We All Need Cushions of Excellence

Career paths aren’t linear. There are twists and turns, detours and new routes, and they can become entangled. To avoid being mired down along the way in the entanglements, we require professional supports. You can be certain that navigation of your career path is less difficult when you are not alone.

There are at least six types of allies and supporters who can help you navigate your career. They’ll help you succeed by reminding others of your history of successes, achievements, and accomplishments when navigating your path becomes difficult.

They’ll be your cushions of excellence when you’re on the verge of falling.

Who are typical allies and supporters? They are your former or current mentors, professional skills-building coaches, fellow alumni, professional networkers, colleagues, and former/current superiors. They may even be former subordinates who admire your work.

However, the only way that they can help is if you routinely advise each of them of your career progress and achievements. Don’t be shy. Armed with that information, they each become your greatest cheerleaders -- your cushions of excellence.

A cushion of excellence is any member of your network who is willing to enthusiastically share the knowledge that they have about your value. They represent you. They are your cheerleaders when you aren’t present.

When your career path becomes a little messy -- as career paths will -- members of your cushions of excellence will help others consider the current difficulties to be an anomaly of your performance and not indicative of your capability as a professional. They will remind others of your history.

The key is to stay in touch and self-market to help them understand and appreciate your ongoing value to your profession.

Maintaining your cushions of excellence can be one of the best career decisions you'll ever make. They may very well be your guides to your next opportunities.

Portions of this article are excerpts from my book “Lead or Someone Else Will: A Coach’s Guide to Leadership”. It can be found on Amazon.com.

Would you like more information about maintaining a supportive network? How about a brief, confidential, no-judgement discussion of your current situation? Contact my offices at (336) 999-4533 or email me at DonnaColes.Coach@gmail.com and we’ll schedule a time to discuss your leadership dilemma and identify some options that will help.

Or, Click the following link to schedule your discussion with me.
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18102228 

Until then…

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