Although this was originally given as a piece of dating advice in that an individual who’s seeking the “right person” for marriage needs to focus on being the person the person they’re looking for is looking for; it’s application to any desired goal becomes immediately apparent.

In my coaching, I have people regularly express to me a desire for a given position or role in the company.  “What are you doing to make yourself into the person they’ll be looking for to fill that role?” is oftentimes a question I’ll ask only to be met with the “deer in the headlights” expression coming back from the person with whom I’m visiting.

A leader understands that if they want a given opportunity, the time to start preparing for that opportunity is now.  And the preparation for that opportunity begins with focusing on strengthening the deficits that would keep them from being considered for that job.  If they wait until the job is finally posted, they’ve waited too long.

Categories: Initiative

Tags: initiative