CareerSteps Insights - MARCH Edition

March has been full of rich conversations, practical insights, and bold steps toward leadership. Whether you’re preparing for a bigger role or already navigating the people side of management, this month’s edition is packed with strategies to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Expert Advice

This month brought rich conversations around managing up, negotiation skills, and self-branding—three areas that can rapidly shift how you’re perceived as a leader.

In my recent “Manage Your Boss” webinar, we explored practical strategies for improving communication, understanding leadership styles using the DISC model, and building stronger influence with your manager. There’s no recording—but I shared key takeaways here

At the in-person workshop “Master the Art of Deal-Making,” we tackled negotiation through real-world frameworks, interactive role-playing, and techniques to craft win-win outcomes. Not sure when the next session will be—but you can read some highlights here

And I had the pleasure of co-leading a session with the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) at Roche, where we focused on self-branding and refining personal pitches. The energy in the room was incredible, and it was inspiring to see professionals elevate how they present themselves. A few key insights are captured here

Curious to go deeper or want a copy of the slides? Just reply to this email—I’m happy to share or exchange insights.

Client Success Story

My client, Mariam (name changed for confidentiality), is a smart, driven young woman who’s ready to rise through the ranks. In earlier coaching sessions, she realized visibility was key to getting promoted. But she wasn’t sure who she needed to be visible to.

She thought about her boss and her internal client. I challenged her to think broader: Who actually makes the decision to promote you?

(Spoiler s peers—and sometimes even your N+2.)

This opened up a whole new dimension. None of her boss’s peers had visibility on her work. That’s where strategic networking came in. Mariam now has a clear plan to connect with them and share her achievements—so that when review season comes, they all already have a good vibe about promoting her.

Practical Tips

Want to elevate your presence and influence at work? Start with your personal brand.

At the recent HBA @ Roche workshop, we explored how refining your self-introduction and professional pitch can be a game-changer. One of the most effective tools we used was the 3-step pitch formula:

1. Who you help / what impact you create

2. What makes you unique or interesting

3. Context or connection (if applicable)

For example: "I help bring life-saving medicines to patients faster by ensuring smooth collaboration between manufacturing and supply chain. I love solving complex puzzles in global supply chains, where one small decision can impact thousands of patients worldwide."

If that feels like a stretch, start with this question from the workbook:👉 What do you want others to remember when you introduce yourself?

Small shifts in how you talk about your work can dramatically change how you're seen.

Want to try the full exercise? Just reply to this email and I’ll gladly share the workbook.

Industry Insights

This month, I completed the Systemic Team Coaching® Certificate (Practitioner). One key insight? True transformation doesn’t just happen inside the team—it happens when the team aligns with the broader system they operate in.

Systemic Team Coaching uses five disciplines to help teams address challenges holistically—looking beyond surface-level dynamics to uncover what’s really going on. If your team is struggling, forget the offsite. It might be fun (and expensive), but the effect is often short-lived. Instead, get a coach who will work with your team over several months and dig deeper. You’ll be amazed what opens up.

If you want to learn more, this article offers a great introduction.

Personal Reflections

Years ago, I remember feeling deeply frustrated. I saw exciting, high-visibility projects going to others—projects I knew, deep down, I was made for. So why weren’t those opportunities coming my way?

Now I t visible. Not even my own manager could confidently speak to my interests. I had never made it clear what I wanted—or where I could shine.

One moment still stands out. There was an event being organized in St Andrews to showcase innovation in our IT department. I would have loved to be on the organizing committee… but I never said a word. I’d never volunteered for similar roles before, never expressed that I was passionate about innovation. So of course, no one thought of me.

That experience taught me something I now pass on to my clients: intention and consistency are key.

• Saying “I’m open to anything” doesn’t help your manager or their peers advocate for you.

• But saying “I’m passionate about innovation and would love to be involved in future initiatives like this one”?

That makes all the difference.

Book and Resource Recommendations

If you want to keep growing this month, here’s what I recommend:

• Book: Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson – A practical and entertaining read that uses the DISC model to help you understand different personality types and communicate more effectively—especially with those who always think they’re right.

• Tool: The DISC model – A powerful framework for decoding working styles, improving collaboration, and managing up with empathy. Try the online version here

  
  

Questions & Answers

 “Eric, how do you deal with someone who always thinks they’re right—and still convinces them of your ideas?”

This kind of behavior can be frustrating—but it’s also a chance to lead with empathy and influence.

Sometimes, what looks like arrogance is actually insecurity. Declaring “I’m right” might be a defense mechanism. I’ve found that simply acknowledging part of their perspective can defuse defensiveness. For example: 

"You’re right—it was due, and we missed it."

That softens the tension and opens the door to dialogue.

Another helpful strategy is to use social proof. Someone who’s not open to your idea might change their stance when a respected peer—or relevant data—backs it up.

Finally, shift the conversation from being right to getting it right: "We both want the best outcome—how can we make sure we’re not overlooking a better solution?"

Leading through these conversations takes patience—but it’s also how you build trust and influence.

Got a career question? Hit reply, and I’ll answer it in the next edition!

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

March was a reminder that growth isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. Every step you take brings you closer to leadership that feels authentic and impactful.

Looking to keep the momentum going? Here’s what’s coming up:

📅 Upcoming Events: Join my webinar “Navigating Change” on Thursday, April 17 for a live session packed with strategies to stay grounded, resilient, and effective during times of uncertainty —register here. 

📞 Ready to take the next step? Let’s discuss your challenge – book a free 15-minute call

💌 Enjoyed this newsletter? Forward it to a friend ready to take off.