The early phases of anyone’s career tend to be one giant learning curve. As you apply the theories and material you learned in the class room to real life situations, the impact isn’t just on “Company ABC” anymore. This learning curve is a crucial piece of the professional you are shaping up to be.  When you were in the classroom, your professors directed you to information and it was up to you to learn it and understand it.  Every individual will apply information in their own way. Now that you’re out of the class room and into the real world, who will guide you?

Peers, supervisors, business acquaintances, family, and friends will all have somewhat of an influence and it’s up to you to absorb and filter advice to develop the best “you”.  Managers come in all qualities and styles; some you will look up to and respect, others will have few qualities to admire – you will encounter them all. In which ever situation you find yourself, remember that you can make a positive out of everything by turning on your filters and controlling what has an impact. 

People we look up to and ones we disagree with can both serve as great learning tools for your future.  Every person is different and thrives on different relationships; it’s up to you to make sure you’re in control of sculpting and molding the business professional you dream of becoming by learning from life’s encounters.  I like to follow a process to help get the most out of every experience when taking in advice, observing others, and analyzing scenarios:

1)      Take it all in: Take a moment to think about the situation in its entirety. Think about who is involved. What is the catalyst and what were the actions, and results?

2)      Analyze:  Think about what you would change, what you think were the positive and negative factors to the situation.  How did others act and what re-actions were caused?

3)      Make the cut:  Cut out all parts of the scenario you disliked and feel wouldn’t be you or be an appropriate course of action. Keep what’s left.

4)      Absorb: Embrace the positives and try to implement some of these new features you have just acquired in an appropriate situation of your own and learn from your own use.

Becoming the professional you aspire to be will not happen overnight and depends on how attentive you are to the world that surrounds you.  Pay attention, and continue to grow.  The climb up the learning curve is up to you and only you can control how high you will go. Remember, there is always more to learn.