Theresa Hilinski

From Theresa Hilinski:

We’ve all had that (sometimes unavoidable) feeling of: What am I doing here?! OR Where am I headed?!  Maybe you thought this would be your dream job, or thought the promotions would come quicker as you busted your bum working late and taking on duties not even assigned to you.  Whatever the situation, the reality has hit and you are sitting in the same spot, just waiting for that encouragement, or sign that your career is taking off.

“When you realize your career is a result of choices and not conditions, the effect is absolutely liberating.” -Dr. Kevin Freiberg, Author of BOOM! 7 Choices for Blowing the Doors Off of Business-As-Usual.

Amen, Dr. Freiberg!  Instead of sitting back and waiting for what you think should unfold before your eyes…you need to take a page out of this book (actually more than just one) and get moving.  Are you seizing the opportunity to move on options you have in front of you everyday, or letting them slide by because you think your situation is out of your control?  Just as you have the choice to go for super-size fries vs. carrot sticks; you have the choice to sit tight or move yourself forward.

Once you’ve made the decision to step it up a notch, here are a few ideas/tips to set the wheels in motion, and some reminders to keep accelerating.

Be a Leader

Don’t simply solicit ways to get a title to boost your resume.  Instead, seek opportunities that give you a chance to legitimately lead.  Maybe it’s a project at work that someone needs to take the torch on, or it’s an outside activity within your community that needs a team leader.  Most importantly, don’t shy away from leadership roles because of lack of experience.  Everyone needs to start somewhere…and if you have the passion, you can learn to lead.

Be Accountable

You are a grown-up.  Long gone are the days when you can promise to clean up after the dog, just to get a pet.  Simply put, being accountable means sticking to your word.  Do what you say you’re going to do, and even more importantly, don’t offer to help when you know you can’t take on the work.

Be Respectful

Any grandparent or great aunt/uncle has probably told you: Respect your elders.  Although they may not have mentioned it, they probably should have included anyone in authority in their words of advice to you.  Whether or not the person in authority deserves the title, the reality is that they have it.  By being disrespectful, the only thing you will gain is bad PR for yourself.  It is smarter to earn recognition for the respect you exhibited vs. the bad attitude you had against someone you thought wasn’t worthy.

I know what you’re thinking…what an insightful quote this blog posted started with – how can I hear more about this author?  That’s easy – make the choice to attend CUNA’s Community Credit Union & Growth Conference.  Dr. Kevin Freiberg will not only be presenting, but you will receive a free copy of his book.  Checking out the lineup is easy (there are plenty more awesome speakers to hear from), just visit: community.cuna.org.  I hope to see you in Boston.

Theresa A. Hilinski is Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of Credit Unions and also holds a CUDE and DEUK designation.  Theresa is participating in CUNA’s VIP Network for Young Leaders at this year’s Community Credit Union & Growth Conference.  You can e-mail cunaresources@cuna.coop for information on the VIP Network and inquire about a special discount available for this year’s conference.