What’s one piece of career advice you wish you had learned sooner?

Career advice you wish you had learned soonerOn this week’s episode of Asking for a Friend, I interviewed Kathryn Heath and Brenda Wensil, authors of I Wish I’d Known This , about the career advice they have after years of professional coaching.  In their book, they share some of the masterful methods they wish they had known earlier in their careers – specifically for women. This conversation can absolutely apply to everyone…so, all genders, listen in!Invest in peer relationshipsFor me, there’s no question…my smartest career advice is to “invest deeply in peer relationships.” It took me a minute to truly understand that, and once I did, it was a game-changer. I also wish I’d been more deliberate and intentional about my EXTERNAL network during my time at Verizon. I was so focused on internal team relationships that I didn’t build my professional network and connect with peers outside the company as much as I would have liked.  Building deep, trusting relationships with other leaders across the globe has been one of the true joys of doing the work I do now — I wish I’d had that perspective and those friendships sooner. Career Advice: Have a posse and know your personal brand

In their book, Kathryn and Brenda share their career advice for woman leaders…and here are a few:1. You need a vision, strategies, and a plan. 2. Know who you are and how you land with others, or personal brand. In their book they call it “reputationality” and it includes all things YOU. Match it up with your personality so you get to be you in your career. Ask yourself, what do you want to be known for?  3. Get known for something and tell your story. 4. Install a career GPS, an internal strategic system for navigating where you are, where you want to be and how to get there.  5. Be strategic about the outcome you want. 6. Assemble a “posse.” A community of people from whom you can get career advice. Also, share your ideas with them, talk about your vision, and reflect on your ideas.Your turn! What’s one piece of advice you have that you wish you had learned sooner in your professional life?Related Articles to career advice you wish you had learned sooner:

Executive Presence in a Virtual World: What Matters Now

Career Growth: How to Be More Creative as You Develop Your Team (Video)

Leadership Support: How Do I Get More Executive Attention?

How to Build a Better Network of Peer Relationships

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