Catching Up with PDC Trusted Advisor Sandra Bang: Latest Updates

Recently I facilitated a workshop on career advancement for senior law firm executives and leaders. It was a privilege to create and foster a space within which we could review and reflect, share and discuss, and plan and write our professional and personal intentions.

How does one manage “career advancement” or continue to move onward after having successfully fulfilled a senior role?  

It may not be that different from moving onward from any point on one’s career path. No doubt the context will be different. However, the process may be more similar than we think at first glance.

Here are the points we considered as we dove into the topic of career advancement:

1. Values – when was the last time you thought about your current values? Have your values stayed the same or shifted recently? You don’t know until you do a values exercise. There are many sample exercises available online. The key is to take the time to go through the exercise and determine what your top three maximum five values are right now. Define each value for yourself – how do you want these values to show up in your life? How do you demonstrate each value? What does each value mean to and for you? Get clear with yourself about what is important to you personally and careerwise. Make a commitment to reflect and revisit your values from time to time so that you can better align what you do on your career journey with your values and things that matter to you most.
2. Goals – we always talk about the importance of setting “SMART” goals. Taking the time to think about what we want to achieve – what that successful outcome looks like to us – and creating a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely will give us a clear target to work towards. As we set goals, we may also consider a tangential lens and consider whether we have an appetite for change, as compared to whether or not there are opportunities for change. Examining change within our specific and current context matters. Maybe we really want that next “big” job – our appetite is there – but our family or personal situation is such that we can’t yet take on the extra work, responsibilities or potential geographic move that’s required for the bigger job. Or maybe we get a call from a recruiter or contact suggesting we be considered for a different role at another firm, but when we think about where our current values lie or what our appetite for change is at currently, we know that it isn’t what we want or have an appetite for right now. Getting clear about our current situation – practically and personally – help us set SMARTer goals.
3. Board of Advisors – We have a village of people who help us in achieving our goals. When was the last time you reviewed who serves on your Board of sponsors, mentors, allies, coaches, and advocates? Is it time to give some of them a sabbatical? Is it time to recruit or earn new relationships for your Board? Regarding sponsors, are these folks able to propel us onward? We are never in the room when pivotal decisions regarding, for example, offers, promotions, raises, bonuses, are made. No matter how senior or junior we are, we need sponsors who have the influence and power and are in those rooms and at those tables to advocate for us, provide us with visibility or cover, and ultimately make the opportunity happen for us. Also, these are people who give us candid feedback about how we may show up, what we need to do to close the perceived gap (if any), who shine light on our achievements, who connect us to others who can help us grow, develop, and achieve what we want. Have we taken action to earn sponsorship? Also, each of us serve on other people’s Boards. Who can we cheer for, sponsor, mentor, or help? How may we share what we have learned through our experiences, and what can we offer to help advance others? Check your status and the members on your Board from time to time.
4. Networks – Senior professionals may have broad networks after having several experiences and roles over a longer period of time. Some of their connections with others may have become dormant or distant. Is it worth reaching out and reconnecting? Studies have shown that yes, one may access valuable information and fresher ideas from those with whom you reconnect. We may be reluctant to reconnect and think what if they think I am simply being opportunistic? Or I’m so busy do I have time to reconnect with someone I’ve lost touch with awhile back? – but consider, is innovation or a fresh outtake on a topic, or a new idea to move your current work forward worth it? And approaching the reconnection with genuine interest and intention to reciprocate the sharing of information or resources, will make the difference from a cringe to a win moment. Win moments also lie within other people’s networks. Sharing networks – the power of weaker and distant ties – is also worth exploring. First, take the time to succinctly and accurately describe what you are seeking. Second, share your description with those in your network, and ask them if they know anyone who might be able to help you. It is impossible for those in your network to spread the word and ask their networks to help you get what you want if they do not know how to articulate what you are seeking. And consider your own network and whether it can help someone else. Members of the PDC not only know this, they DO this, and have a reputation for being generous with their networks and supporting members throughout their careers.
5. Taking action – What is ONE action can and will take today? Taking actions – one by one – that are doable will activate your goals on the page into movement. Taking action provides energy, traction, and ultimately momentum. It gets you moving onward and towards the outcome you are seeking to achieve. Having accountability partners along the way can help keep you going.

Carving out the time to self-reflect, to set clear goals, and to consider available resources, in order to take action, is what may get you moving onward on your career path, or intentionally and happily staying where you are for now.

If you are curious to and interested in diving deeper into any of the topics above, please reach out to me! Let’s talk.