Clear Eyes, Full Hearts

Amazon promotions require “best reasons not to promote” to be documented, both from a manager and from any colleague who provides formal feedback. Arguably it was the most important part of the process, because it demonstrated that input came from individuals who could see the candidate clearly enough to speak honestly about both their strengths and their shortcomings.

When coaching candidates for promotion, I recommended they write their own version of that section, and then we’d review theirs alongside my own. Why? Because if you shy away from your deficiencies, you have no counterargument to them. They’re going to be found out anyways by any competent promotion evaluators, so why not get ahead of the curve.

I don’t pretend this is easy, especially for people who have battled insecurities or have lacked encouraging support throughout their careers. But it’s essential for making meaningful career progress. When advocating for yourself, look your shortcomings straight in the eye.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss my Dad, but this week I’ve been particularly reminded of him being the reason I rarely feel insecure in naming my professional weaknesses. What a tremendous gift from a parent, the words “I love you” and “I’m proud of you” spoken aloud, simply and frequently. I must have heard those words hundreds of times. Thousands. So often that their truth got into my bones. I believed him then, and I still do now, even though he’s gone. Thanks Dad.