Do you know where your gap is? The gap between where you currently are and where you want to be? In other words, the gap between the chair you are in, vs. the chair you want to be in. Knowing where your gap is can only happen if you know where you want to be. What is the ultimate front-row seat for your work? What’s the title? What’s the level of influence? What does it look like? Once you know that, then look at the seat that you are in. The difference is the gap. How do you bridge the gap? Let’s break it down to three different gaps to consider.
1. Skills gap
Look at the skills needed for your ultimate job. The easiest way is to get the job description of the job that you want. Which of those skills do you lack? Which of those skills need improving upon? Set out to gain those skills to close the gap. You’ll know right away which skills you already have and the skills you need to work on.
2. Networking gap
Who needs to be in your network? Getting promoted isn’t possible without people knowing about you and your capabilities. Who do you need to network with? Who has access to the decision makers for the job that you want? Reach out and build those networks. Start within your own network and see if they can introduce you to key decision makers and ultimately expand your own network.
3. Aspiration gap
Who has bridged gaps like yours before? Who has a story of triumph that you can study to get you motivated into action? Every successful person has a story of how they had to overcome something to achieve their success. Study those stories of aspiration to bridge the final gap.
There is no guarantee in getting your dream job. But if you close these three gaps, I promise that the potential is greater for you to get what you want.
Here’s to your success!
Your Head Usher,
Marilyn
