David Lancefield
Helping to create extraordinary organizations and leaders - as a catalyst, strategist and coach. Speaker and Board advisor.
London, England, United Kingdom
www.davidlancefield.com
linkedin.com/in/davidclancefield
What would I tell myself about a major transition?
It's been just over a year since I left PwC where I'd been a partner for 14 years. What would I tell myself at the age of 46? Whilst it's personal to me I hope it's of use to anyone else considering or making a similar transition.
★ Build your personal brand. Going solo is another level compared with anything you've done before. People want to know your value, not your (previous) title.
★ Adopt the mindset of an apprentice. Get over yourself. Dig in. Graft. Ask silly questions.
★ Reach out, don't wait. Your inbox will shrink rapidly, but so will your meeting schedule; use the time to network.
★ Work out why a client should come to me (afresh). What makes me special or different?
★ Do things you enjoy. Focus on what you want to do, not what you used to do, or others think you should do.
★ Remember what you're doing this for; use it as a guide and anchor as you explore.
★ Manage the chatter in your head. You're on your own, with fewer interactions; use silence and space wisely.
★ Spend time with people who show genuine interest in you as a person, not just your brand, expertise or black book.
★ Be patient. Transitions take time; don't compare yourself to people who've been doing what you want to do for years.
★ Be kind to yourself. Get comfortable with the messiness, uncertainty, loss, new found curiosity. It tests your emotions.
★ Recognize that you will lose contact with people. You're less relevant when you're out of their "bubble" and without a corporate brand.
★ Focus on momentum, experimenting with new practices, propositions, but remember it's not a race. Check your limiting assumptions.
I've loved the last year and I'm so grateful to those who've provided counsel, interest and ideas. You know who you are. There's been so much learning, and fun.
#strategy #leadership #transitions #careers