Develop all the skills that are critical to your success," advises Jeanette Winters, vice president of learning and development at Pitney Bowes. "Ask yourself: What unique set of competencies have I developed to warrant consideration?" Education, skills, competencies, and experience are the common starting points. Then come the differentiators. Winters singles out having a career plan, a support network, and an internal champion, mentor, or coach.
Mary Slaughter, chief talent officer at SunTrust Bank, recommends having a clear business orientation, but understanding that "you're leading people, not machines. As a leader, you should continuously grow and develop so you are the best you can be, and then share your expertise in a way that focuses on business outcomes." When making decisions, Slaughter says, "Seek the facts, but balance that with your instincts and your experience. Listen to and trust yourself."
Slaughter advises women to be purposeful about career moves, neither moving on too soon nor staying in one role too long. "Over 30 years, that equates to about 10 meaningful assignments."
Her advice to women on overcoming impediments to their advancement is "Don't wait to be asked to participate or to share your opinion. Step up and be honest about what you think." Slaughter adds that "The higher one goes in a power structure like a corporation, the less people are willing to speak the truth. You can distinguish yourself by being candid yet constructive."
Slaughter counsels, "Always be true to yourself and demonstrate kindness to others, even when you're being incredibly tough on the problem at hand. Consistent, positive behavior attracts great talent to follow you.