4-9-10 Celebrate the Journey

Continuing this week’s theme of exploring comments from my survey participants…….

One survey participant wrote in response to my question as to whether he/she had any additional advice or information for the new executive….. “don’t forget to celebrate the journey”.

That advice can actually be taken several ways.

For instance, one view is the journey through management. If you are an aspiring executive, you understand that very few people (if any) make the leap from entry-level analyst (or job) to executive management. You have a journey in front of you -- first-level manager, mid-manager, staff management, line management, etc -- before you get to the executive ranks. This survey participant’s advice is just a reminder to enjoy the steps along the way.

Another way to view this advice is via a project. Each task, project, or job that you undertake is also a journey. Again, pay attention to the flow of the project and learn from each step of the journey.

And finally, another way to view this advice is via the lens of your life away from work. It, too, is a journey. I’m sure that this survey participant and many, many other executives would tell you, yes, strive hard for your goal of becoming an executive. But don’t forget your family and friends along the way. After all, they are making the journey with you.

Cheers!