AI poses no threat to IT careers

If you want to advance, you have to do things that may make you feel uncomfortable. While you may feel it to be risky, it’s not. The real risk is staying where you are. The risk is not getting outside your comfort zone and allowing yourself the opportunity to grow.

Ask yourself, “What is the real risk?” Is it doing something you might think is bold? Or is it doing nothing at all? Here are six ways to get outside your comfort zone and move your career forward:

1. Reach out to someone you don’t know.

You create opportunity when you integrate new people into your life. Reach out to someone new, and expand your network. Is there someone you admire? Is there a potential future colleague at a company you want to learn more about?

E-mail the person, or connect on social media. Schedule a time to connect by phone or in-person. The worst that could happen is that the person says “no” or does not respond. The real risk is missing out on the opportunity to expand your world.

AI poses no threat to IT careers

2. Think, and read.

Society pressures you to be busy. Many get anxious when they feel they are not doing something. Some have this notion that being busy is heroic. But busyness does not necessarily lead to productivity and good decision-making.

Some of the most successful people in the world spend much of their time reading and thinking. Warren Buffet says he has spent 80% of his career reading and thinking. Many attribute his lucrative decisions to an increase in “knowledge, creativity and energy.”

Find books and articles you want to learn from, and carve out time every day to learn new information. You are not doing “nothing.” You are making an investment. The real risk is missing out on the opportunity to learn and make smarter choices.

3. Share your thoughts in writing.

Give yourself the opportunity to highlight your expertise and thought leadership. Publish an article. Use social media to weigh-in on current events. If you are a corporate governance expert, share an article with your thoughts on LinkedIn about the recent board shakeup at a public company. If you are an IT professional, share your thoughts on the new Apple products.

Use your experience to share your perspective and professional opinion. Worried about putting yourself out there and being criticized? The real risk is not staying relevant.

4. Speak publicly.

Take advantage of opportunities to speak publicly. Get on the meeting agenda. Inquire about speaking at a conference. Ask the question you know others want the answer to. Allow yourself to be seen and heard. Don’t worry about sounding perfect. The real risk is losing the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership presence.

5. Offer a solution.

Have you experienced times when you thought to yourself, “I could have done that better” or “I have a better idea.” Stop keeping your ideas to yourself, especially when your ideas can help your colleagues and organization. If you have solutions that will help increase efficiency or decrease costs, share them. The worst thing that could happen is that the idea is not implemented. The real risk is not seizing the opportunity to show your value.

6. Ask for feedback.

Feedback can sting but only for a short while. Take constructive feedback to improve yourself for the long haul. Ask colleagues, including managers, peers and direct reports, how you might have been able to improve. Ask, “What do you think about the idea?” or “What would you like me to have done more or less of?” Your ego may be temporarily bruised, but the real risk is missing out on the opportunity to improve.

If you feel uncomfortable, ask yourself why you feel this way. Are you breaking a rule? Or is it because you haven’t done it before? Don’t put limitations on yourself that don’t exist. If you want to advance, don’t hold yourself back. Open up yourself to opportunities.