Yesterday one of THE most common questions I’m asked popped into my head: “Ericka, how do you do it?” Well, I’ll be the first to admit God permits my progress. I can’t count the number of days I ask myself “how in the world are you able to accomplish so much?” Besides my numerous supernatural blessings- without fail, I believe in myself, I believe my goals will be achieved, I have faith and I am confident. I work from a strategic vision (plan), I take consistent action, I say no, I manage my time but above all else, I believe I’ll be successful. In order for women to move forward and win at work, the blueprint is the same:
PLAN, TAKE CONSISTENT ACTION, BELIEVE. OWN YOUR CAREER/SUCCESS. BE CONFIDENT.
PLAN, TAKE CONSISTENT ACTION, BELIEVE. OWN YOUR CAREER/SUCCESS. BE CONFIDENT.
PLAN, TAKE CONSISTENT ACTION, BELIEVE. OWN YOUR CAREER/SUCCESS. BE CONFIDENT.
I win at work because I have unwavering faith and confidence in myself. I also believe I will achieve my goals based on what I say I want- not based on what others want for me. At the end of the day, I don’t wait for acceptance, validation, spirit fingers, a committee nor permission; I believe then I make moves. Victory for me isn’t contingent upon the economy, my limitations nor the agenda of others- my success like my confidence is simply a decision and is my responsibility. Ladies, your power lies in what you believe and your success lies in the action you do or do not take.
KPMG’s Women’s Leadership Study indicates confidence and determination are top characteristics of leaders, but only 49% of surveyed women identified with being confident. This number HAS to increase and the person needed to implement the change is YOU! The survey also states:
- 92% don’t feel confident asking for a sponsor
- 73% won’t pursue roles beyond their experience
- 69% of women lack confidence when it comes to asking for a career path/plan
- 61% don’t feel confident asking for a raise
- 65% don’t feel confident asking for a promotion
The results are clear: women don’t build the necessary relationships to accelerate their professional progress, we don’t ask for advocates nor the resources needed to advance our careers and we don’t ask for the new job with more money! Why? because we lack confidence. We fear “no”; we worry about what others think and quite frankly, too many of us are invisible in the workplace. Winning at work requires a swift transition that begins on the inside of every woman who’s willing to take her career to the next level. Before you say yes to anyone or anything else, say yes to yourself! Going forward:
- Be confident in your abilities, no longer lead from your limitations; ask for what you deserve and have the performance-based documentation to support your request
- Don’t allow your gender to limit your perception of what you can accomplish
- Know you are meant to have a seat at the table
- Take risks
- Own your success
Knowing how to win at work isn’t enough, women must make a conscious choice to go in the direction of their professional dreams.
PLAN, TAKE CONSISTENT ACTION, BELIEVE. OWN YOUR CAREER/SUCCESS. BE CONFIDENT
Ericka Spradley, President of My Next Level ensures ambitious professionals and students get hired. As a Career Coach, Adjunct Professor and Author (“30 Min. Career Coach: Interview Basics for High School Students”, “7 Days to Confident Interviews”), she empowers others to take their interviewing skills to the next level so they can ultimately secure employment. Ericka also provides career support/guidance for clients when she’s not working tirelessly to change the career readiness conversation and course curriculum to include interviewing skills. To download your complimentary copy of “5 Simple Strategies to Land Your Ideal Job” click here