The retail wellwisher; growth unleashed
Uncertain about how to get started? Feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps?
You're not alone. While I may not be a betting person, I'd wager significant money on the fact that every retailer has experienced these sentiments at some point in their career—it's par for the course.
Some have been fortunate, finding mentors and sponsors along the way, while others are still waiting on the sidelines. My challenge to you is to step onto the field and seek them out on your own. Waiting seldom yields positive results. Patience is important, but standing around expecting someone or something to come along won't lead to progress. Let's not allow this to be you.
Why am I asking you to take this initiative?
Mentors can guide you by showing you the way, while sponsors can propel your career forward. Mentors teach, sponsors speak.
Don't wait for companies and bosses to assign you mentors—seek them out yourself. With platforms like LinkedIn and other social networks, you have a plethora of options. People are all around you; identify those who "get it" and connect with them. Put your ego aside, seek people out, and be present for them in their journey while seeking advice.
The two most crucial sponsors in your career are your direct boss and their boss. They hold the key to your trajectory.
If they don't sponsor you, you'll remain in your current position. If they do, you'll find yourself with greater responsibilities and influence—putting better food on the table for your family.
What if you don't like your boss or their boss? What if you can't align with them?
In that case, you might find yourself stuck in your current position, struggling to balance life because you're mentally and physically exhausted every day. Staying where you are might be the best-case scenario. However, if you don't like your boss or can't align with them, you risk regressing in your career.
So, what do you do now to progress in your career or find satisfaction in work/life integration?
You have two choices:
Find the professional contribution that both your boss and their boss offer.
Look for a different boss and their boss where you can find a professional contribution.
It's blunt, but it's true. These are your options. You can choose to not find the professional contribution in these crucial individuals, but you'll likely find yourself either remaining or regressing in your career, making it harder to feel positive about life.
Is all this talk about career growth selfish? Shouldn't you be focused on those who work for or with you?
It's not selfish; it's a requirement. Career growth isn't just about additional roles and responsibilities; it's about behavioral and skill development. It's about knowing more and being capable of more. Your growth is needed by everyone in your hemisphere—at work and at home.
The moral of this blog post is simple: get up and go. Put one foot in front of the other and start walking in the direction you want to be. Stop waiting for the perfect time or person.
If you find this post helpful, please share, and also look out for my new book, "The Retail Leaders Roadmap," launching on March 12, 2024.
Wishing you success and action!
