Many years ago, my first manager shared with me a valuable piece of advice shortly after starting my new job. Granted, there were a lot of ‘words of wisdom’ that first year in my career, but this one piece stands out as I have called upon it many times since then.
No matter what your position within a company, each has its responsibilities and requires certain abilities – whether it’s sales, marketing, operations, human resources, accounting or administrative support. In each role we are called upon to negotiate, engage with clients and vendors, persuade, and compromise. While these may be skills necessary to perform our jobs, it’s important to note that they should also be utilized internally as well. Don’t abandon your skills when you need to speak with those you report to or work with, in other words – “Never leave your selling shoes at the door.” Every day we are “selling” our ideas, suggestions, and visions. While it might be easier to let others have the floor because they seem more outgoing, more educated, or more experienced, it would be a disservice to yourself and your company to not speak up and share your ideas, suggestions, and visions.
Remember, “never leave your selling shoes at the door” when you arrive at your job each day. What’s the worst that could happen? Now think of the best that could happen. You really never know opportunity until you keep those shoes on and walk through that “door.”
Keep it relevant.
