In Your Power

CHAPTER 8Proficiency: From Invisible to Invaluable

“There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self.”

—Aldous Huxley

“Although you are respected within the company and have done a great job over the years, your name hasn't come up.” Melanie was VP of business development at a $4 billion health care company, and that's what she heard from the CFO about the senior leadership role just vacated by her boss.

As you can imagine, this news was like a gut‐punch and she spun out of her power for some moments. She felt extreme disappointment and embarrassment: “How am I not the obvious candidate after 18 years here in this department?” and self‐doubt: “I don't have what it takes. He doesn't think I'm capable. I know they are looking for someone similar to the previous leader with a financial background, and I'm more a relationship‐based leader.” Given this swirl, she had to soul‐search to determine if she really wanted the job. But of course, to tell someone in her power that she can't do something is the surest way she'll prove you wrong. She reached out for my coaching saying “I'm going for it!”

Melanie had the opportunity to prove that she was the right person for the role, but it's clear that influencing the CFO was not the way forward. Rather, she was going to have to demonstrate her capability to be in the next‐level role through her own means. There are times when you can use competence you already have to transcend an out‐of‐your‐power ...