BJA | TDM

Force the conversation: Read as “trigger the intention”. 

Why/context: 

The importance of personal brand building and being the trigger for active growth conversations is sometimes understated. 

Granted there are blockers and alternative guard rail thoughts, e.g how might people perceive us when we lead with such conversations? Does it mean we are “marketing” ourselves too hard and is that not vain in essence? We are afraid of the limelight or putting ourselves out there publicly. 

All above valid but also: 

If we don’t, who else will?

1. By design, managers and partners are perhaps the only obliged proponents.

We are constantly competing for attention in a pool of multitude of decision makers, stakeholders and network. 

2. Managers, partners or inner circle network like every human have got a lot to figure out.

A huge gamble to entrust them single-handedly to craft the path forward for us. 

3. Who best can really tell our own story if not us?

Without intentionally crafted narratives and point of departure – mentors, sponsors or even managers have very little to push and would tell and push the narratives they can deduce. 

How: Some useful tips captured over time and shared experiences across various industries and works of life.

1. Set the tone early – if you don’t – your ambition and needs might be misconstrued. 
2. Engage with clarity as much as you can – keep open mind to crafting new pathways and receiving feedback that might conflict with or align with your intentions. Sometimes they offer the pivotal lessons that your season demands. Lean in. 
3. Don’t shrink, be bold with the ambition but very focused and ready to do the hard things and take the crushing blows.

Input: Recommended engagement framework: 2 Pages Max

To include:

1. Where you are, coming from, aspire to be, purpose and ongoing actions. Tangible, measurable and a clear golden thread of the past, present and future
2. Early milestones, support required and key asks: Blindspots, sponsorship, mentorship, referrals, learning and development, high impact project nominations, exposure and accountability partner. 

Output Channels:

1. Internal – 1-2-1s, career discussions, team events and forum, etc. Explore what works for you and ecosystem.

2. External – social media (LinkedIn, etc), personal blog and networking platforms, etc. Be intentional to connect the dots from personal brand to value add, interests, ambition and impact on the world.

Next steps: Operating system

Do the deep work, force the conversation, get the job done, learn, evolve, propagate the journey, ask for help and stay ready.