people on a myriad of topics and sound informed.  The more diverse your knowledge, the more opportunities you will have to meet people and expand your network.  

Work Hard

If you expect to eventually make it, and stay there - you've got to work hard.  Even the people who accidentally succeed, they don't stay successful unless they work at it.  Even when you're faking it, work.  Never stop working towards your dream.  

Being successful has everything to do with confidence.  Everyone who ever made it had to fake it at some point.  You arent a failure because you're not there yet - you're a failure if you don't try. 

Management.

Because I've been on the search for the best fit for me - I've spent a lot of time working for a lot of different managers.  I've seen the  best, the worst, and the apathetic.  I've been a manager as well.  And I like to think I'm a pretty good one.  In order to become better, I try to take the pieces of each boss that I love and embody them - and to take the pieces I hate, and never be them.

So what makes a good manager?

A Can Do Attitude

I've got a rule.  I'll never ask my staff to do anything I haven't done or been willing to do myself.  A boss should be willing to put in the work.  I  don't respect a superior who's not willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.

Reasonable

I need a supervisor to be reasonable.  From standards and expectations to the hours I keep, I need you to be realistic.  There is a difference between high standards and pushing too much.  There is a highly defined line between working hard and working too much.

Aware

A boss should be aware of what's going on within the team at all times.  Too many supervisors are quick to notice the mistakes and don't celebrate the successes or even have a clue what's going on within their team.  It shouldn't be a surprise to you when you have a bunch of staff quit.  It shouldn't b few and far between that you're thankful for the work your team does.

Accountable

The boss should hold more responsibility and accountability than anyone.  If your team is consistently making mistakes, it's  on you to find out why and how to fix it.  At the end of the day, the results are on you.  Additionally, if you're the boss and yet you don't put in the work, hold yourself to different standards for vacation/sick/hours - you're not respectable.  You're in charge but you're not above the rules.

Teamwork

I have a client who constantly corrects me when I say work for you.  He insists on saying work with.  And he's my favorite client.  He values me as a human being above all else and understands what being a team stands for.  He knows that the successes and failures are part of the team's effort.  He's willing to put in the time to make us successful and he's not afraid to push us harder.  He doesn't make it a me vs you situation because if I lose, he loses.

There are of course, a lot of other qualities that make a manager great, but to me, these are the basics.  Finding a good boss is hard.  Being a boss is hard.  Making an effort to be a good one and work for a good one is critical.  We spend so freaking much time working, find somewhere and someone you enjoy working for and with.

Career Corner: Episode 3482, Work Stress

I have decided to call my career/business related posts: Career Corner!  I will most likely forget I have decided this by the time I write the next blog, but for today, career corner it is!

On today's episode of career corner, we talk about work stress.  I don't care what your career is, how much you love your company/boss/job - there will always be work stress and it will always feel like the most unbearable thing that ever existed.  

Some careers and industries are more stressful than others and some people handle stress better than others, but the common denominator is that we will all go through it.

So how do you manage work stress?  As someone who works in one of the top 5 most stressful industries in the world, I like to think I am partially qualified to speak on this all too common topic.  

Take a Breath

When work stress hits the first thing you need to do is take a breath and step outside the situation.  Take 30 seconds to take a breath, digest, and gain perspective.  If you don't take a moment to pull back from the situation - the stress just builds and you're not able to get an overview of what's happening.  That's how you lose your shit and get fired.

Problem Solve

When you've taken your breath and inventory of the cause of the stress, start problem solving.  I tell my staff to never be afraid to bring me stressful situations but do make sure you've come up with a few solutions before you bring me the problem.  When you have even one potential solution, you're able to calm your nerves and see that nothing is impossible.

Reflect

Why is this stress happening?  Did you cause the stress?  Is the stress warranted?  Did someone else cause the stress?  Figuring out where it came from and why (or if its even necessary stress) is how you can potentially prevent future stress as well as manage it moving forward.

In the moment - these three steps will help you to effectively and professionally manage a really stressful situation.  But how do you manage everyday stress and set yourself up for future incidents?

Find a Distraction

Take a walk.  Grab coffee.  Call a friend.  Whatever you're able to do that gives you immediate joy, do it.  Make sure you're setting up your workspace to maximize your center.  Eat healthy.  Drink your water.  Bring photos that make you smile.  Surround yourself with distractions that lift you up and keep you in a generally good head space.  

