Get off the fence and take a stance

The data industry has grown immensely in the last decade and you’re not alone in feeling that it’s difficult to stand out. 
There seem to be so many data professionals and new titles pop up every week. 

It’s more important than ever to become crystal clear on who you are and the value you bring and to do so unapologetically. 

Let’s dive in deeper.

The Challenge

The data industry feels crowded with smart, educated, and talented people. You’re unsure how you can stand out. You think it’s best to take the safe road and do a good job, not rock the boat (because – layoffs!) and to focus on popular technologies and frameworks that will stick around for a while.

So far so sensible.

But: it’s also vanilla. It keeps you in a safe place with people who are in a similar situation but it won’t lead you anywhere exciting.

The Solution

It’s daunting and scary and a little bit crazy: You have to stand for something. 
Have an opinion on things and back it up with reasoning, experience, and logic.

You will get into uncomfortable situations where you have to: 

• tell people they’re wrong.

• say it’s time to do things differently.

• make tough hiring decisions. And maybe fire people.

• manage difficult relationships with suppliers or partners.

• convince people your new framework is more robust than their old one.

As a professional, you can’t hide, even if you don’t like handling these situations. 

Your best approach is to become crystal clear on who you are, what you stand for, and why the work you do matters.

This is daunting at first, but with clarity comes confidence and with confidence comes better communication.

Something I found challenging was letting go of the idea that everyone has to like me. They don’t and they won’t. Yes, be kind and respectful and professional. But no matter how hard you try, there will always be people who disagree with you. 

So be unapologetically you, be clear about the value you bring and the impact you can have. Then move forward with the great contributions you can make to your organisation.

The Next Step

A great way to practise clear communication is through your language.

Do you use filler words and qualifiers in your sentences? Do you sound vague?

Create clarity by speaking more clearly – in person and in writing. Draft, then review before you push send or publish. Instead of being vague and sitting on the fence, take a stance and be unapologetic about it.

People will respect you for it and you will grow into a stronger, more confident person as a result.

​Have a great week!

Eva

P.S. Does this resonate with you? Would you like some help gaining clarity in your career? I have space for 2 coaching clients to start in March/April. If you’re interested in working with me, let me know here.