Numerous things can impact your career advancement. However, urgency is top among them. There are many different races that you will run as you work to advance your career. Knowing which race to run at which times will determine your career success.
On any given day you could run any combination of the work races. If you aren’t able to recognize the level of urgency needed, you will damage your reputation. It can be difficult to turn a negative reputation around. Because the level of urgency is often unspoken, it isn’t always apparent. Therefore, knowing when to walk vs. run or how to do a relay will enable you to meet your career objectives. Careers unfold in surprising ways, and a marathon runners mindset will help you stay the course.
Relay
A relay race can happen daily depending on your role. In a relay, runners must pass the baton to their partner within a predefined zone. Every member of the team has a job to do. The handoffs dictate how well the next person progresses the task. For that reason, communication with the team is critical. It is also essential to understand each other’s respective roles and strengths. And above all else, knowing how to work with others for the betterment of the organization.
Walking
Walking is slower and more relaxed. It should be used in times of training, learning something new, and deep think, to name a few. These activities require absorbing information and being introspective. Knowing when to walk allows you to develop new ideas and see problems and solutions more clearly. Running when you should be walking can cause you to focus on easy short-term solutions.
Sprint
A sprint is running at full speed for a short distance. It helps answer big questions, tests new ideas, and solves critical challenges. Sprints organize work into smaller pieces with shorter due dates. As a result, it allows for hyper-focus and quick delivery. Sprints generate momentum, focus, and confidence.
Marathon
A marathon is longer term. You’ve probably heard the phrase “winning in business is a marathon, not a sprint.” Marathons require tenacity, determination, and will power. You need to know your purpose and be committed to it with rigor and dedication. Trust the process because there will be twists and turns along the way.
Knowing what pace you should be working at will serve you well along your journey to career advancement. When to go fast, when to slow down and be more thoughtful and doing proper handoffs to other teammates helps you earn a positive reputation. Advancing your career requires a marathon runner’s mindset because there usually isn’t a straight path to get there.
