Success Secrets 1

What my first CEO taught me about problems and solutions

This is the first in a series of career success lessons, how I learned them and how I’ve used them. I hope will motivate subscribers to not only use those that add value, but also to share their own along the way.

The Backdrop

Early in my 20s it was obvious to me that, at my company, the number of women in critical functions and in leadership positions was woefully small — especially given that the workforce was primarily comprised of women.

Being an action-oriented young thing, I typed on my IBM Selectric typewriter a memo to the CEO that went something like this:

“Dear Mr. Roberts, most of your workforce is women, but there are very few in leadership positions.”

Up it went through the vacuum tubes that moved important mail through headquarters. Yes, I’m that old.

And I thought nothing more about it because, of course, the CEO was alerted to a problem and would handle it.

Weeks passed and I got a phone call from Mr. Roberts’ very proper secretary.

“Susan, this is Patricia Brulotte in Mr. Roberts’ office. Mr. Roberts would like to see you.”

Here’s what I was wearing that day (Dress for Success had not yet been written and I was fresh out of college).

Furthermore, I was braless - as one should be in a sun dress. I somehow knew it wasn’t appropriate attire for the executive floor.

“Patty,” I said, “today’s not a good day for me to see Mr. Roberts.”

“Susan, when Mr. Roberts wants to see you, you come.”

So off I went to the intimidating floor of paneled walls and power desks.

Mr. Roberts graciously invited me to enter his office and sit on the sofa. From behind his desk, he held up my memo and said,

“I have your memo. What would you like me to do about it?”

The Lesson

It had never occurred to me that he wouldn’t tackle the problem, but would instead expect me to have solutions at hand. This was the first career success lesson I ever learned.

Don’t just bring problems, bring solutions.

I somehow stumbled through the meeting and to make a long story short, within a year we had a women’s initiative at the company that tripled the percentages of women in supervisory and management positions.

Awareness to Action

It took me a long time — and many stumbles — to fully internalize this as a lesson, and to appreciate how important it was. But unlike another lesson I’d eventually learn from Mr. Roberts, this is one I believe I did get “good enough” at.

It’s one of the reasons I rarely post statistics that define the lack of women’s advancement (for example) without also focusing on the solution.

For this I am eternally grateful to Henry Roberts, former CEO of Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (now CIGNA).

Your Turn

Does this lesson resonate with you? Tell us in the Comments how you’ve learned or applied it?

Or share an important career success lesson of your own. (Bonus points if it goes beyond the conventional advice women always get — be more confident, network more, find a mentor.)

Here’s to your continued success!

Susan

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Lead ON!

Susan