Communicate

If you're in a situation where others are the cause of your stress, communicate with them.  Often times, people aren't aware of their actions and having a respectful conversation with the right people can develop relationships that promote teamwork and teach others how to properly do their part to make work life less stressful.

Step Away from Work

Leave work at work.  I know, I'm terrible at this.  But bein able to shut off work when you leave will hugely affect your headspace.  Don't read emails.  Turn off the work cell.  Go to the gym.  Cook meals.  Enjoy time with your friends and family.  Do the things that enrich who you are outside of the 9-5 and you will make a huge difference in who you are at work.  Do not let your work stress consume your entire world.

Be Self Aware

Are you the cause of your work stress?  Are you making things stressful that don't need to be?  Are you perhaps in an industry that really isn't the best fit for you?  Do a self check in and determine if you can do anything to mitigate work stress.  Sometimes we create stress for ourselves that simply doesn't exist.  And sometimes we work in jobs that aren't the right fit.  Take responsibility and do the work to help ease the stress in your professional life.

 I wish I could tell you that I've been able to completely manage my work stress, overcome, and lead some Zen work life - but I'm human.  I have days that I am completely overwhelmed, threaten to leave, and consider moving to Europe.  I quickly remember that I am not a billionaire, need to pay bills to give my dog a better life, utilize the tools in my arsenal, and reset my mind to fight back against the stress. 

The Perfect Job

As young, naive, fresh to the working world Ashley entered adulthood and the future of her career, she dreamed of the perfect job.  Determined, armed with a multitude of skills - she vowed never to settle when it came to the dream career.  And that same grit, passion, and stubborn refusal to accept anything less than the best exists within my soul today.  But there's one big difference - current Ashley understands that while the perfect job does not exist, the dream still does.

I hate to break hearts here - but there is truly no job that you will be happy in 100% of the time.  You will not end each day thinking- WOW I really loved every single thing that happened today.  Not all tasks will be enjoyable.  But that does not mean you are not in your perfect job.

Understanding that the dream job can be the dream job with bad days is the most important tool you can ever have as you go on your journey as a business person.  

For the first four jobs I had in the real world - I lacked understanding for this fact.  Certainly there were deal breakers that were not normal parts of any job.  But there were also may times I could have taken a step back and gained perspective in my situation.  And by doing so, I could have avoided a lot of drama, unhappiness, and just taken these pieces of my journey as learning experiences for my future.  

If I could give any new to the working world human one single piece of advice, it would be to have perspective.  

Know your deal breakers, make sure they're reasonable and by all means never compromise those deal breakers.  Without principle, without knowing your value - you have nothing.

But also realize that anything that does not fit in your box of deal breakers belongs in your box of "this isn't fun but life isn't always fun."  That's where you store the crappy things nobody enjoys doing but that are vital to the growth of who you are in your career.  Those are the critical must get done for this company to function pieces that you don't want to do but that don't take away from the amazing job you have.  

There is just no perfect job.  But there is a perfect job for you.  Just like relationships, not every moment is glitter and rainbows, but at the end of the day, it's your person regardless.  Think of your job this way.  Sometimes your boss sucks.  Sometimes you have to spend hours on spreadsheets that are the worst.  some days your coworkers are the least helpful people in the world.  But when you think about leaving your job or your company, you can't bear to consider it.  THAT is your perfect job.

Focus less on perfect and more on your level of happiness.  Do you feel inspired?  Challenged?  Do the people around you feel like your teammates? Do you feel happy most days?  If you can confidently say that the majority of your days you love your job, that is the perfect job for you right now.  If you cannot claim to feel joy most of the time, either change your perspective or change your job.  

To add another layer of depth - understand that the perfect job for you can change throughout your life.  What works for you at 22, can change at 26.  The hunt for the dream is not limited to a timeline.  There isn't a rule book to follow.  As you grow, mature, and your skills and your lifestyle change - so may your career path.  That's OK.

As someone who has had the most nontraditional career journey, who has broken every rule - I know that at the end of the day I have to lie with the results.  Why would I ever allow anyone else to dictate what my path to get there looks like?

Leadership Potential

As you grow and advance in your career, you are likely to become a manager.  In a lot of ways, there's not a whole lot of training around this when it happens.  Because of that, a lot of new managers lack an identity as a leader.  

When you are given the honor and the responsibility of managing others, it is a defining moment for you, your career, and the career path of others.  

