Executive coach and author Melody Wilding identifies a critical gap in professional development: understanding the unwritten rules of influence. Based on her experience coaching top performers, she outlines six essential behaviors that distinguish employees ready for the next level from those who remain stagnant.
1. Package Ideas for Decision-Makers
Avoid simply listing tasks or presenting raw data. Instead, frame your communication around outcomes and Return on Investment (ROI). Explain what the data means for the business to capture the attention of leadership.
2. Cultivate Brevity
Resist the urge to over-explain, which can sound like rambling. Concise communication signals authority and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Focus on the essence of the topic rather than burying the lead.
3. Pre-wire Meetings
Do not wait for the formal meeting to seek approval. Build consensus beforehand by having private discussions to address objections and gather support. This strategy turns potential adversaries into advocates before the presentation begins.
4. Value Decisiveness Over Perfection
Leaders prefer clear recommendations they can react to rather than vague answers like “it depends.” Hedging kills credibility, while taking a firm stance demonstrates leadership potential, even if the answer is debated.
5. Make Yourself Replaceable
Being the only person capable of doing a specific job can trap you in that role. To become promotable, document processes, build systems, and train others to handle your responsibilities, proving you are ready to move up.
6. Reframe Boundaries
Protecting time is necessary, but frequently saying “no” can label you as difficult. Instead, offer alternatives—such as proposing a different time or a partial solution—to set boundaries while remaining a cooperative team player.
Mentoring question
Reflecting on your current role, are you unintentionally making yourself ‘indispensable’ and stuck, or are you building the systems and team capacity that would allow you to step up to the next level?