Is it time to move to a new role?

There comes a time to leave every role behind—whether you are moving up, out, or on. time-to-moveYou don’t have to be at the end of your career and you certainly don’t want to be at the end of your rope and forced to leave before you consider: Is it time to move?

Just as you are never the last to leave a dinner or close down a bar—it just isn’t who you are—you are organizationally savvy enough to know when the party is in full swing and when it is winding down. You are alert and attentive, aligned with all your key stakeholders and your organizational goals. If you are self aware, mindful and intuitive, then you not only know how much time you have allotted to accomplish the task at hand, but you can also accurately calibrate how your organization values you and your accomplishments. You have staying power because you are able to assess when your stock is on the rise and when it is on the decline or about to tank. You have learned by now that everyone has a “shelf life” and an expiration date. Sharpen your observations. Pause, reflect and breathe.

Examine yourself through the eyes of your stakeholders and your managers or board. The questions are always the same: are you meeting or exceeding  expectations? And, are you accomplishing your goals and, for some, securing  your legacy? My friend Hensley often gauges progress by asking: Are you  moving the needle?

Calibrate: How are you perceived regarding the expectations—yours and your stakeholders’—and what you have accomplished? How much time has elapsed? For example, if you’ve been in the role for less than six months and you are not meeting commitments and expectations, then you are in the wrong place. Exit before they ask you to empty your desk. On the other hand, if six months have passed and you are meeting gtst-book_logo-5_2016expectations and achieving your goals and commitments with passion, use your network, your charm and your organizational savvy to ensure that this role is either a springboard to your next opportunity or your crowning achievement.

Remember:  We almost always know when it is time to move on– the downside is that we
usually ignore our gut feelings. Why not get ahead of the game and trust your instinct. Remember, it is your choice.

From Chapter 17:  Is it Time To Move?

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