Hey Mp!
Boundaries.
Boundaries.
Boundaries.
Throwback to the time when I first joined Standard Chartered.
It was my first Managerial role
It was with a newly-set-up global team.
It was a critical role dealing with regulators.
I had to lead 20+ strategic projects with $2M budget.
I was overwhelmed.
Actually, overwhelmed was an understatement.
And, to add the cherry on top of the pie: I just turned 27.
I was drowning.
I started feeling like others are out there to get me.
I felt like others are in the wrong - not me.
Until one day I spoke with my mentor.
He was someone I highly respected from my previous company.
A highly experienced senior corporate leader.
He said something that stayed with me till today:
"You're allowing this to happen."
"You did not set clear expectations and boundaries."
"Of course, you'll feel frustrated."
It was then I realised I was part of the problem too.
It's a two-way street.
I never thought about it that way before.
My mentor opened my eyes to see a new perspective (and reality).
My mentor helped me see what I couldn't see.
My career truly skyrocket from that moment I became aware of my blindspot.
I was promoted every year.
Received 20-30% salary increments.
That conversation changed my career.
For that, I'm forever thankful.
So Mp, what's one career-defining moment for you? :)
With love (and gratefulness),
Mei Phing xx
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