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This week I read this: “When senior women were asked about their career journey as a part of her research, they used the term ‘luck’. Specifically they used this term to describe their journey to becoming a senior leader.” The quote is from Francine Parham’s article “Advancing As a Female Leader: Luck Should Never Be a Career Strategy” (link to article). I feel saddened that women in senior leadership positions are unable to articulate the hard work, sacrifice, resilience and intellect that is part of the recipe of success they created for themselves. But it also doesn’t surprise me that women have defaulted to responding this way, we’re conditioned by society and patriarchal work cultures to dim our successes and shy away from talking about how difficult challenges are. Almost eight years ago, I adopted a habit that I’ll share with you - I started an Accomplishments Journal. My Accomplishments Journal is a Google Doc where I was able to document every accomplishment, large or small. I recorded my first solo project I managed, my first speaking event, overcoming a rocky professional relationship that had gone sideways, snagging a large business partnership, etc. Each month I made a commitment to write down at least one accomplishment, some months were easier than others, but I didn’t give up! And you can imagine that after eight years that list has grown. I use my Journal to give me confidence when I’m doubtful of my abilities or worried about a new challenge. And the Journal helped me gather the evidence I needed when I was preparing to ask for a promotion/salary adjustment. It’s come in handy A LOT! My Accomplishments Journal is how I’ve been able to keep in perspective that my career isn’t about luck, it’s about me and my choices, sacrifices, ideas, experience, perspective, intellect, intuition, values, relationships. My Journal gives me power and is a holding place for my amazing, adventurous career story. What has contributed to your career success? Tweet me @audreygalo.
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