How To Shed The "Get Shit Done" Perception
Let's talk about a career trap that's probably all too familiar - being the infamous "get shit done" person. You know who I'm talking about. The one burning the midnight oil, always delivering, and jumping on every urgent task like their life depends on it.
Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so. Because I've been there too.
Picture this: Me, working my butt off, putting in more hours than anyone else on the team. I was the ultimate workhorse. Reliable. Dependable. A total rockstar at getting sh*t done.
And you know what happened? I watched as others - who definitely weren't putting in the hours I was - got promoted over me. Talk about a punch to the gut, right?
That was my wake-up call. It forced me to figure out what the hell was going on. And boy, did I learn some hard truths about how the corporate world really works.
Here's the bottom line: You can't be both the "get shit done" person and executive material. It's one or the other. And how do people see you? That's your reality, whether you like it or not.
The Mindset Shift: Why Hard Work Alone Isn't Enough
Before we dive into strategies, let's address a critical point: the mindset shift required to move from "doer" to "leader.”
Many of us have been fed this idea that success will follow if we just work hard enough. And sure, a killer work ethic is important. But for executive roles? It's not even close to enough. Here's why:
Executive promotions are business decisions. They're looking for leaders, not workhorses.
Leadership is about vision and strategy, not just crossing tasks off a list.
As you move up, your value comes from your ability to lead and influence, not from doing everything yourself.
Recognizing this reality is step one in your transformation. It's not about working harder but working smarter and more strategically. Mind-blowing, right?
Signs You're Stuck in the "Get Sh*t Done" Trap
So, how do you know if you're caught in this career-limiting loop? Look out for these red flags:
You're working crazy hours, but those senior roles seem as far away as ever.
Less experienced (and, let's face it, less hardworking) colleagues are getting promoted over you.
You're everyone's go-to for urgent (but not important) tasks because you're so damn reliable.
You find it harder to say "no" than to pull an all-nighter.
Your work is mostly tactical stuff with little long-term impact.
If you're nodding along, don't worry. I've got your back. Let's talk about how to break free from this trap.
The Strategy: From "Get Sh*t Done" to "Executive Material!"
Reshaping how people perceive you involves three key areas: impact, visibility, and communication. Here's how to address each:
1. Crank Up Your Impact
Impact is all about how much your work moves the needle for the company. It's time to stop just checking boxes and start making waves.
Practical steps:
a) Ruthlessly prioritize your work: Use a time audit to determine your hours. Aim to do less $10/h tasks and more $10,000/h work. Yeah, that's a thing. I wrote about it here.
b) Focus on outcomes, not outputs: Instead of bragging about how many emails you sent, focus on results. How much revenue did your project generate? How many deals were driven by your strategy?
c) Make time for big-picture thinking: Set aside time each week to think strategically. Trust me, it feels weird at first, but it's a game-changer.
2. Boost Your Visibility with Decision Makers
Your achievements need to be known by the right people. This isn't about self-promotion; it's about strategic relationship building.
Practical steps:
a) Identify your VIPs: Figure out who influences your career most. Hint: It's not just your manager.
b) Add value before asking for anything: Schedule a listening tour to understand their challenges and goals. Then, find ways to make their lives easier.
c) Work in public: Get stakeholders involved in your projects early so they have a stake in your success. When you win, they'll feel like they've won too.
3. Speak Their Language
Your words and how you deliver them are crucial in shaping people's perceptions of you. Time to level up your communication game.
Practical steps:
a) Prep like a pro: Know your audience and what they need and want most before important meetings. Come armed with 3-5 points to make them sit up and notice.
b) Master the BLUF method: That's "Bottom Line Up Front." Start with the punchline, then back it up. For example: "I'm proposing a partnership with [Company Name] that could increase revenue by 30% and solve [problem]. I need your support to sponsor this initiative.” Trust me, executives love this approach.
c) Have an opinion: Don't just present data - connect the dots and make recommendations. Show them you can think critically and aren't afraid to take a stand.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Trying to please everyone: Focus on significantly impacting key areas rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Thinking your work will speak for itself: Newsflash - it won't. Invest time in strategic networking.
Being shy about your achievements: Use your one-on-ones to highlight your wins and discuss your career aspirations. If you don't toot your own horn, who will?
Your next steps
This transition doesn't happen overnight. It requires consistent effort and intentional action to step out of the get shit done perception and step into “executive material.” But the payoff - regarding career advancement and job satisfaction - is well worth it.
And the best part is that it won’t require you to work harder, just smarter. You won’t need to pile up hours; rather, you should change what you spend your time on.
You have the skills. Now, it's time to showcase your executive potential. You've got this.
I believe in you, and I’m rooting for you.
Maya ❤️
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