Becoming director/executive without exec pressance
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Anonymous
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Some background.
I am an individual contributor in Federal service, and need to transition to private industry. Most IC roles are a lateral move at best, i may need to transition to a new field as mine is very tied to federal duties If I want to advance to executive or director role, I know part of that is building relationships and presenting as an executive. However, I’m a short old guy with a vocal twitch (think a cross between Charlie Day And Joe Pesci but instead of an accent think a lisp or similar). With this not typical presentation for executive presence, am I tilting at windmills to move up to a leadership role? |
Anonymous
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You may face obstacles that others might not, but not necessarily. Movement into high level roles requires, first and foremost, demonstrated competence and accomplishment which demonstrate your value to the company.
Fit is important, but is usually secondary, especially if you're not handicapped by personality or character flaws. Image-type issues of the types you describe should not be disqualifying in themselves, but you may need to work a bit to counterbalance them by dressing, behaving, and speaking in ways which tend to emulate the people in roles you aspire to without literally copying them in every respect. |
Anonymous
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I would also apply for IC roles too. It will be difficult to get exec roles when you have no experience/ especially in a new field.
Years ago I went from nonprofit to private sector, had been an exec. in nonprofit and went down two rungs to get a role in the new field. People apply to leadership roles on my team, but if they don't have experience or are changing sectors it (usually) would be better to come in at their current role or one lower, learn, and then go for that promotion. Why would I hire someone with no experience in my sector or role when I have 5 people who applied who have that experience? The goal is to get your resume read, then interviewed, then hired. There are so many people applying now you have to be strategic. Hiring managers and HR want to see someone with the experience. Work with a coach, apply for IC and one step up roles and see what sticks. Wear nice clothes, take care of yourself, be personable, etc. Moving laterally may be your best bet and you can't really present as an executive unless you are one. |
Anonymous
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I am PP. I have more than 5 people who apply, but I am saying why would I interview you when I have 5 people who applied who have the exact experience I am looking for? If HR only allows me 7 people to phone screen then 5 then 3 then 2, that would be hard for you to get in that group.
You have to set yourself apart, so honestly I think that means applying laterally to private sector. |
Anonymous
| Much less spelling. |
Anonymous
Spelling? |
Anonymous
Sorry I was unclear. I am planning a lateral move, but 50 year old IC don’t last long, so I was hoping to advance to management/leadership. higher pay would be nice too since pension is gone, no health insurance in retirement, etc. |
Anonymous
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Being short is not a problem. Yes, tall people get some preference in general but it is not going to stop you from moving into a role.
I am giving this feedback kindly because you seem aware that your voice is distinctive in some way and really looking for candid advice. If you have a really distracting voice, you are unlikely to be placed in a role that involves meeting with prominent customers. It just won’t happen. Instead of being discouraged, shift your sights on a leadership track that is internal - operations, inside sales, etc. Now you may not become SVP but you can definitely become a director and go from there. Hope that helps. |
Anonymous
Pressance! |
Anonymous
I’m aware that I’m a Charlie Day in life, hence why I did nerdy scientific work for the government. But those days are older so I got to figure out how to leverage what I am capable of to make up for the values that corporate America priorities. |
Anonymous
*days are over |
Anonymous
| Start dressing with some flair |
Anonymous
| Have you considered putting your energy into something that won't beat you down with negative feedback over things you can't change? |
Anonymous
It couldn’t hurt to work on your writing skills a bit. ”…I got to think…”; “…corporate America priorities”. Also, it’s possible you are thinking too much about how you think an executive needs to present and maybe also feeling some resentment. I have definitely seen executives who do not fit what might be the typical view of executive presence at all. But they have talent, knowledge, and leadership abilities. They moved up into higher level positions because they knew their stuff- not because of how they looked or dressed. |
Anonymous
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OP you say pension and insurance are gone. You can get COBRA or an exchange plan. Are you in TSP and FERS? TSP is yours. You need 3 years to get the agency 1% match but your money is yours. How long have you been a Fed? You need 5 for FERS deferred retirement basic annuity. Familiarize yourself with these things. They're all online.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/publications-forms/pamphlets/ri90-1.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwipzJbj1sePAxUkGVkFHZzkDIAQFnoECDgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0Tzg-M_y9JUHN6pBtunBi5 |