I have worked with many high performers, early in their careers. So when Stoa asked me to do a session on this topic, I compiled a decade of my observations. This list of things is what I learnt from them:
7 things high-performers do in the early stages of their careers
1️⃣ INSATIABLY HUNGRY TO LEARN
The 1st thing I would notice about them was that they were all learning machines. Super curious, had tons of questions, always looking to go deeper. Their learning compounded rapidly & soon they were far ahead of their peer group.
———
HOW: tips for learning - Pick the medium that works for you (books, podcasts, YouTube, social media) - Leverage experts to curate your learning list - Start by imitation. Later develop your own style. - Get better at asking questions that reveal uncommon insights
2️⃣ ALWAYS DEPENDABLE
It started with small things: being on time, high quality outputs, going above & beyond This led to a cycle of Rapid growth: Deliver → Bigger responsibilities → Deliver… But it all began with the word DEPENDABLE getting associated with them.———
HOW: tips for dependability - Pick a productivity system that you like - Ones that helped me: Getting things done, time-blocking, Inbox zero, Manage energy not time, Eat-Move-Sleep - Productivity is a means not the end. Become obsessed with delivering not with productivity
3️⃣ DOUBLED DOWN ON THEIR STRENGTHS
A common path I saw: - Explored widely - Adressed weaknesses: Fixed serious ones, got peer-support for some & ignored the rest - Then discovered their talents/strengths This is when everything took off (contributions, learning, satisfaction)
———
HOW: tips for strength finding - Reflect (needs self-awareness) - Take tests (easier, finding the right test is key) - Ask people (can reveal things that you take for granted & hence ignore) Look for valuable things that are ‘like play’ to you & ‘like work’ for others
4️⃣ RAISED THEIR HAND FOR HIGH STAKES PROJECTS
They did this as they trusted themselves (focussed on strengths) They got big projects as others trusted them (dependable) Result: Either a big win that built their reputation or a great lesson which set them up for future success
———
HOW: tips for high-stakes projects - It’s about calculated risks (hard but you have a decent chance) not stupid risks (no one has a chance) - Raise your hand when you feel almost ready (no one feels fully ready) - Look out for opportunities, they are rarer than you think
5️⃣ KEPT IMPROVING AS COMMUNICATORS
Eventually most Sr. roles becomes 70% communication. If you aspire for these roles, improving communication is a no-brainer. Most high-performers I know worked hard on it & kept adding more arrows to their communication quiver.
———
HOW: tips for communication - Many aspects: clarity, brevity, writing, public speaking, storytelling, difficult conversations… - For each, there is often 1 book/course that can deliver 80% of results. Mastering it is usually good enough. - Shortcut: copy people you admire
6️⃣ BUILT MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS
Every high performer I recall had deep relationships: peers for companionship & mentors for guidance. Some had many people & some just a few. But they all realised that people make the journey worthwhile & people = opportunities.
———
HOW: tips for relationships - Secret of great relationships: Kindness & generosity - Ingredients: Time, authenticity & memorable experiences (easier when you are younger) - Best long term approach: Giving without expectations
7️⃣ ALWAYS FOUND A WAY TO GET BACK UP
Everyone fails. Repeatedly. Especially at the start. The difference: unlike most people these high-performers found a way to get back up. They took the lessons, let go of the emotion & moved on. Others didn’t.
———
HOW: tips on bouncing back - Hobbies that help to step away from work & get lost in something else - Friends & Partners who give belief & care at lowest points - Something young people don’t realise: If you can turn it around, people forget the fall & only remember the climb
That’s it. 7 things I have observed high-performers do in the early stages of their careers. Summary: 1️⃣ Learn hungrily 2️⃣ Deliver dependably 3️⃣ Leverage strengths 4️⃣ Take high stake projects 5️⃣ Improve communication 6️⃣ Build meaningful relationships 7️⃣ Always get back up
I really enjoyed this session & thread. It got me to re-live some great memories & reminded me how lucky I was to work with so many stars in their early years.