Drea’s Notes, Thoughts and Tips

Do you rock at your “one thing”? August 1, 2008

Have you heard of the “one thing”?

And no, I’m not talking about that part in City Slickers where Curly says that life is about “one thing”….

I’m talking about something much more hard to reach. I’m talking about the “one thing” it takes to be the best – the “one thing” it takes for people to notice you – the “one thing” that only certain people know and that helps them get ahead in their careers. Do you know what it is? Do you rock at it? Do other people KNOW you rock at it??

In a company as large as IBM, it’s hard to stand out. Sure, you can stand out in your team or your business unit. But to stand out beyond that is a little difficult if you’re not in the right position. Now, Luis and Gia (when she was Blue) stand out. They are in above-region positions, and have the “reach” of a much larger audience. More people get to see what they do and how they are in their job. And, each one of them bring/brought to the table that “one thing”! They have and share the one thing that makes them stand out and makes people want to leverage them. They rock and everyone knows it!! 🙂

But, if you’re in the trenches – how do you get your “one thing” noticed? If you think you rock, how do you know for sure? How do let other people know your “one thing”? How do you get other people to WANT your “one thing”? And what if your “one thing” isn’t something that’s typical of your job? Then what? How do you stand out? How do you move ahead?

I’m at a loss here, folks. I think I have that “one thing” – but I can’t seem to get it known – or wanted – above my little “sphere of influence”. How do you expand that sphere? Can you help?????

Or…maybe…I just don’t rock.