Win Your Way Up provides a proven strategy for young professionals to thrive at work. Contrary to popular belief, you can have a fulfilling and impactful career by learning how to navigate the workplace.
Filled with insights gained through her own experiences in the corporate world, Jennifer wrote this book to help rising talents identify and overcome the common obstacles that can hinder their careers. By reading this book, you will gain clarity on your professional goals and what it takes to achieve them.
Here is just a fraction of what you'll learn:
* How to use the WIN strategy to shortcut your path to success
* How to build your confidence and take control of your career
* How to negotiate your salary so you’re never underpaid again
* How to navigate through workplace politics that can stall your advancement
No matter what career field you're in, Win Your Way Up is an essential strategic playbook for young professionals seeking to take hold of their careers and become impactful leaders.
This is the book you’ve been waiting for.
Introduction
If you’ve ever stood at the bottom of a mountain, the idea of climbing such a massive structure can look daunting and unachievable. But for those who have trained and have the right equipment, it is a challenge they are willing and excited to take head-on. They have taken the time to study the course, anticipate the challenges, and train their bodies and minds. They are ready to climb up that mountain no matter what obstacles come their way.
Similarly, advancing your career might look like an impossible task. Whether you’re just starting your professional journey or you’ve been stuck in the same role for many years, you can adopt a simple strategy to get to the top. Picking up this book is the first step in taking charge of your professional advancement. Reading through it and applying the concepts—as simple as some of them may seem—will put you on the fast track in your career.
As a senior executive who spent nearly two decades in corporate America, I can assure you that the desire to accelerate your career is not a vain pursuit or a selfish goal. On the contrary, it is a legitimate, necessary endeavor that will benefit you on both a professional and a personal level. Being on the fast track is critical today because the career you choose and how far you progress are the leading predictors of your income and wealth. Whether in a corporate role, in the medical field, or as a social media influencer, your profession will more than likely be your primary source of income. Therefore, it is the biggest intangible asset that you possess!
Can you really afford to be passive? Absolutely not. Being on the fast track is not reserved for the elite or a few lucky professionals; there is a seat at the decision table with your name on it. My goal is to help you find it. Are you ready to take your place?
Why fast-track your career
Seeking recognition and fulfillment in the workplace, or life in general, is not a new concept. According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, human beings have five main needs regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity (figure 1-1).
1. Physiological: food, water, and shelter
2. Safety: feeling secure and protected
3. Love and belonging: friendship and intimacy
4. Esteem: achievements and recognition
5. Self-actualization: realizing one’s full potential and seeking purpose
In the United States, many people can fulfill the base of the pyramid but struggle with the higher levels. According to recent surveys, nearly 70 percent of US employees are dissatisfied with their current jobs[1]. That’s over 100 million people enduring work they do not enjoy every day! The average full-time worker spends at least forty hours a week at work, which is more time than they spend on any other activity (except sleeping). Isn’t it sad to waste the most precious years of your life frustrated, depressed, and waiting for retirement to start living? It is no surprise that resignations are at an all-time high as many employees seek more recognition, compensation, and overall happiness.
When addressing Maslow’s human needs, it is important to consider personal and professional life jointly; the lines between the two have become blurrier over the years with the increase in remote and flex work. For many individuals, their profession is even tied to their identity. While this might sound extreme, it is not a new phenomenon. In medieval Europe, a man’s family name was derived from his occupation (e.g., Baker, Barber, Smith). Similarly, in certain African cultures like the Mande, a last name identified a person’s occupation and caste. Although such naming conventions are less common today, traces can be found in many cultures as identity and job function have been intertwined for centuries.
Today, a simple introduction among strangers usually takes the form of “Hello, my name is (fill in the blank); I am a (profession).” This example shows how difficult it is to dissociate ourselves from our profession. Yet, it is tough to compartmentalize our lives. A negative outlook on work will create a negative outlook on other aspects of life.