Tips for Character Development for Professional Success

Feeling reflective as I start my third role at Deloitte in six years. Here are a few lessons I've picked up along the way, offered in the mode of Dan Helfrich's "everyday equations:"* 1) Peripheral vision > Tunnel vision. Work is changing so fast that you can't actually imagine the advancement paths that will be available to you. The job I just started didn't exist a few months ago. If I had been laser focused on a single definition of success in my previous roles, it's unlikely I would have been able or willing to seize unforeseen opportunities. 2) Good work > Hard work. As I used to tell my students, "how hard you try isn't part of how I calculate your grade." Outcomes matter above all. When you start a new role, work as long as it takes to get the outcomes your team or client requires. After that, focus on getting *fast* at the things you have to do most often. Once you build that facility, it stops feeling hard to produce good work -- and the time you save will free you up to strengthen relationships, build new skills, and maintain better balance. 3) Curiosity = Potential. The more interested you are in understanding the people and the business around you, the more ways you will find to help them get better. Those realizations allow you to surface potential collaborations or projects. Most of them won't pan out. Pursue the good ideas anyway -- even if they fizzle, you'll learn a ton and widen your network. 4) Good work * network = opportunity. Doing your job well -- and doing so consistently -- is the basis of your professional reputation. Once you've built good will, your network becomes a force multiplier. At different times, mine has helped me up my game, understand internal politics, find jobs I was (unexpectedly) qualified to do, and navigate difficult decisions. 5) Give > Get. Benefiting from your network is great, but nothing feels better than returning favors or paying them forward. To make sure I generate those opportunities, I keep a lot of check-in calls on my calendar and say yes whenever a colleague asks me to chat with a contact. Connecting someone who needs help to someone who can give it is always the best part of my week. 6) One that I couldn't express mathematically: don't worry too much if it feels like the projects and jobs you have in early career are disconnected. It took 16 years (for my wife) to figure out the throughline that I'm at my best orienting people to new landscapes and helping them plot a path through ambiguity. In middle career, the skills I picked up along the way are producing synergies I didn't plan for or anticipate. There's no way a traditional path would have generated those combinations, but they're undoubtedly what allow me to bring unique value to the teams I support today. Please share your favorite career lessons in the comments! *No, most of these aren't equations, but "everyday (mathematical) inequalities" would either be clunky or signal a different sort of conversation!

Just be yourself    Ever ask yourself, "Who am I trying to impress?" The other day, I talked to a client who was overwhelmed with molding herself into what she thought others expected. Her authenticity was getting lost as she tried to perfect every gesture, every word.   I vividly recall her asking, “Do you think I’m less professional if I prefer casual clothes over a business suit?”   It made me think about the pressures we face to conform.   Then, an old mentor of mine came to mind.  His advice was sharp but nurturing. As I looked at my client, his words came rushing back to me: "Your individuality is your greatest asset."   I told her, "Your unique style, your comfort in your own skin—that's what makes you genuine. That’s what people connect with!"   And just like that, I saw a weight lift off her shoulders.   After embracing her true self, she: - Leads with confidence, not conforming to the typical 'executive' blueprint. - Grows her network authentically, impacting many who admire her realness. - Breaks stereotypes, proving that professionalism isn't a one-size-fits-all.   Now, when someone asks me, "How do you make a real impact?"   Here’s what I say: 1. Forget about impressing. 2. There’s no universal standard you have to live up to. 3. Own your unique qualities.   Your quirky sense of humor, unconventional dress code, or laid-back demeanor make you relatable. To be honest, that's a breath of fresh air in any stuffy professional setting.   But the secret to truly thriving? Believe in yourself.   I can’t emphasize this enough. No one else can be you so perfectly.   What do you think? Have you felt pressured to change to impress others? How has believing in yourself shaped your professional journey? Share below 👇

When I walked into my first fighter squadron on day one, I was the only female fighter pilot. I knew I had to prove myself. Despite all the pressure I put on myself, the truth is, the jet doesn’t know the difference. And I found out, that in all reality, my team didn’t care about the difference either, as long as I was credible and capable in the airplane. It wasn’t always easy, but I eventually found my way in this male-dominated environment. I recently shared a few thoughts and ideas about working in male-dominated career fields with Jon Rennie on the Deep Leadership podcast. 1. Be credible. More than anything, credibility and capability are critical to proving your place in an organization. Know your job and do it well. 2. Find your wingmen. Take the time to cultivate relationships and build connections with your team. Connect with people in your organization who will advocate for you and speak up for you. 3. Be authentic and stay true to who you are. You have a unique perspective and can bring a different thought-process or viewpoint to a team. Your words and opinions matter – speak up. And if you stay true to who you are, then you will be more comfortable with your role on the team. Listen in to the Deep Leadership podcast, Episode 236, to hear the rest of our discussion about leading with courage. #LeadWithCourage #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment

