Actually Gold Advice For Getting Ahead In Your Career From Hollywood’s Wackiest Bosses
From the reservoirs of Hollywood springs some incredible advice.
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Believe it or not, from the reservoirs of Hollywood springs some incredible advice and guidance for getting ahead in your career, whether you’re just starting out or you’re already kicking goals in the workplace. And, it turns out, it’s the wacky TV and movie bosses that offer up the best advice on everything from the importance of great mentors and upskilling throughout your career.
Check out who’s dishing out the career gold and get ahead today.
#1 Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation: Always Ask About The Culture
The heart-warming friendship between Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins in Parks and Recreation shows us that personal support and an uplifting work culture are much-needed parts of a successful career. Knope and Perkins know the value of teamwork, celebrate each other’s work, and ensure transparency in their relationship.
Whether you’re working or studying, getting ahead in your career is so much easier when you’re part of a positive culture in an organisation that’s clear about how they can support you. Ensure you’re with a Uni or in an environment that helps you kicks goals.
#2 Hank Scorpio, The Simpsons: It’s Never Too Late To Change Direction
When Homer accepts a new role at the Globex Corporation (a company with the unnerving catch phrase, “We dominate because we care!”), Hank Scorpio, the head of Globex, asks him what he dreams of doing with his life. Homer responds coyly, but with a smile and firm pat on the back, Scorpio quickly tells him to never give up. And that advice is gold.
Scorpio shows you that it’s never too late to return to study or change careers completely. A commitment to perpetual learning and personal development can put your life on a new and exciting track, or give you a golden opportunity to upskill and surround yourself with a powerful network.
So, know this: it’s never too late to pursue your dreams — even if that’s owning the Dallas Cowboys.
#3 Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock: Find A Mentor Who’ll Lift You Up
For an example of great mentorship, look no further than 30 Rock’s Jack Donaghy. Donaghy, bearing the verbose title of Vice President of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming for General Electric, takes scriptwriter and the show’s protagonist, Liz Lemon, under his wing. He cares for her personal and professional wellbeing, seeking to improve many aspects of her life.
Like any good mentor, Donaghy draws on his own experience and networks to guide Lemon to greater joy and satisfaction in her work and beyond. No matter where you are in your career journey – even if you’re just starting out at uni – find mentors who can support you through change and challenge, and celebrate your successes, too.
#4 J. Peterman, Seinfeld: Seek Out A Workplace Where You Can Grow
Elaine’s boss, men’s clothing magnate and face of the J. Peterman Catalogue Jacopo Peterman, sits at the helm of an organisation that offers opportunity and growth to its employees. Mr Peterman encouraged Elaine to take on greater responsibility at the catalogue (think writing his autobiography), put her forward for overseas work trips (remember the bizarre visit to Myanmar and foiled journey to Africa?), and encouraged her to take risks on innovative new ideas (who could forget the urban sombrero!).
Mr Peterman proves that workplaces that allow you to grow in your role are key to getting ahead in your career. So, when you’re applying for new roles or to undertake study, do your research and ask prospective employers and institutions how their organisation develops employees or provides additional experiences for students. Find out if there are opportunities to learn new skills, undertake secondments or work placements, study oversees for a component, or work on major projects to ensure you’re working or studying somewhere that wants to see you thrive.
#5 Eric Taylor, Friday Night Lights: Never Stop Working
Though not a boss in the traditional sense, for the Dillon High School football team, the Dillon Panthers, Coach Taylor is as close as it gets. Responsible for the players’ success on the field and their welfare off it, Taylor provides endless encouragement and support in the face of loss and hardship.
He knows that life, with its commitments and surprises, throws us curve-balls and sometimes gets in the way of our career. But his killer work ethic, unwavering determination, and have-another-go attitude are applicable to the ambitions of all. With Coach Taylor, there’s always room for improvement and a drive to keep your skills relevant.
Treat your career as a constant work in progress, understanding there’s always room for growth, but that there’s also no value in beating yourself up when things go wrong. Instead, stay focused and keep your eye on your career goals – and make sure you use your support networks to help you through. Whether you have to take an extra step to get to your dream job, undertake a bridging course to get into uni, or change direction completely, the message from Coach Taylor is pure: “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.”
#6 Phil Dunphy, Modern Family: Relish Good Managers
We reckon successful salesman and realtor Phil Dunphy, part of America’s lovable Modern Family, is one of the most approachable bosses out there. Though occasionally appearing on the daft side, Dunphy is approachable and empathetic – two very admirable leadership skills.
As a devoted family man, he understands that life isn’t all work, and that there are commitments outside the office that will always need our attention. Full of wisdom and real estate “Phil’s-osophies”, Dunphy shows us that good bosses are worth keeping close. Whether you’re working or studying, great leaders provide the trust and motivation you need to do your best work. They’re also likely to make great references when applying for new roles, so be sure to keep them close!
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