Moving from manager - director - late 20s

[Anonymous]

I’m in a sales type consulting role (28f) made SR associate 4 years ago, then got a manager role 2 years ago at a new company. Not looking to leave anytime soon but there’s also not a realistic path to growth in my current role due to company format, but for the time being it’s a good fit. I’ve had great performance reviews and am at the top of the heap in terms of metrics despite being the youngest team member.

My goal is to move into more of a player coach/ director role in the next two years. I want to focus on sharpening my skills for the next thing but want to be ready when the time comes. For more senior people, what do you look for in terms of soft skills/ technical skills? My metrics speak for themselves but wondering what people expect someone at “the next level” do to differently.

Also, would love any feedback for what anyone in sales or other industries looks for when pushing the 5-8 years of experience set ahead, what sets them apart, and what you feel this set could be doing better.

[Anonymous]

I would focus on self presentation skills for now. Your writing style needs major improvement. You need to be able to convey your thoughts/requests in a more structured fashion.

[Anonymous]

So appreciate the writing feedback! Very curious what you’d do differently / how you’d rewrite the above. I was a straight A student in college but totally get that I may have been graded off of subject matter not structure. I went to a large SEC school for what it’s worth & don’t get a lot of feedback in my current role

[Anonymous]

If you’re in tech or at a startup your writing is fine (maybe even a bit TOO formal / fluffy?). Might need some refinement if you’re in a more old school industry / space.

[Anonymous]

Op here - I am in media tech!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So appreciate the writing feedback! Very curious what you’d do differently / how you’d rewrite the above. I was a straight A student in college but totally get that I may have been graded off of subject matter not structure. I went to a large SEC school for what it’s worth & don’t get a lot of feedback in my current role

Glad you are able to take criticism in stride!
Clear thoughts=clear writing. Since you want to be in a leadership role, it is important to communicate effectively. Feed your post into ChatGPT, and ask it to re write it in a more formal and concise style. You will see the difference.

Take a course in comms.

Above all, find a mentor in your industry who will guide your career progression.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So appreciate the writing feedback! Very curious what you’d do differently / how you’d rewrite the above. I was a straight A student in college but totally get that I may have been graded off of subject matter not structure. I went to a large SEC school for what it’s worth & don’t get a lot of feedback in my current role

Glad you are able to take criticism in stride!
Clear thoughts=clear writing. Since you want to be in a leadership role, it is important to communicate effectively. Feed your post into ChatGPT, and ask it to re write it in a more formal and concise style. You will see the difference.

Take a course in comms.

Above all, find a mentor in your industry who will guide your career progression.

I forgot to add - find your dream job description and see what skills they ask for. Focus on developing those skills.

[Anonymous]

OP, your writing is FINE! Don't listen to this weirdo who is telling you to use ChatGPT! I am a principal at a communications firm, where good writing is crucial. Keep your writing simple and straigtforward, just as you did in this post, and always proofread twice. You'll be just fine. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Are you a team player? Do you pitch in even when not asked? Do you put in the time and effort to connect and learn?

I find with my people around your age that they are very focused on their growth and their metrics but less focused on what is needed holistically. I grew in title and salary by stepping in where needed rather than if I thought the opportunity would help me grow.

A mentor is a good idea and I think your writing is fine!