You do not have to be the smartest person in the room to be a top performer. Here is the recipe for success: 🥘 I’ve become a top performer in every professional environment I’ve worked in, and it’s not from raw intellect. It is down to 12 essential behaviors - here’s how you can show them: 1/ Get Things Done ↳ Focus on your most important 1-2 tasks each day. ↳ At the end of each day, look at your output. Ask yourself, how much did you get done? Repeat. 2/ Listen Before Speaking ↳ After someone speaks, check you understand what they meant before responding. ↳ People will like you more for it and there will be less miscommunication. 3/ Take Accountability ↳ When you make a mistake, own it. “That was my mistake, I’m sorry” ↳ Then discuss what you learnt from it and what you’ll do differently next time. 4/ Build Relationships with your Colleagues ↳ You will annoy your colleagues at times. Build up goodwill with them by taking an interest in their personal lives. ↳ Make them laugh. Grab coffee. You’re spending more than 50% of your life with these people. 5/ Be Solution Oriented ↳ Don't come to your manager with problems. ↳ Come with your proposed solution and let them react (it makes their life easier). 6/ Think Team Before “Me” ↳ Put the team's goals first. You'll get credit for it. ↳ Help your colleagues. Mentor others. 7/ Manage Upwards ↳ If you are busy, your manager should know. The key is to communicate without sounding complainy. 8/ Show High Integrity ↳ Set the standard for behavior among your colleagues. You will stand out as a leader before you are one. 9/ Be Open Minded ↳ Be willing to change your mind with new information. 10/ Show Humility ↳ Give credit generously to others. ↳ Be willing to be wrong, change your mind, and take feedback. 11/ Love Upskilling ↳ Learn new skills (e.g. using AI) to make you better at your job. ↳ Take online courses to improve your strengths and mitigate weaknesses. 12/ Communicate with Radical Candor ↳ Don't shy away from difficult conversations. ↳ Ask for and give feedback regularly. Be direct and kind. Focus feedback on actions and the consequences. Use these simple behavioral changes to become a world-class performer and level up your career. --- ♻️ Repost this to help your network become top performers. 📌 Want a high-resolution PDF of this? 1. Just follow me Will McTighe 2. Sign up for my free Level Up Community at https://lnkd.in/gKzZUq-b

In 2007, I was a first time manager! I finally got a manager cubicle, people reporting to me and my role was officially bonus eligible💰. This chick has gone on to achieve some amazing accomplishments since, both personally and professionally, but back then I had no idea I’d accomplish so much. If I could share 10 tips to me then, here’s what I’d share: 1. Embrace Your Authenticity: Don't dilute your essence to fit into corporate molds. Your uniqueness is your superpower. 2. Master the Pivot: Flexibility is key. Be ready to adapt, change course, and lead through uncertainty with grace and confidence. 3. Build Your Tribe: Surround yourself with a supportive network of allies and mentors who champion your success and challenge you to be your best. 4. Own Your Voice: Speak up and speak out. Your perspective is invaluable, so don't hesitate to share it with conviction and clarity. 5. Hustle Hard, Rest Harder: Success doesn't come easy, but neither does burnout. Prioritize self-care and recharge your batteries regularly. 6. Lead with Empathy: Understanding and connecting with your team on a human level builds trust and fosters a collaborative, high-performing environment. 7. Embrace Failure as Fuel: Every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Don't let fear of failure hold you back—embrace it as part of the journey to success. 8. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them: Know your worth and don't settle for less. Boundaries protect your time, energy, and sanity—respect them fiercely. 9. Champion Diversity and Inclusion: Use your platform to amplify underrepresented voices and create space for everyone to thrive. Diversity isn't just a buzzword - it's a business imperative. 10. Celebrate Your Wins: Take pride in your accomplishments, big and small. You've worked hard to get where you are, so don't forget to pause, reflect, and celebrate your success along the way. I’m so glad I walked around on that day and took pictures of everyone for no reason. I was getting to know my team, many of whom are now managers and directors. I’m still connected with some of them and their success makes me proud. My work at the Career Success Academy helps me pay it forward. Save the Date 📆 for the Career Success Conference - March 15 - 17 www.VIPVirtual.live

Career development tip: Learn how to express kindness to yourself. For real, though. For many of us that struggle with things like self-worth, imposter syndrome or insecurity, no one will ever treat us as poorly as we do ourselves. This is a calamity for career growth, because these things limit the perception of our potential. We're less self-aware, more difficult to coach and often self-sabotage. If this is a struggle for you, here's a a habit you can develop that may help. When you hear yourself thinking or saying something negative about yourself, think of someone you love (a parent, partner, child, friend) and ask yourself if you would say the same thing you said about yourself to one of them. Even if the statement is true, you'd likely find a more gentle way to express it, and only if you truly believed it would help them. Reframe your thought through the lens of how and what you would say to your loved one, then say it out loud to yourself. This might sound like new age mumbo jumbo, but as someone who has worked through these challenges for the last 20 years, I can attest to its impact. Instead of thinking, "You are so lazy, you skipped the gym twice this week - you'll never meet your goals" I thought about what I would say to my son: "I'm proud of you for setting a goal. You're working toward a better life and I believe in your ability to get back on track." ...and off to the gym I go. 💪