Think back to the supervisors you've had over the years.  Most likely you work harder, are more efficient, and stay with a company longer when you have a good supervisor.  Alternatively when you're stuck with someone who micromanages, doesn't give clear direction or is just plain unpleasant you probably accomplish less and leave your company a lot more quickly.  Being a boss give you the opportunity to shape the framework for how your company operates.  It also affords you the opportunity to shape the future of those who will go out into the world  and become leaders themselves.  Selfishly, I also want to be a good leader so that my name is out there as someone who is great to work for.  

So how do you become a good leader/manager/boss?

Take the Role Seriously

First understand that being a boss is an important role.  It's not about just you anymore.  You're being trusted to represent the company you work for and to teach other employees what that company stands for.  You will be shaping the careers of others and are often in control of their future roles within the organization

Decide what kind of boss you want to be

Figure out what characteristics you have valued in past supervisors and which ones made your skin crawl.  And then be realistic about what works for you and the group you're supervising.  I hate being micromanaged, but I also understand that sometimes when team members are new they require more oversight.  Make a list of things that are your top priority and figure out how to make those your defining qualities as a boss.  For me that's communication, excellence in expectations, and providing the confidence in my team to do their jobs.

Be Consistent

Whatever type of manager you become, be consistent.  Nothing is worse than a boss who lacks consistency.  Figure out who you are as the team leader and consistently be that person.  It's ok to evolve, but don't decide you don't want to micromanage and then become the person who looks over everyone's shoulder.  The fastest way to frustrate your subordinates is by being unpredictable.

Be Flexible

What works for one employee does not work for all.  Some of your team may require more guidance.  Others don't need any.  Understand their strengths and weaknesses and be flexible as a leader so that you're providing the tools to success for your team.  This includes how you assign projects and give feedback.  Be aware and be flexible.   

Give up the Friendship Role

I'm not a formal person.  As a supervisor I'm probably more approachable and laid back than a lot.  But I'm also very quick to point out the misses and make sure we are working towards excellence.  It's ok to be friendly, but give up the role of friend to those you supervise.  There are boundaries as the boss and they are very critical to the success of your career as a manager.

Be Open to Criticism and Growth

Ask for feedback from both your superiors and those you supervise.  Is all of it going to be useful?  Probably not.  But being open to feedback allows you to reflect on the things you aren't able to see everyday and to grow and adjust how you lead the team.  If you're not constantly looking to how you can be a better manager, you're in no position to be one to begin with.

Being a boss is all of the emotions.  It's exciting, scary, stressful, growth - it's a really cool honor.  But there's a very fine line between being a successful boss and being the person who nobody wants to work for.  Take the role seriously and do everything you can to be you but in a way that promotes success for yourself, your team, and your company.

Career Advice: Part 284, Titles

I hear a lot of people these days talking a lot about titles.  Whether they want to be a Director, a VP, Manager, President of the Universe - a lot of time is spent by a lot of people trying to be crowned with a certain title.  I've got some news for you - what you are called matters a lot less than what you do.

Between most companies, titles are often disproportionate.  They don't easily interchange.  A Director in one agency may simply be an account executive with a different organization.  As you're building out your career path, focus less on what people call you and more on what you are called upon to do.

The best way to set yourself up for success in your future career journey is to look to gain responsibility.  You can do this by:

• Managing staff
• Being given a larger work load
• Managing more accounts
• Achieving higher thresholds in your numbers
• Hitting larger goals

Whatever you're doing now, look to add a level of responsibility and expectations to your role.  Set higher goals.  Increase your management skills.  Develop your accounts and relationships.  

Think of it this way: the more you do, the more value you provide to your company and your specific role, the more likely you are to get promoted.  But if you're always looking at what you're called, that doesn't necessarily define what you can do.  How many of us know someone with a fancy title yet you're always wondering what they do?  Ever had a supervisor who sticks a lot of their work load onto you?  

You should also think about it in relation to interviewing and growing into the next phase of your career.  A company doesn't care if you're the Associate Director of Shiny Things if you don't have the skills to do the role you're applying for.  Nobody cares if you're a hot shot in name if you cant produce results.  Always be growing, learning, and adding skills to your resume - not collecting titles.

Career goals should never be defined by what you're called.  They should be defined by what you're doing to better yourself, maintain strong passions for what you do, and what you're contributing to the goal of the organization.  As you're building your resume and paving your path to greateness, focus less on what you want to be called and more on what you want to do.