Apr 4, 2023

11 Common but Avoidable Career-Limiting Mistakes

There are many mistakes that can limit your career success. Here are 11 common ones to avoid, from staying quiet in meetings to saying yes to everything.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP WORK

Dave Kline

I teach leaders how to build great teams & level up their career | Alum: Bridgewater & Moodys Analytics | Owner: https://t.co/AhQyfpiwQN

Member of Business & Startups

11 Common but Avoidable Career-Limiting Mistakes:
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Staying Quiet in Meetings

Myth: You should only chime in if you have something productive to say.

Reality: Challenge yourself to have something productive to say. If you don't, ask an insightful question.
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Saying Yes to Everything

Myth: You'll be appreciated for being a team player.

Reality: You'll be forgotten as the person buried under work everyone else was clever enough to avoid.
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Never Taking Sh!t Work

Myth: You just said not to say Yes to everything!

Reality: Strategically take work that a) is brutally painful for your boss and b) is exceedingly easy for you (think Excel models and PowerPoint work).
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Eating Lunch Alone at Your Desk

Myth: It looks like you're working harder.

Reality: You don't want to work for someone that tracks desk time & you just passed up 200 helpful connections and interesting conversations.
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Undervaluing Your Brand

Myth: You're early in your career and have no brand.

Reality: Brands are intentional, grown over years, and enhanced or diminished with every interaction.

Figure out -> What do you want to be known for next?
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Working on Your Weakness

Myth: Improving your weaknesses will make you a more well-rounded & valued asset.

Reality: Know your superpower and do everything you can to get into a role that values it. Aligned uniqueness gets outsized rewards.
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Being Too Agreeable

Myth: Your boss doesn't want the headache of hearing why you think they're wrong.

Reality: Any manager worth a damn wants to be surrounded by professionals willing to speak truth to power. Not your boss? Not worth your time.
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Skipping Optional Events

Myth: No one will notice.

Reality: These are often the memory-making moments that forge real friendships. And even if they're not, these are low-stakes moments to connect with senior leaders personally.
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Settling for Slow Growth

Myth: You have to pay your dues like everyone else.

Reality: Find a scaling startup or the growing part of a larger business where opportunity outpaces the talent. Be the gap filler.

Plan B: Unapologetically advocate for yourself: https://t.co/qOgEBkH7P2
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Not Being the Talent

Myth: We're an inclusive organization where all jobs are important.

Reality: Until a downturn. You are expendable if you're not the engine that makes the company money.

In a supporting role? Get to a company where you are the talent (hint: vendors).
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023
Relying on Intuition Alone

Myth: Trust your instincts and go with your gut.

Reality: Modern managers amplify their impact with proven systems.

Want help building yours?

Join 50 leaders this May in my 4-week MGMT Accelerator program.https://t.co/UQEpU6IpSv
— Dave Kline (@dklineii) April 4, 2023