Find 25 rarely-shared pieces of career advice that rarely reach you. They can dramatically shift your career trajectory.
Picture this: You’re at various important stages of your career that make or break you. You may be evaluating your next career move in those situations. You are armed with the conventional wisdom of “follow your passion,” “network as much as you can,” and “never stop learning.” These nuggets of advice, while valuable, are as commonplace as coffee machines in an office. What’s more? Everyone knows them.
But what about the insights of career wisdom that are rarely discussed, the kind that can dramatically shift your professional trajectory? These insights can be especially useful when you are navigating challenging phases in your career. Today, we’re diving into these hidden gems of career advice, the unspoken strategies that can shape your professional journey in unexpectedly profound ways.
We will put it across to you through sample conversations that you and your career coach may have. So here we go …
25 Insightful Pieces of Career Advice That No One Tells You
1. Embrace the Art of Being ‘Selectively Ignorant’
The Conversation:
You: “I’ve been trying to stay updated with everything in my field, but it’s overwhelming.”
Career Coach: “Have you ever considered the power of being ‘selectively ignorant’?”
You: “Isn’t ignorance in a professional setting a bad thing?”
Career Coach: “Not when it’s strategic. Focus intensely on a few key areas. By ignoring the noise, you can hone expertise where it truly matters.”
Real-World Example: Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, is known for his expertise in supply chain management. He didn’t try to be an expert in every aspect of technology but focused where it mattered for his career progression.
2. Master the Art of Quitting Gracefully
The Conversation:
You: “I always hear ‘never give up,’ but what if I’m truly unhappy in my job?”
Career Coach: “Knowing when and how to quit is as important as persevering. It’s about quitting the right things at the right time.”
Real-World Example: Oprah Winfrey left a job in news to focus on talk shows, a move that seemed risky but ultimately defined her career.
3. Your Biggest Competitor is Your Own Potential
The Conversation:
You: “I’m always comparing myself to my colleagues.”
Career Coach: “Focus on unlocking your potential instead. Compete with who you were yesterday, not with others.”
Real-World Example: J.K. Rowling, before publishing Harry Potter, faced numerous rejections. Her competition wasn’t other writers but her own ability to persevere and improve her craft.
4. Cultivate a ‘Career Board of Directors’
The Conversation:
You: “I have mentors, but sometimes I feel like I need more diverse guidance.”
Career Coach: “Create a ‘Career Board of Directors’ – a group of people from various fields who offer different perspectives and guidance.”
Real-World Example: Sheryl Sandberg credits a diverse group of mentors and advisors for her success, not just one or two individuals.
Pro Tip: You can always use NeedleMover to connect with mentors who provide you your “Career Board of Directors”
5. The Power of Writing Your Future Job Description
The Conversation:
You: “I’m not sure what I’m working towards.”
Career Coach: “Write your future job description. It’s a powerful exercise to clarify what you want and the skills you need to develop.”
Real-World Example: Jeff Bezos famously wrote down what he wanted in a job, leading him to quit his Wall Street job and start Amazon.
6. Develop a ‘Side Project’ Mentality
The Conversation:
You: “I feel stuck in my current role.”
Career Coach: “Side projects can be a sandbox for your passions and can lead to unexpected career opportunities.”
Real-World Example: Gmail and Google AdSense started as side projects by Google employees, showcasing how side endeavors can lead to major impacts.
7. The Art of Asking Thoughtful Questions
The Conversation:
You: “I find networking events intimidating. I never know what to say.”
Career Coach: “Focus on asking thoughtful questions. It’s not just about being interesting, but being interested.”
Real-World Example: Elon Musk is known for his ability to ask penetrating questions to understand complex problems deeply.
Related – 25 Strategies for Effective Networking – Make Powerful Connections That Count
8. Balance Your ‘Career Portfolio’
The Conversation:
You: “How do I ensure long-term career success?”
