We are continuing to dive into the speed of success for a first-year female executive.  To date, we have discussed why speed is critical, and yet even though speed matters, it still takes the typical exec 12 months to generate consistent performance results.  Last week we talked about eliminating the guesswork if we want to succeed with speed. Let's talk about clarity today.

If we want to go somewhere, most people start focusing on how.  How do I get there? Am I going to drive or fly?  Am I going to take my car or rent a car?  Am I going to fly first class?  We get so bogged down in the details of the travel that we miss one critical component.  Where are we actually going?

If I know my final travel destination, the “how” becomes significantly clearer for me.  For example, let’s say our destination is Disney World.  Well, I’m in Charleston, South Carolina so I can drive just as easily as I can fly.  So the method of transportation has been resolved for me.  Now I just have to decide if I’m driving my car or renting one.  Who will be driving?  When am I leaving and coming back? Who is going with me? You get the picture.

As new executives, we cannot miss the fact that once we get clear on WHERE we are going not only does the “how” get clearer, but anything that doesn’t support the “how” is easily identified and removed.

If for example, I want my parents to go with us on our Disney vacation, I cannot let that “want” overtake the overall goal. The goal is to go to Disney World.  I will achieve that by taking a car there.  

If I get so distracted by the fact that I really believe the trip would be so much better with my parents there that I decide to drive to Asheville, NC to get them (a 4-hour drive in the opposite direction), and then drive all the way to Orlando, what has happened? My "how" is now not the most efficient in achieving my goal.

When I share this example, you’re like, “Yeah, I get it, Katrina, you’re obviously distracted and not focused on your end result.”

So then why are so many of you doing the same thing as first-year executives?

You want to achieve results in your new role, that’s the mission or the goal, right?

The company has made it abundantly clear as to what those results need to be, i.e., they have set your destination for you.  Yet, you’re getting so distracted with what would make you feel better on the trip that you delay your arrival by months!

Just like it made me feel better to take my parents with me to Disney World, you are focused on doing things that make you "feel better" or more secure in your new role.

What are those functions that make you feel better but delay your results?

Doing the tasks and functions from your old role because in your mind, if you’re doing those things, at least you’re doing something “successful” or even "valuable."

Stop.

The company has told you what your Disney World is.  Stop trying to go pick up your parents along the way.

Focus on the end result the company has provided you and at each turn ask yourself: Am I doing these actions because they are getting me closer to Disney World or am I doing them because I want to feel safer/more secure on the trip?

Many new executives waste time and energy doing what makes them feel safe instead of what gets results.  This is a critical factor in the 12-month ramp-up period for most executives.

Clarity around your endpoint is a key component to speedy success.

Don't delay. Get your workbook and start getting clarity on your endpoint. Access the workbook HERE.

Ready for next-level clarity? Learn about the Career Confidence program HERE.

Be Legendary!