I have learned many lessons in the Live Event Industry that are also life lessons. Here are a few things that are both good business, and good for day to day living. 1. The best thing we have going for us is great people. We need this in both our professional lives, and our personal lives. Yes, this is also known as the theory of "duh", but for some reason, it seems to escape many people. Do you want great people in your life? Cool, but when you find them, you need to treat them great. Appreciate them, spend time with them, value them, support them. SHOW them, don't just tell them. The best thing I have going for me, is that I have great people in my life. Truly my greatest Blessing. This applies professionally almost as much as personally. In many cases, they are the same people. 2. Be genuine. Your clients and business partners can see through BS just as well as your closest family and friends. Be real, care, go above and beyond, it will come back to you tenfold if you are genuine. 3. Be honest and ethical. Truth may be difficult to deliver at times. Clients are not always realistic, but you have to be forthcoming with them. Family and friends need the truth as well. Lying, is always the wrong way to go. 4. Tell them what you can do, not what you can't do. Don't do your competitions job for them, and frankly, don't worry about them. Tell the client what you can do for them and let them make their decisions. You can only control your own actions and decision, just like in life. 5. Your goal is to be the best that you can be. If you give it everything you have, you will succeed. It may not be fast, obvious, or even what you hoped for, but you will find success if you give 100% to what you are doing. 6. Stay positive. "I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else". Winston Churchill. What is the point of being negative or pessimistic? what is gained from it? how are you better for it? how is your team better for it? your family and friends? I'm not saying everything is always perfect, it never is, but by being optimistic in the face of adversity, you are already overcoming the obstacles that we all face. 7. Remember that other people are watching you and will follow your lead. Be a good influence on others, both in your professional and personal lives. 8. Pay your bills. Seems obvious right? making good financial decisions is indictive of good discipline and leadership. This always pays off. 9. Help someone who can't help you. Take an up and comer under your wing, teach them, coach them, answer questions. Be available for them. Nothing is quite as rewarding as seeing this person grow and succeed. 10. Admit your mistakes. Accept the fact that you are going to make them. I always tell people that I am ok with mistakes as long as you learn from them and don't repeat them. #aegsev #aegpresents #empirepoloclub #visitgreaterpalmsprings #goldenvoice #specialevents #sales #venues #privateevents #sports #mentorship

Let me take you back to a moment in my career when I decided to leave research for science communication. 𝗪𝗵𝘆? 🤔 After years in research and academia, I wanted a more direct impact on people's well-being. A crucial interview opportunity arose. This was THE moment to get into the sci-comms world, I needed to present myself in the best possible light. 𝗛𝗼𝘄? 💡 I learned that authenticity and vulnerability are key. It's not about creating a facade. It's about genuinely showcasing your uniqueness. Your unique story, passion, and expertise. This is what sets us apart. So, here's my advice: Craft your genuine professional identity. Reflect on your: • Journey - the path you've traveled in your career • Relevant experience - big and small • Values - the principles that guide your decisions • Purpose - your mission and what drives you • Skills - the abilities you bring to the table • Passions - what excites and motivates you    Be authentic, be vulnerable, and let your skills shine. Now, I'd love to hear from you. 💬 What career moment made you realize the importance of authenticity? #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerAdvice #careercoaching #TShaped  

This is a very tough time for myself, and my little family. However. The difficulty isn’t going to get the results I need. So here is a reminder, (for myself & for others) to find the strength when your heart is exhausted. “Turning Negatives into Positives: Regaining Professional & Personal Momentum 💼✨ We all face setbacks in our careers, but it's how we handle them that truly defines our success. Here are the reminders I’ll share, in hopes that we will transform negatives into positives and reignite our momentum: 1. **Acknowledge and Reflect:** Start by acknowledging the negative experiences or setbacks. Take time to reflect on what went wrong and what you've learned from it. This self-awareness is crucial for growth. 2. **Shift Perspective:** Challenge yourself to see the situation from a different angle. Instead of dwelling on the failure, focus on the opportunities that can arise from it. What skills did you develop? What new doors might open? 3. **Set Clear Goals:** Define your desired outcome. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your long-term vision. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps will make them less daunting. 4. **Learn and Adapt:** Use the setback as a learning experience. Analyze what you could have done differently and apply those lessons moving forward. Adaptability & coachability is key to professional growth. 5. **Positive Self-Talk:** Train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Replace self-doubt with affirmations that reinforce your abilities and potential. 6. **Seek Support:** Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or friends for guidance and encouragement. They can offer fresh perspectives and valuable advice to help you navigate challenges. 7. **Skill Enhancement:** Invest in continuous learning. Acquiring new skills not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more versatile and valuable asset in your field. 8. **Network and Connect:** Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network. Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities, friendship and collaborations. 9. **Celebrate Progress:** Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.☀️☀️☀️ 10. **Stay Persistent:** Regaining positive momentum takes time. Stay persistent and committed to your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Your determination will eventually pay off.🙏 Remember, setbacks are a natural part of any career journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation. 🔥🚀 #CareerGrowth #PositiveMomentum"