Career Coach: “Think of your career as a portfolio. Diversify your skills and experiences like you would your investments.”
Real-World Example: Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, previously started a software company and served in the Peace Corps, diverse experiences that contributed to his later success.
Related –
9. Embrace the ‘Two-Minute Rule’
The Conversation:
You: “I struggle with procrastination.”
Career Coach: “Try the ‘Two-Minute Rule.’ If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. It’s a simple way to overcome inertia.”
Real-World Example: This rule, part of David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” methodology, is used by countless successful professionals to boost productivity.
10. Learn to Negotiate ‘Sideways’
The Conversation:
You: “I know negotiating salary is important, but what else should I be negotiating for?”
Career Coach: “Negotiate sideways. Look for opportunities like lateral moves that can expand your skill set and network.”
Real-World Example: Sundar Pichai, before becoming CEO of Google, made several lateral moves within the company, gaining a wide breadth of experience.
Related – Your Salary Negotiation Playbook – Expert Moves to Maximize Your Offer
11. The Skill of Strategic Invisibility
The Conversation:
You: “I always thought being visible is crucial in a job.”
Career Coach: “There’s also a skill in strategic invisibility. Sometimes, stepping back allows others to shine and can foster goodwill, which is invaluable for long-term relationships and career growth.”
Real-World Example: Satya Nadella, before becoming CEO of Microsoft, was not always in the limelight but strategically positioned himself as a collaborative and effective leader.
12. Prioritize Learning Over Title in Early Career
The Conversation:
You: “Should I go for a higher title or a role where I learn more?”
Career Coach: “In your early career, prioritize learning over titles. The depth and breadth of your skills and experiences will pay off more than a fancy title.”
Real-World Example: Mark Zuckerberg, in the early days of Facebook, prioritized learning and experimentation over formal business roles and structures, which significantly contributed to his growth and the company’s innovation.
Read – 32 Transferable Skills That Massively Compound Your Career Growth
13. Cultivate Resilience, Not Just Confidence
The Conversation:
You: “I always hear about building confidence, but is that all?”
Career Coach: “Focus on building resilience as well. The ability to bounce back from setbacks is just as important as confidence in navigating a successful career.”
Real-World Example: J.K. Rowling, despite early rejections and personal challenges, displayed extraordinary resilience, which was crucial to her success as an author.
14. Emphasize Adaptability Over Specialization
The Conversation:
You: “Should I specialize in one area?”
Career Coach: “While specialization is important, in today’s fast-changing world, adaptability is key. Being able to pivot and learn new skills is often more valuable.”
Real-World Example: Sheryl Sandberg’s career spans different sectors, from the U.S. Treasury Department to Google and then Facebook, showing the power of adaptability.
Check – 10 Skills that Help You Land Top Jobs
15. The Importance of Learning to Say No
The Conversation:
You: “I find it hard to say no to new tasks and projects.”
Career Coach: “Learning to say no is crucial. It helps you manage your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.”
Real-World Example: Warren Buffett once said, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”
16. Foster Emotional Intelligence, Not Just IQ
The Conversation:
You: “I focus a lot on technical skills and knowledge.”
Career Coach: “While IQ is important, don’t underestimate the power of emotional intelligence (EQ). The ability to understand and manage your emotions, and to connect with others, is just as critical for career success.”
Real-World Example: Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, is renowned for her high EQ, which helped her navigate complex corporate challenges and build strong teams.
17. Seek Feedback, Not Just Validation
The Conversation:
You: “I love it when my work is appreciated.”
Career Coach: “Seek out feedback, not just validation. Constructive criticism is more valuable for your growth than just praise.”
Real-World Example: Elon Musk is known for actively seeking out feedback to improve Tesla’s products and services, demonstrating the importance of feedback over mere validation.
18. Invest in ‘Weak Ties’ as Much as Strong Ones
The Conversation:
You: “I have a close-knit network of colleagues.”
