Austin DeSpain 👀

You have to build the culture that is supportive of growth. Eventually people are going to outgrow what you can offer them. Do DOT try to keep them held back just because it is easier for you or you just don’t want to lose them. That is going to ruin relationships. If you want to be able to have the possibly of either working with them or having them as a resource, you need to support them. Otherwise you will lose them and they’ll never look back.

Your vision has to be clear, which to me means that you've got to fully understand what you are doing and why you need to do it. If you're implementing a new process, you are not going to be able to convince your teams if you aren't fully convinced and prepared yourself. Don't go in with half an explanation and expect everyone to jump on board. Changes often are big, or at least feel big when things have been done a certain way for a long time. Do your best to make it clear why this is the right choice.

Keep learning and learning. Things change, processes change, technology changes. So must you. Constantly be looking for things you can do better, or different methods of completing your work. If there is a better way to do your work, why not use that to your advantage? Just because it's been done a certain way for X amount of time, doesn't mean it's always the best way. Adapt and be moldable and it will translate over into your personal growth and development.

If you're wanting to specialize in something, you need to make sure it's a good fit. With your current company, but more importantly for you personally. Make sure you're going to be ok with what you're doing before making any decisions. Ask current employees or even in other companies or industries that are in the specialty you are thinking of. It needs to be a fit for BOTH you and the company.

Prepare yourself before meeting with your supervisor or manager. Make a note, hopefully it's been a running page of notes, of things you want to make sure you cover. Write down questions and anything else you'd like to go over. Even if you don't end up needing to reference the notes you brought, you will be better prepared AND if you do get flustered or forget what you were needing to meet about, that is going to help you pull it back in and go on without feeling like you are doing a bad job.

Technology changes. So you should constantly be looking at how to implement the changes. They may not all be relevant to what you are doing, but if there is something you can learn to better improve your procedures, you must continue that learning and openness to change. Just because it works how it's always worked doesn't mean things will be like that forever. Learn new things. Even if you don't think they'll apply to you, at least learn and be aware so that you can be ready to lead your team.