Workout Objective: Speak up when you are not required to, while feeling uncomfortable – improve your confidence and work reputation.
Self promotion
Someone Took Credit for Your Work – What to Do
In the work-place, is it better to ensure you individually are given credit for your work, or that the team benefits from your work?
My team recently submitted a proposal of which I prepared more than 75%. In fact, of the 25% my analyst (who is junior to me) prepared, I had to revise significantly. The final paper was jointly signed by both of us. Our Chief Risk Officer reached out to my analyst commending his great paper, cc:ing my boss. My boss then congratulated the analyst on his great work as well. ...
Speaking Up in Meetings – Why and How to Do it
When I first worked at McKinsey after college, I was pretty scared of speaking up. I distinctly remember sitting in the large conference room with another analyst, our manager, the senior manager, and the Partner on the project, to discuss our strategy for a consumer business client.
The Partner discussed a strategy that frankly didn’t make sense to me, but he had 10+ years of experience, so I didn’t say anything. I was convinced that I didn’t know any better — I was only an Electrical Engineer with little business experience. I had some thoughts and suggestions, but I wasn’t sure if they were sound. ...
Don’t Be So Humble
On Sunday, I was hanging out with some friends, and one of them complimented me: “Wow, Lei, you have lost a lot of weight. You look amazing…” I felt pretty good, since I had been trying to lose the weight I gained from having a second child. However, I immediately replied, “Thanks, but I still have about 10 lbs. to go. It’s been a process, and this last 10 lbs. has been quite stubborn.” Afterwards, I thought, “Why did I say that? Instead of continuing to feel good, I immediately started focusing on what was not working for me, and re-directed the conversation to something less positive.” ...
How to Break into a Managerial Role – Part 2
Previously, we discussed the first part of this real life situation that Jessica is experiencing. Today, we will finish this topic on how to break into a managerial role with a follow up discussion I had with Jessica a few weeks later. Here is her follow up email updating me on her situation and some new challenges she is facing. ...
Complete Your Linkedin Profile Today – 17 tips
Completing your Linkedin profile is probably more important today than even updating your resume. Even when you are not looking for a job, you should complete your Linkedin profile. It is your online marketing tool to show off your skill sets and it can work for you 24/7 to attract attention in the market place. ...
Making a Good First Impression – 5 Tips
My husband and I are addicted to this Smart TV show on USA – Suits. It’s about two lawyers – Harvey, a hot-shot, young Senior Partner, at a prestigious law firm; and Michael, a “good will hunting” type, smart-mouthed Associate that Harvey just hired. Michael has a photographic memory, but no official law degree or experience. Harvey is tough on Michael, but is also grooming him for the fast track in the Law firm. ...