As Engineers, we’ve all dreamed of reaching the top of the career ladder. We’ve always wanted to be the boss, the director, or the leader of the team or company. However, life can be really difficult, and no matter how hard we try, it feels like we aren’t getting anywhere. Sometimes, we would ask ourselves where we went wrong, even if we seemed to have tried everything we could to get where we want to. But what if we were focused so much on the big things that we forgot about the little things? What if the secret lies in those mundane, everyday things we do and we didn’t even notice it?
Well, executives themselves seem to agree, and they’re here to share their knowledge. Here are 7 everyday habits that executives have that engineers should follow too.
1) Every day, do 1 thing that makes you feel nervous
Source: Pinterest
“All growth takes place outside your comfort zone, and by facing your weaknesses head on you can turn them into strengths.”
– J.R. Ridinger, CEO of Shop.com
2) Set aggressive deadlines, and stick to them
Source: Pfit Blog
It’s important to set deadlines that are a little aggressive and difficult to achieve (but not too difficult). Set up milestones so you can keep track of your progress. This boosts your productivity as it creates a sense of urgency.
– Todd Krizelman, CEO of MediaRadar
3) Challenge your own thoughts and opinions
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Source: The Odyssey Online
Always try to gain a different perspective of a subject that makes you uncomfortable. Going outside of your comfort zone allows you to be more divergent of your thoughts and lets you think outside of the box.
-Mark Lyle, VP of marketing Santa Margherita
4) Wake up with the goal to serve others
Source: Bustle
Try to wake up in the morning and think about how to serve your team, instead of how to manage them. Motivate others, remove the obstacles, and help them achieve their goals. Fostering collaboration often achieves better results.
-Frank Bien, CEO of Looker
5) Stay focused on the big picture
Source: Pinterest
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you need to break things down into a series of steps and deadlines, then cranking on them while mitigating distractions. It’s easy to get distracted, but you have to have to ability to resolve errant, but important, issues quickly or simply say ‘no’ or ‘not now.’
-Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security
6) Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Source: GIFSec
“Sometimes, executives can be reluctant to ask for help. It takes humility, and requires you to relinquish some control. But no matter how talented you may be, no one can do it all on their own.”
-Shannon Miles, co-CEO of BELAY,
7) Manage your time
Source: The Odyssey Online
The most important lesson you can learn when managing a company is effective time management. Make sure to always use your time well to make sure you can handle everything on your list. Don’t forget to include time for yourself as well.
-Allen Shayanfekr, CEO of Sharestates
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