At the start of my career, I had a boss that gave me the following advice:

“Think of everyone as your client and you want their repeat business. So it would be in your best interest to make sure they are satisfied with your work” – My former boss [paraphased]

From that moment forward, I shifted my interactions with colleagues. I became as helpful as I could in every situation. I went above and beyond for everyone around me. When I was asked to do something, I thought of the main intentions behind the request and tried to accomplish that as well. These people were my clients and I wanted all my clients to have a positive experience. As I began to grow into my career I saw this mindset propel me forward. 

Now as I transition into leadership, I notice this advice has its limitations. Namely, the number of “clients” grows to unmanageable levels. Having to manage, up, down, and laterally with colleagues, bosses, and junior associates,  I can’t productively fulfill every incoming request. I can no longer think five steps ahead for every “customer”. While this is actually a good problem to have because it means my “business” is growing, I need to adapt my practices to grow as well. This growth equates to a paradigm shift from servicing clients to becoming a client and expecting good services from others. 

I can no longer be at all places at all times. In the name of delegation and the spirit of the team, I have to rely on others to help complete tasks that moves the team forward.

This shift also comes with insights on how to be a “good client”, how to ensure those looking to give you good service have the tools and information necessary to do so. I begin by being as detailed as possible about what it is I’m looking for, the problem I want to solve, or the goal I want to reach. I follow this information with suggesting a path forward while being open to other solutions. Lastly, and probably most importantly, I relinquish control of doing it all. 

The transition and growth to leadership come with a myriad of challenges, but as the old African saying goes, “faster alone, further together.” I know the key to excelling at the next level is accepting this new reality that everyone works for me