Career Coach: “Don’t forget to invest in ‘weak ties’ – acquaintances or distant contacts. They often provide the most unexpected and valuable opportunities.”
Real-World Example: Many professionals have landed roles or collaborations through LinkedIn connections, which often consist of ‘weak ties’, showing the potential of a diverse network.
19. Embrace ‘Reverse Mentoring’
The Conversation:
You: “I have a mentor who’s quite experienced, but I feel like there’s a gap.”
Career Coach: “Consider reverse mentoring. Engage with someone younger or less experienced to learn about new perspectives, technologies, or trends you might be unaware of.”
Real-World Example: Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch implemented reverse mentoring by having younger employees teach senior executives about the internet and emerging tech trends.
20. The Significance of ‘Career Journaling’
The Conversation:
You: “I often feel lost in my career progression.”
Career Coach: “Start career journaling. Reflecting and writing down your successes, failures, and lessons learned can provide clarity and accelerate your professional growth.”
Real-World Example: Oprah Winfrey, known for her reflective practices, has often spoken about the power of journaling in gaining clarity and self-awareness.
21. Navigating Career Crossroads with ‘Scenario Planning’
The Conversation:
You: “I’m at a career crossroads and unsure about the future.”
Career Coach: “Try scenario planning. Visualize different career paths and their potential outcomes. It can provide surprising clarity and direction.”
Real-World Example: Sheryl Sandberg used a form of scenario planning when deciding to join Google, a much smaller company back then, weighing the potential growth and risks involved.
Read – 14 Common Challenges of a Career Change (How to Overcome Them Gracefully?)
22. Cultivating a Personal Brand Beyond Your Job Title
The Conversation:
You: “I’m known for my current role, but I want to expand.”
Career Coach: “Develop a personal brand that transcends your job title. Showcase your unique skills and passions through various platforms to open up broader opportunities.”
Real-World Example: Richard Branson, though primarily known for Virgin Group, has cultivated a personal brand that encompasses his adventurous spirit and humanitarian efforts.
Useful – Personal Brand That Stands Out – How to Build It Skillfully?
23. The Art of Strategic Patience
The Conversation:
You: “I’m eager to move up quickly in my career.”
Career Coach: “Understand the value of strategic patience. Sometimes, playing the long game and building a solid foundation can lead to greater success than rapid, unchecked advancement.”
Real-World Example: Angela Merkel’s rise in politics is a classic example of strategic patience, where she slowly but steadily built her influence and reputation.
24. Building a ‘Skill Bridge’
The Conversation:
You: “I want to transition to a different industry.”
Career Coach: “Focus on building a ‘skill bridge.’ Identify and develop skills that are transferable to your desired industry, making your transition smoother.”
Real-World Example: Sundar Pichai’s engineering and management skills acted as a bridge when he transitioned from his role in product management to becoming CEO of Google.
Check – How to Identify Your Transferable Skills? Unleashing Your Hidden Superpowers
25. The Power of ‘Micro-Networking’
The Conversation:
You: “Networking feels overwhelming.”
Career Coach: “Try micro-networking. It involves making small, yet meaningful, connections regularly, rather than large-scale networking.”
Real-World Example: Many successful freelancers and entrepreneurs have built their client base through micro-networking, engaging regularly with a small, targeted audience on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.
Conclusion
These 25 mostly unknown pieces of career advice will enrich your tapestry of professional wisdom. From embracing reverse mentoring to understanding the value of strategic patience, each strategy provides a unique lens to view and navigate your career path.
Incorporating these principles can lead to a more fulfilling, dynamic, and successful career. Whether it’s through journaling your career journey, strategically building skills for industry transition, or cultivating a personal brand, these insights offer you tools to carve a unique path in the professional world.
As you continue your career journey, remember that the most profound growth often comes from unexpected sources. Keep an open mind, embrace these diverse strategies, and you might just find the keys to unlock doors you never knew existed in your professional landscape.