The Strategy: From "Get Sh*t Done" to "Executive Material!"

Reshaping how people perceive you involves three key areas: impact, visibility, and communication. Here's how to address each:

 

1. Crank Up Your Impact

Impact is all about how much your work moves the needle for the company. It's time to stop just checking boxes and start making waves.

 

Practical steps:

a) Ruthlessly prioritize your work: Use a time audit to determine your hours. Aim to do less $10/h tasks and more $10,000/h work. Yeah, that's a thing. I wrote about it here.

 

b) Focus on outcomes, not outputs: Instead of bragging about how many emails you sent, focus on results. How much revenue did your project generate? How many deals were driven by your strategy?

 

c) Make time for big-picture thinking: Set aside time each week to think strategically. Trust me, it feels weird at first, but it's a game-changer.

 

2. Boost Your Visibility with Decision Makers

Your achievements need to be known by the right people. This isn't about self-promotion; it's about strategic relationship building.

 

Practical steps:

a) Identify your VIPs: Figure out who influences your career most. Hint: It's not just your manager.

 

b) Add value before asking for anything: Schedule a listening tour to understand their challenges and goals. Then, find ways to make their lives easier.

 

c) Work in public: Get stakeholders involved in your projects early so they have a stake in your success. When you win, they'll feel like they've won too.

 

3. Speak Their Language

Your words and how you deliver them are crucial in shaping people's perceptions of you. Time to level up your communication game.

 

Practical steps:

a) Prep like a pro: Know your audience and what they need and want most before important meetings. Come armed with 3-5 points to make them sit up and notice.

 

b) Master the BLUF method: That's "Bottom Line Up Front." Start with the punchline, then back it up. For example: "I'm proposing a partnership with [Company Name] that could increase revenue by 30% and solve [problem]. I need your support to sponsor this initiative.” Trust me, executives love this approach.

 

c) Have an opinion: Don't just present data - connect the dots and make recommendations. Show them you can think critically and aren't afraid to take a stand.

 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Trying to please everyone: Focus on significantly impacting key areas rather than spreading yourself too thin.
   
   
2. Thinking your work will speak for itself: Newsflash - it won't. Invest time in strategic networking.
   
   
3. Being shy about your achievements: Use your one-on-ones to highlight your wins and discuss your career aspirations. If you don't toot your own horn, who will?