22 Aug Leveraging Strengths for Career Growth
Ha-Keem Abdel-Khaliq, Global Vice President in Human Resources, shares his wisdom on career development. Coach Ha-Keem dives into strategies for authentic self-promotion and the importance of expanding your network. With years of experience coaching professionals, Ha-Keem provides practical advice on leveraging strengths for career growth.
Reframing Self-Promotion
Many professionals struggle with self-promotion because it can feel like bragging. However, Ha-Keem suggests simple mindset shifts.
- Focus on the value you’re creating: Instead of framing it as self-promotion, highlight how you contribute to the organization’s goals.
- Think of it as storytelling: Discuss your work in terms of the impact it has on the company—whether it’s through innovation, efficiency, or problem-solving.
- Elevator pitch: Be prepared with a short explanation of your value in any situation, even a quick conversation with senior leaders.
Leverage Strengths and Soar with Them
A recurring theme in Ha-Keem’s advice is to focus on your strengths:
- Lean into your natural talents: Spend more time on areas where you naturally excel, rather than trying to fix every weakness.
- Strength-based approach: Following books like StrengthsFinder and Soar with Your Strengths, Ha-Keem encourages professionals to identify their unique abilities and use them to differentiate themselves.
Networking: Expanding Beyond Your Current Circle
Building a wide network is crucial for career advancement. Ha-Keem emphasizes:
- Use your current network to expand: Leverage your existing connections to reach new people, creating opportunities that might not be immediately apparent.
- Extended networks are key: Many career opportunities arise through people you don’t know well, so be proactive in broadening your professional network.
Protect Your Brand
Your personal brand begins the moment you enter the workforce. Consider these insights:
- Every action contributes: Whether it’s being punctual, how you handle stress, or how you interact with colleagues, everything builds your reputation.
- Be intentional: Focus on being someone who adds value and solves problems, which will enhance your brand in the eyes of peers and leaders.
The Importance of Honest Feedback
Ha-Keem advises finding a trusted person who can give you real, constructive feedback. This is key to staying grounded and ensuring you are on the right path.
- Honest feedback: Have at least one person in your network who knows you well enough to call you out when you deviate from your goals or values.
Career Advice Ha-Keem Would Give His Younger Self
When asked about the advice he would give his younger self, Ha-Keem shared four key pillars:
- Protect your brand: You are always crafting your reputation.
- Soar with your strengths: Focus on what makes you unique.
- Leverage your network: Build a broad and meaningful network.
- Have someone for honest feedback: Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth.
Final Words of Wisdom
Ha-Keem emphasizes the importance of mindset with his favorite philosophy: “What you focus on expands.” Whether you’re looking at opportunities or challenges, your focus will shape your career trajectory.
Conclusion
Coach Ha-Keem’s insights on self-promotion, networking, and career development are invaluable for any professional looking to advance. By reframing how you think about self-promotion and leveraging strengths for career growth, you will confidently move in the right direction.
About Ha-Keem Abdel-Khaliq
Ha-Keem is a global vice president in human resources. He is an accomplished international speaker and has been invited to present workshops and talks at many corporate events. Ha-Keem has worked at global fortune 40 matrix organizations and small entrepreneurial companies. He has coached hundreds of professionals in their career development journey, conducted thousands of interviews and reviewed 100, 000 plus resumes. Coach Ha-Keem’s mission is to help people own their career development. He has written two books, You’re Worth It, Navigating Your Career in Corporate America and Realizing You’re Worth It, Advice, Insights, and Inspirations to Propel Your Career. He is also the creator and host of the Worth It podcast.