Greetings, Leaders.
Rejoice! Again, I say rejoice as you continue your career journey.
I recall a conversation with a Summit Leader in 2015. He said, "I want to be at IBM a long time!" He is now in a sales leadership role and committed to the career journey in IBM.
He is like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither, and all he does will prosper.
As I observed his growth over the years, I think we see three key attributes vital for a successful career journey—Conviction, Courage, and Confidence. We see these qualities in the lives of great leaders throughout history and business.
First, conviction is rooted in the belief that you are here for such a time as this, and being where you are is not an accident. In discussion with a new group of new IBM leaders, I asked the questions, "How many believe that you are supposed to be here?" "How many believe it is a coincidence that you are here?"
All of them believed that they were supposed to be here. Conviction is essential in accomplishing any significant work in life and business. It promotes perseverance during the difficulties and storms encountered on the journey and resiliency not to give up and not to quit.
Commitment is the "all-in" decision from a heart that believes. Commitment precedes power. With it, we move forward with Courage despite uncertainty and not fully knowing how it will come to pass.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear." - Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The focus of faith frees us from fear. Great leaders believe that the vision and purpose for their lives will produce more excellent works and outcomes. Their motivation is serving and helping others; family, clients, colleagues, community, the nation.
They have a conqueror's mindset. They are improving their skills, getting stronger and stronger as they move forward in faith. I'm not there yet, nor have I become perfect, but I am charging on to gain anything and everything in store for me.
Confidence builds as great leaders respond by faith and act day by day, decision by decision.
https://w3.ibm.com/careers/about-your-career-at-ibm/career
Here are some observations regarding the benefits of a career.
1. The conviction that you belong calms a restless spirit.
2. The commitment to keep going unifies a divided mind.
3. Protects us from premature actions when times get tough.
4. It enables us to focus on building and overcome distractions.
5. It empowers us to see the latter glory being more significant than the former glory.
6. It gives us opportunities to build the skills needed for expanded responsibilities in the future.
7. Experience greatness in serving others first and having proper priorities.
8. See and experience great victories with our colleagues, clients, and company.
9. Enjoy the rewards from your investment.
10. Fulfillment.
Great leaders develop a singleness of heart and action to seek first things first. They know that all these added benefits will surely come.
Someone once said, "No life grows great until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined."
Be encouraged! Your career matters for you and those you serve!
The best is yet to come! Though it tarries, please wait for it will surely come!
Victory!
