Credit guru Thea Dudley has spent more than 30 years in LBM credit management. Now she’s here to answer your credit and collection questions. Got a question for her mailbag? Contact Thea at theadudley@charter.net
Dear Thea,
I have been working at a lumberyard for several years now and wondered what would be the next best step to take to better myself for the company I work for. Since I do not have a lot of free time, I would imagine I’d take an online course of some kind. Do you have any recommendations?
Signed, Chance to Advance in Chicago
Dear Chance Advance,
You didn’t give a girl a lot to work with here. Your question left me with more questions than actual answers. To be clear: I am not an expert on career pathing. Frankly, I think the term is overused, misunderstood, and limiting. I have yet to meet anyone in this industry that claims they had a clear, planned path. That being said, I can share with you what has worked for me.
I looked for opportunities and then capitalized on them. I volunteered for all the junky, unglamorous jobs or tasks that came along. The tasks and projects no one else wanted. I took on stuff that had nothing do with my actual job. Some of the tasks were tedious and usually more work than I thought they would be. It was a way to get my name out in the company and the industry. Those efforts pay off and before you know it, people are coming to you for help with things you didn’t even know could happen or that you could help with.
As you build your reputation as someone that can be counted on and who will go the extra mile without being “voluntold” or shamed into it, opportunities will come your way as well. Managers and department leaders are way more willing to take a chance on someone who has a natural drive and is willing to consistently step up. I will always take a chance on someone who is eager, willing, and has a great attitude over someone with more experience but has the demeanor of Oscar the Grouch.
Look for mentors within your company. People you can go to for coaching and advice on situations, questions, insight, or just conversation. Grab some lunch or coffee with them. Get to know their story and how they developed their career. Some of the most fascinating mentors I’ve had have been people I least suspected would ever be a mentor. Keep in mind that mentors or coaches will change throughout your career. Just like friends, you outgrow some mentors and some were always there, you just may not have realized it right away.
Expand your horizons. Get coaches and mentors outside of your company and in the industry. Personalities, communication styles, approaches, viewpoints – everyone has something to offer. By expanding your circle, they will all bring something different to the table.
Next question is always: Where do I get a mentor? It’s not like I can go to Target and pull one off the shelf. This is where you become the student, grasshopper. Watch people, listen to what they say, how they handle situations. Who in your company do you admire for the way they treat people? Who gets things done? Whose management or work style do you respect? Don’t limit yourself to one person. If there a few people in your company whose work ethic and abilities you admire, start really watching and listening to them. How they approach issues, topics, how they communicate. Engage them in conversations. In other words, watch for the traits and qualities you want to have and start emulating them. Take what you like and make it your own. Word of caution: Don’t try to be them. That is weird and never works. It is like wearing someone else’s clothes: You never look right.
Talk to your HR department. Make them aware that you are open to new opportunities and keep them up to date on what you have been taking on. Be a shameless self-promoter. It is not a bad thing.
You mentioned classes. Not knowing where you want to expand to in your company, I can’t tell you yeah or nah. If you believe this is something that would make you happy, then go for it. I have never regretted any of the classes I took in the interest of becoming more attractive and valuable to my employer or potential employer. What you take classes on really depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
My dear Chance Advance, you may also consider that you may have to follow your dream of career growth to greener pastures. Depending on the company, the leadership and even the manager you work for, you may do all the above and still not get what you are seeking where you are. All managers or leaders are not created equal. Finding a company and a manager/ mentor that wants success for you as much as they want for themselves is tough but possible.
Lastly, you are not a victim. You are responsible for your own success and career. Never be content with someone else’s version of you and your career. Good luck dear Chance Advance, go blaze your trail and keep me posted.
