Originally published October 30, 2018.
Are you an MBA student or graduate? Did you attend the National Black MBA Association Conference?
During the 40th Anniversary conference that took place from September 25th-September 29th in Detroit, the Cobo Center was filled with over 1000 professionals, entrepreneurs, and recruiters who convened for insightful discussions, career advancement opportunities, and networking.
Although millennials are reinvigorating the workplace with their unmatched optimism and innovative solutions, there are still challenges that keep many twenty and thirty-year-olds from the mobility and promotions they seek.
One of the most significant problems expressed at the conference was brand identity and development. Despite having advanced degrees from top-tier universities, young professionals struggle with articulating and demonstrating their value in the workplace.
During a panel discussion titled, “What They Say About You When You Are Not In the Room”, a group of panelists shared experiences and tips with the next generation of leaders.
Moderated by Cherice J. Williams, Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter President, National Black MBA Association, the panel included insights from the following executives:
- Wade Davis Corporate Diversity, Inclusion and Culture Consultant and Former NFL Player
- DeShaun N. Wise Porter PHR, Sr. Director, HR Consulting, Hilton
- and Jason E. Tinsley Managing Director, JP Morgan Private Bank
Here are a few tips to help you win in the workplace.
Proper Prepping
If it’s your first day or you’re a seasoned veteran, prepare yourself today for where you want to be tomorrow. We typically get lost in the mix of trying to work hard in order to afford our lifestyle that we miss out on valuable opportunities that will get us to the next level.
Want to create a strategy to prepare you for your next level success? Sign up for a strategy session here!
Do Different
As humans, we are creatures of habit. In the workplace, we can get caught up in a routine. Be careful. What happens if change rolls down the management pipeline unexpectedly? If we are not adaptable to new realities, then we become undesirable. If the same plan isn’t working, then stop doing it. Know when it’s time to form a different plan and execute.
Take Risks
Playing it safe doesn’t lead to the window office. You have to be willing to explore the limits of your potential and unveil new windows of opportunity. Be a part of a culture that promotes your innovative ideas and encourages you to bring your whole self to work. This will ignite a creative engine within you that will give you the ammunition you need to embrace the unknown. More than likely, you will be rewarded for your ability to think differently in intimate spaces.
Reverse Mentorship
No one is perfect; we can all improve at times. How do you do this? Set aside time to learn from your team. Engage with your bosses, partners, and team to find out how they see your performance. Identify strengths you can continue to capitalize on and notice areas of improvement. A little bit of feedback can go a long way.
Network Externally
We often focus on inter-office networking. This is definitely a career booster but building relationships outside of the office can accelerate your progress. If you’re in a situation where you can’t bounce ideas or gain a healthy dose of motivation from your colleagues, you need to have other people on your success team that you can confide in.
Sign up for a strategy session to learn how you can use LinkedIn to boost your credibility and network externally.
Rely on your external network of like-minded professionals to keep you going in the right direction.
Your Brand Matters
If you are overlooked for promotions and high profile assignments within the company, you have to step back and consider your value proposition within the company. If a company values you, they won’t just speak words of optimism. They’ll take leaps of action to ensure you know you are appreciated and are a valued member of the team. By having a positive brand reputation, you increase your chances of success within the company. What does your brand represent? Analyze your brand to ensure you’re going in the right direction.
The NBMBAA 41st Annual Conference & Exposition took place September 24-28, 2019 in Houston.
Do you want to nail your next interview? This guide will give you interview questions and tips that will help you stand out in the interview room.
Grab your copy of The Ultimate Interview Success Kit here.
For more upcoming events and ways to include your investing goals in your career strategy, sign up for Wealthy Women Weekly!