When I left my last corporate job, it was bittersweet. I felt excitement for the future mixed with sadness about leaving my team. Over the years, I’ve observed two leadership types: those who manage down and those who manage up. Few excel at both, and I’ve always been firmly in the “manage down” camp.
I saw my role as parental: ensuring my teams’ success without worrying about impressing higher-ups. While this approach may have limited my corporate ascent, I wouldn’t trade my time in the trenches for anything.
As I signed off for the last time, I felt like a parent watching their kids go to college – except I was the one leaving! I shared these words of wisdom to guide them through the upcoming changes:
- What problem are you trying to solve? When stuck, step back and reassess. Often, the problem seems unsolvable because you’re tackling the wrong issue.
- If there’s something on the ground, pick it up! Don’t assume anyone will do things for you. Take initiative, and good things will follow.
- Don’t confuse complexity with value. Simple is better 99% of the time.
- You can only steer a moving ship. Don’t wait for all the answers. Make small decisions and act quickly – rinse and repeat.
- Work expands to fill the time allotted (Parkinson’s Law). Plan deadlines wisely; they significantly impact productivity.
- Pigs get fed, hogs get slaughtered. (Credit: Amanda Welsh) Aim to be a “pig” in revenue – that’s your goal. But avoid becoming a “hog,” or clients/partners will walk away. Trust your gut on this fine line.
Now, as I build and grow Evolve Growth Partners, I’m intentionally applying these same principles. I try my best to apply them to my life as well!
How could you apply them in your career and life? What would you add to this list?
