The Long Game: How To Set Yourself Up For Long-Term Success

The long game; an uncomplicated but powerful idea. In simplest terms, playing the long game means you take small, necessary steps at every stage in life, to set yourself up for success down the road. In other words, you stay ahead of the curve. Sounds great; but what steps can you take to make this actually happen? 

Relationships

Throughout your career, you will meet many people that may shape your path. Some relationships will have an immediate effect on said path, while others may just be acquaintances for the foreseeable future. Regardless of their immediate impact, put time and effort into continuing contact with those in your network. Networking is only as strong a tool as you make it, and it’s not really a network if everyone forgets who you are. This idea relates to more than just those you meet at industry events, you can “play” the long game with colleagues, managers, or clients as well. Maintain relationships with those you work with or have worked with previously, you never know when a connection can be helpful.  Especially in our small industry, the long game is the only winning strategy for continued career growth and development. 

Take Rejection In Stride 

Not every step of your career will be sunshine and rainbows. Many goals will not be achieved the first time, and unforeseen obstacles will arise. To achieve your maximum potential and truly be fulfilled, you’ll need grit, hard work, and acceptance that rejection is a natural part of the process. Maybe you were passed on for a promotion or rejected from a new role you were excited about. Even during these “lows”, you can still play the long game by showing how you handle adversity. If you were passed on for a new role, send a thank-you note after every interview (regardless of outcome). Getting passed on for promotion should be met with congratulating the employee who received it and asking the manager for feedback on what you can better work on or learn to move to the next stage of your career. Regarding thank-you notes specifically, Alicia M King, the former Director of Talent Management for the Society for Human Resource Management stated, “Each thank-you note should be customized to the receiver. It shouldn’t be generic…it won’t resonate if you haven’t taken the time to reflect on the interview.”

Expand Knowledge Base 

Expanding your knowledge base is one of the easiest ways to play the long game for your career. Be hungry; having the drive to continue to learn will not only expand your skillset and competency but also highlight your efforts to your colleagues and superiors. Self-improvement is a great look that can give you the right skills and simultaneously get you in the right position to advance. Alongside self-improvement, strive to surround yourself with people who are more knowledgeable and more experienced in some way. As the old adage goes, if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. This will ensure you challenge yourself, hopefully daily, maintain the drive to learn more, and provide further opportunities for advancement through proximity. Play the long game by continuously and actively seeking out ways to improve and expand your knowledge and skills. Understand what is needed to get yourself to a Project Management seat, or reach an Associate level. Never get complacent. Feeling the discomfort of growth is a great sign you are on the right track. Our industry is no different. Codes and laws are forever changing, and in order to stay ahead, you have to continuously develop market-leading industry awareness. 

Playing the long game is a straightforward strategy that can elevate your career. Understand the achievable steps necessary for long-term success by focusing on your relationships, accepting rejection as a means to better yourself, and constantly striving for self-improvement.