Don’t get me wrong, I am “all in” on simultaneously writing the current chapter of my life, as well as contribute to the current chapter of the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command story. And as the storyline begins to set the stage for the next amazing adventure for both, foreshadowing continues to become more evident. As you might imagine, and not to the detriment of my current responsibilities, I am using increasingly more of my time educating myself for an assignment like no other I have experienced. I am connecting with new teammates with more diverse backgrounds than any other team with whom I have served. And I am reaching across my current network to solicit continued partnerships so that I don’t navigate these waters alone. It is said that a careful look at our calendar and our bank account is the most accurate way of assessing what we truly value. As I look at mine, I am clearly placing a high value on my preparations to contribute as a member of the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx).
Last week, I reached out to a long-time friend. As a retired soldier, he, like so many of us, is conditioned to the 2-3 year chapters that frame the military lifestyle and recognizing the length of time since my last move it didn’t take long for him to ask me about my next chapter. When I told him where I was going, it was clear that he didn’t share my enthusiasm. He simply asked, “Is that good for your career?” Given that there were only two other opportunities to serve that excited me as much as this one and they were both opportunities to serve as a Commanding Officer, his skepticism caught me off-guard. Of course, it is. Then again, that might depend on how you interpret the question.
What does it mean to be good for your career? I have been in the Navy for just under 25 years at this point, yet in some ways, I remain a bit naive. I translated the question as to mean…
- Will I have the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways?
- Will I be surrounded by amazing people?
- Will I personally and professionally grow as a result of the experience?
- Is my family excited about it?
Given the answers to each of those questions is a resounding, ‘Yes!’, what was he getting at and why was he concerned? Then the obvious struck me. The mindset shared by many. He was really asking me, “Will this help you get promoted?” The question that guides too many of us these days. The answer to that question is both “I don’t know” and “Wasn’t even a consideration of mine.” It seems to me that our quest for the next gets in the way of making the most of the now. We put more emphasis on getting something for our effort than we do on growing as a result of our effort. And we spend too many days mindlessly checking boxes in favor of mindfully accumulating experiences. Over the course of my career, not once have I concerned myself with what would get me promoted. I have asked for and chosen opportunities using the four questions above as criteria. As a result, I continue to contribute, grow, and have a great deal of fun as a member of some amazing teams. Chasing the cheese of promotion is unhealthy; continuing to nibble on the cheese of fulfillment is nirvana. So yes, this is amazing for my career and my family.
- How do you define good for your career?
- How big of a part of your career aspiration algorithm is personal growth and making a difference?
- As you write your current chapter, what are you foreshadowing?
This is a great post. I think your questions are pretty good. In my 18 years in the Navy, I don’t think that I have had a tour where I wasn’t surrounded by amazing people, so the second question may not be as valid. I also find that I learn something new almost every day.
Like you, I believe that in our community a person can go to almost any job and as long as you apply yourself in figuring out a way to make a meaningful contribution the promotions will happen or they won’t. I have been both blessed and lucky by the teams I have worked with and led. I think that we have made a difference and I hope to continue this process as I continue on the adventure. One of the things that is so amazing is the chance to learn new skills and either recreate or emulate the leaders that have most influenced me, while taking lessons learned from some of the less effective leaders. I appreciate your posts and try to use them as tools when teaching others. Thanks for your continued approach to learning and teaching.
Woody
Woody, Nice to have you out there mentoring others as you look for ways to grow, contribute, and make a difference. So much opportunity to do all three, yet not everyone chooses that path. Thanks for making your choice a deliberate one.
Sean, just saw you posted this to the DIUx slack channel. This is a great piece of writing and captures a sentiment that is all too familiar. I’m AD AF with 9 years under my belt. My peers are constantly asking me the same question, though the conversation always ends with them dripping with jealousy. That being said, the General who signs my OPR (unwittingly at the time) asked me that same question just before I came out here. The truth is, it’s great for my career, just maybe not my military career. It’s unfortunate the two can be at odds, but is often the case those of us who want to make a difference sacrifice for those yet to arrive. Looking forward to having you out here soon
Regards,
David
Very much looking forward to joining you and the team out there. Growing, leading, and making a difference as part of the DIUx Team excites me a great deal!
Great questions. I pondered the same but was often told by my command leaders and detailers what I should do next and where. I never knew the “right” answer as to what I should do.
Then one day I had a conversation with the then Director of DIA, VADM Wilson. He spoke of balance in life; my work and family and how being successful is easy when you have both. The rest will fall into place on its own.
I followed his advice and followed the path best for both my professional career and family. Everything fell into place. Why? That balance and always being surrounding by great people. V/R
Well said, Rich! Thanks for the comment. Great strategy…hoping everything continues to fall into place.