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CareerSteps Insights - January Edition

Writer's picture: Eric FingerhutEric Fingerhut

January was packed with exciting opportunities and insights to help high-performing professionals transition into impactful leadership roles. From webinars and workshops to personal reflections, I’m thrilled to share the month’s highlights. Whether you’re preparing for a promotion or fine-tuning your leadership skills, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive in!


Expert Advice: Hard Work Alone Isn’t Enough

In my coaching sessions this month, one theme stood out: visibility. Hard work is vital, but it doesn’t always speak for itself. Leaders who stand out share their achievements confidently and align their contributions with organizational goals. Read more in this post.


In particular, we explored together the PIE Principle: Performance, Image, and Exposure (PIE) as the foundation for career growth. While results matter, exposure and image play critical roles in advancing your career. Reflect on where you focus most and what might need improvement. Discover how PIE transformed my career here.



Client Success Story

This month, I worked with a client in R&D who had been overlooked for promotion. Together, we explored strategies to boost her visibility and shift perceptions. By leveraging tools like the PIE principle and focusing on self-awareness, she’s now positioning herself as a leader within her organization. Join us for the upcoming webinar, The Power of Visibility, this February. Sign up here to secure your spot! Seats are limited, so don’t wait!



Practical Tips: Boost Your Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical skill for leaders. I posted regarding this on Jan 11. Here are three specific actions you can take to strengthen your EQ and build trust in your workplace:


  1. Practice active listening:

    • The next time someone shares a concern or idea, repeat back what you heard to ensure clarity.

    • Ask open-ended questions like, "Can you tell me more about that?" to show genuine interest.

  2. Pause before reacting under stress:

    • When a stressful situation arises, take a deep breath and count to five before responding.

    • Use a quick mental check: "What’s the most constructive way to address this?"

  3. Make others feel valued:

    • Send a quick message to a team member acknowledging something they did well this week.

    • In your next meeting, highlight a specific contribution from someone else that made a difference.


These small, intentional actions will help you build stronger relationships, manage challenges with composure, and foster a collaborative environment where people feel seen and supported.



Industry Insights

This January, I had the privilege of presenting at PMI Switzerland on “Evaluating Your Sponsor.” A key takeaway? Building strong relationships with project sponsors is crucial for project success. I’ve also shared an evaluation tool to help assess alignment with project goals. DM me if you want a copy. You can read more on the event here.



Personal Reflections

Competing in the Toastmasters club contest this month reminded me of the value of stepping out of my comfort zone. Success isn’t just about preparation—it’s also about staying present and embracing growth. While I didn’t advance to the next round, the experience offered invaluable lessons I’ll carry forward. Read my reflections here.



Book and Resource Recommendations

This month, I revisited The Corporate Athlete by Jim Loehr and Jack Groppel. The book draws a compelling parallel between athletic performance and workplace performance. Just like athletes train their bodies and minds for peak performance, we need to manage our energy—not just time—to excel in our roles.


Don’t you want to perform like an athlete in your job? If so, this book is a must-read. It offers practical strategies to help you build resilience, sustain focus, and maintain positivity—even under pressure. Read more about it here.



Q&A: How do I build trust with key stakeholders as a new manager?

It all starts with listening. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason—great connections are built through active listening, not one-way communication. Take the time to understand your stakeholders’ priorities, challenges, and goals. Ask thoughtful questions, clarify their expectations, and show that you value their input.


Trust grows when you make people feel heard, respected, and understood. Remember, leadership is about fostering collaboration, not just giving directives. If you approach every interaction as a two-way discussion, you’ll lay a solid foundation for strong, lasting relationships.


Have more questions? Reply to this email or submit them here—I’d love to hear from you!



Conclusion

As we kick off the year, remember that leadership is a journey, not a destination. Focus on growth, visibility, and building relationships to achieve your career goals. Stay tuned for February’s insights and resources to keep you on track.


Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Book a free 15-minute exploratory session to map out your promotion strategy. Schedule your session here. Limited slots available!

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