Premium
Lessons From the First Year of a Corporate Career
Author(s) -
Raigoza Claudia
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of leadership studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.219
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 1935-262X
pISSN - 1935-2611
DOI - 10.1002/jls.21504
Subject(s) - cites , active listening , public relations , element (criminal law) , task (project management) , perspective (graphical) , psychology , key (lock) , reflection (computer programming) , sociology , political science , management , computer science , computer security , communication , artificial intelligence , fishery , law , economics , biology , programming language
The current paper summarizes some of the earliest lessons learned during the author’s corporate career. Like many young leaders, the author begins her reflection uncertain of whether or not leadership applies at the entry level. Upon close consideration, she identifies four key lessons and utilizes them as her framework for the article. The first lesson focuses on the importance of listening and learning before contributing a unique perspective that can positively drive results. The next lesson introduces the notion of “leading up”—a direct reference to a young leader’s ability to manage and inspire senior leaders within their organization. Third, the author cites Rosenthal and Jacobson’s “Pygmalion effect” to encourage young leaders to take on a challenging task or role as opportunities are often a reflection of a superior’s belief in their abilities. Lastly, the fourth lesson focuses on self‐awareness as a key element to maintaining the mental and physical health required for becoming a successful leader and overall “corporate athlete.” In conclusion, the lessons provided aim to highlight the importance of absorbing as much knowledge as possible, minimize the need to have all the answers, and encourage leadership during all stages of a career.