Believe it or not, success in today’s workplace requires more than just showing up and doing your job. It demands an intentional effort to have high performance and embody your company's values. This is what we believe a star employee is all about. In one of our latest podcast episodes, (How to Be a "STAR" Employee and Stay Engaged at Any Age), Jon interviewed his past boss from Caterpillar, Rich Lavin. Rich had an extensive career at Caterpillar and was one of the key influences in Jon’s career and personal life.
In this blog, we reflect on Rich and Jon’s conversation, highlighting the key advice they offer to younger employees seeking to advance their careers.
1) Even without extensive functional background in a certain area, if you’re a trusted employee who has high values and high work performance, it’s possible to move up in an area that you’re not as familiar with.
Jon: “And then you called me back to Illinois to do the company benefits thing. There were lots of reasons that the job didn’t make sense, so to speak, on paper for me, because I didn’t have the functional background, like you said.”
Rich: “ Yeah, yeah. Well, I mean you had everything it took to succeed in that job. Smart, creative, hard working, a risk taker, I mean you checked all the important boxes.”
Rich highlights a crucial truth: the potential for growth within an organization is not solely determined by technical skills or specific job experience. This perspective is empowering, especially for younger employees who may feel daunted by the requirements of their roles. It underscores the importance of being adaptable and willing to learn.
2) Another key element that Rich emphasized is the importance of risk-taking. Raising your hand for tough assignments or relocating to challenging job sites demonstrates a proactive approach to your professional growth. It's about seizing opportunities that can propel you forward, even if they come with some risk.
Rich: “Raising your hand for tough assignments or challenging locations shows a willingness to step into unfamiliar areas of the business. During our time together, Jon, you demonstrated this several times by taking risks and exploring new opportunities. This willingness not only satisfies your curiosity but also proves that you can handle difficult tasks and perform them successfully.”
Jon: “I completely agree. There's a common tendency for people to seek out roles that offer high visibility, prestige, or belong to the most profitable divisions. I've had many ask me why I continually took on struggling facilities or tackled challenging projects, like the ones we faced in Japan or the startup in Little Rock. While there were certainly easier positions available, looking back, I realize how much I grew from those experiences.”
For those just starting their careers, this serves as an important reminder: embracing risk can lead to unexpected rewards. By stepping into roles that push your boundaries, you cultivate a broader perspective that will help you in the long term. These tough assignments might just be the stepping stones to where you want to be in 5-10 years.
Key Takeaways:
Believe in yourself - you don’t always need to be the one with the master's degree or extensive knowledge in a certain field
Embrace risk by taking on challenging assignments.
Adaptability and a willingness to learn are crucial for career growth.
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