Stop Chasing the Wrong Dragon
For many young Filipino professionals, success is viewed as a straightforward climb: study hard, excel in exams, earn certifications, and work long hours. We’re taught that accumulating skills and knowledge automatically leads to advancement. This approach is effective in early career stages, fueling promotions and enhancing technical credentials.
However, as you progress, focusing solely on expertise can hinder your growth. When everyone is already smart and capable, being the most qualified doesn’t set you apart. What really matters is how others see and value your contributions. If you want to stand out, shift your focus from just building skills to creating ‘Impact Assets’ that show your value clearly.
Beyond the Resume: Building Your Personal Brand Assets
Your personal brand is like your professional identity. It’s how others quickly understand what makes you valuable. In Filipino culture, where humility is important, talking about yourself can feel uncomfortable. But building a strong personal brand is about being clear, not boastful. It helps others see your strengths, values, and what you bring to the table.
This is more than just having a great LinkedIn profile, although that’s helpful. Start by figuring out what you do best. What problems can you solve? What is your standout skill? How do you want people to remember you? Share your value often, both online and in person. Speak up in meetings, offer insights to your network, or volunteer for projects that match your skills. When you do this, people will already have a good sense of your value before you even say a word.
The Power of Presence: Cultivating Attention Assets and Premium Value Skills
It’s not enough to be good at your job—you also need people to notice your work. Many talented professionals get overlooked because others don’t see their value. Attention Assets help keep you visible, even when you’re not in the room. This could mean networking, joining industry conversations, or making sure your team hears about your achievements.
Along with staying visible, you also need Premium Value Skills, like strong communication and presence. In the Philippines, people often show respect and use indirect language. But in senior roles, you need to be direct and clear. Learn to tell stories in presentations, run effective meetings, and show confidence that gets noticed. It’s not just about having the right answers, but sharing them in ways that influence others and drive action. These are not just ‘soft skills’—they are powerful tools for building influence.
Seizing the Spotlight: Unlocking Premium Value Opportunities
To truly advance your career, you need to be strategic about what you take on. Some people try to do everything, thinking that doing more shows dedication. Hard work is important, but at higher levels, what matters most is the quality and impact of your work. Look for big projects that let you show your skills, help you grow, and boost your influence in the company.
This means you need to take the initiative. Look for important problems within your organization, volunteer for projects that garner attention, and ask for roles where you can make a significant impact. Don’t wait for chances to come to you—go after them. Taking on these projects will help you become known as someone who can handle tough challenges, making you a key player in your company.
Conclusion: Your Career, Reimagined
Just collecting technical skills and certificates won’t get you to the top. If you want to move up, focus on building Impact Assets. Work on how others see you, improve your communication, make yourself more visible, and go after projects that show what you can do. These are the things that will really speed up your career growth.
Pick one Impact Asset to work on this week. Maybe you’ll improve your pitch, look for a speaking opportunity, or volunteer for a big project. Make a choice, start with a small step, and take action today. You’ll be glad you did when you see the results.
Article by: Engr. Jomel J. Kawi