the no. 1 habit of high performing executives (and why you should do it too)
As an EA I had a regular habit that served me well.
I carved out time every month to check in on how I was going, where I was going and how I was feeling. Not my performance goals, a more personal check in that was all about me, not what I could deliver for the organisation I was in.
I began doing this after noticing all of my executives spent time regularly thinking about themselves. Their career. Their success. Their happiness. Their development. Their professional relationships. Everything they needed to rise and rise and rise.
I noticed they treated their careers not just as a job, but as their BUSINESS.
They didn't just work IN their business (doing their job), they prioritised working ON it.
I got on board with this habit after noticing how laser focused it made them.
Here’s what I saw:
Those that did it didn't plateau.
They backed themselves always.
They were having regular meaningful conversations about their career.
They were forthright and bold about the development they needed.
They were nurturing the external relationships that would help them beyond their current role.
They were consistently on the talent radar.
Their profile and personal brand was always elevating.
And when I started to treat my own career as a business I noticed things felt…. easier.
Less feeling stuck. Bolder. More confident. More clarity. Higher impact. I began putting myself first.
I'm sharing this tip today because we're heading into some weird times. Salaries are currently through the roof but talk of a recession looming means that bubble is going to burst. Suddenly a lot of roles will look very, very expensive. If the value and ROI of the employee or role isn’t crystal clear it’s a brutal truth that there’s going to be a change.
This is why it’s more important than ever to be clear about what you offer, what you want, why you want it, how to get it and most importantly, how to keep it.
Here’s how to begin taking the executive approach to treating your career as your business for longevity, fulfilment and progression.
Ask yourself a few key questions:
How do I feel about my career or role right now?
What professional relationships should I prioritise?
What responsibilities would bring more fulfilment?
How can I make my network more meaningful?
What on-the-job experience can I seek out right now?
What conversations should I be having?
What is my personal brand and how can I begin to build it?
What strengths can I amplify?
Where would I like to be in 3 months?
Where would I like to be in 1 year?
What support do I need to get me there?
Then make commitments or actions to begin inching toward that. Carve out the space to get out of the weeds and take the strategic view of your career.
Do this regularly and watch what happens.
If you try this (or already do it) I’d love to love to hear from you. You can share your thoughts with me at hello@rachaelbonetti.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram
If you want to know how to treat your career as your business and nurture it for growth and success, visit the EA Development page to see current courses and programs where we can work together to support you with this.
