So you think you are ready to make your first BIG move? Get into Managing a Vertical or a Division or CXO at a MSME Company?
Lets take a quick look at what are some of the basic requirements for those who are ready to move upwards:
- Know About Self
- Manage Self
- Know about Others
- Manage Others
- Know your work / business
- Manage the Business
We shall focus in this series on what are the important aspects we must know about ourselves which are relevant in this journey ahead
Have you prepared your life vision and written it down
Lets start with this part. If you have not yet done so, this is the best time to do so. Write down what or where you see yourself going and what you see yourself becoming. Think loud, think big. No need to ask anyone or take guidance about this. Just yourself.
Writing a Personal Vision Statement requires you to think Macro. You need to identify what is it that you wish to achieve. What will give you a sense of satisfaction or of accomplishment. Some call it the obituary statement or the tombstone inscription
Something about how you would want the world to remember you.
When Stephen R. Covey wrote The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People in 1989, he put a spin on the idea, suggesting that individuals create their own mission statement as part of his second habit: begin with the end in mind
William Arruda, author of Ditch, Dare, Do: 3D Personal Branding for Executives. “A personal mission statement is a critical piece of your brand because it helps you stay focused.”
Writing one, however, takes introspection. Arruda suggests asking yourself, what am I passionate about? What are my values? What makes me great?
Oprah Winfrey, Founder of OWN – Oprah Winfrey Network’s Vision was “To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.”
Sir Richard Branson, enigmatic entrepreneur and Founder of the Virgin Group’s vision was “To have fun in [my] journey through life and learn from [my] mistakes.”
Lets take a look at some more:
‘I shall not fear anyone on Earth. I shall fear only God. I shall not bear ill will toward anyone. I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering’ – Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi
‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style’ Maya Angelou
What is your Vision?
Your vision should have relevance to what you value most. Eg Turth was key for Gandhiji. To have Fun was key to Richard Branson. Teach others was what mattered to Oprah.
So, identify your core values. Look up from any of the following which you can set aside as that which defines what you are and what you see yourself always being. That becomes the basis of you!
Some value words that may define you – Integrity, Respect, Truthful, Pioneering – Discovering, Perfection, Trustworthy, Charitable, Accountable, Openness, Frank, Honest, Humility, Responsible, Fearless, Obedient, Ethical, Community – Service, Brotherly, Caring,
Remember, to look ahead. What you want to see of your self is a Dream which you want to fulfil
So lets Review. Suppose, I am a person whose values describe my feelings as one who wants to do good for others, I feel happy or wish to give to others (eg, Alms, charity), help others, make them do better, a sense of social obligation to do or give back to others, am honest and like to be ethical in all that I do etc, then my Vision statement could look something like this:
I wish help all others have a better life.
I will become a best in class educator and guide for others, promote goodwill and grow them through developing their skills and making them self-sufficient in their careers. I will support them to find their calling, materially and financially to make them ambassadors for my work so that they too can help others
What are your Values? What is your Vision? Write them down. NOW!