A few years ago, Tonya and I had the opportunity to speak to a group of Emerging Leaders at a national AICC meeting. As members of the inaugural class of Emerging Leaders ourselves, it was exciting for us both to be able to share our story with a group of young professionals walking a similar path as we both have. We addressed several topics- family business, working together, work/life balance and overcoming barriers as a young professional.
As I attend industry events today I still get asked about the path I’ve taken over the last decade to get to this point in my career. At the same time I still see some of the mistakes taking place from the people who end up spending a year or two in the industry before leaving for ‘greener pastures’.
In my career there were 3 ways I overcame barriers to get to this point in my career.
Overcoming Barriers as a Young Professional in a Mature Industry
Like many young professionals around my age I broke into our industry ready to “light the world on fire.” Hungry, motivated, energetic- all were words used to describe me when I first started. As I began attending industry events I marveled at how much knowledge and experience was in the corrugated industry and I was anxious to make my mark with my youth and exuberance. Within days my excitement and energy turned to stress and nervousness as I began the battle to overcome barriers as a young professional in a mature and complex industry. Three key traits played an instrumental part in shaping who I am and have helped me tremendously to me break through my barriers not only within the industry, but also in my current leadership role.
First, I checked my ego at the door and went about my business with a genuine modesty. We have all seen them, the punk that has the entitled attitude about who they are or what they have been handed. You know him- the know it all kid who thinks they are God’s gift to sales or the industry itself. If you want to succeed as a newcomer this is the first thing that has to go. I was determined not to leave people with that perception. Instead, take pride in listening to the people around you talk about themselves, their ideas and their companies. Pay attention to their success stories and take note of their failures as one day you may be walking in their shoes and need to lean on them for help. Be an active listener and spend more time learning about people than selling yourself and/or your company. It may not pay off in terms of sales or have an immediate impact on your business, but it will benefit you greatly in the long run by building trust in respect in others.
Secondly, I made a real effort to educate myself. Like every one of you I went through my company’s training program to learn the X’s and O’s of what we were all about, but the learning cannot stop there. I began visiting our industry partners to learn what they did. Visiting my clients was a no brainer. Not only could I learn their side of the industry, but I also began forming relationships that would later build into business for me. I took an interest in visiting our vendors, from the company that recycles our waste to our partners that handle our high-end coatings that we cannot handle in house. I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend industry seminars and conferences. Of course I like to go for the social hours and networking events, but it is the early morning seminars and breakout sessions that helped me learn the current shape of our industry. I urge all emerging leaders in the industry to ask questions, not just to people within your company but to those around you who may be in similar situations as you. Educate yourself not just in what may benefit you and your sales in the short term, but more so as a comprehensive approach to life.
Lastly, I was determined to earn the respect of my peers through my work ethic. I learned right away that if I really wanted to succeed in my position, the days of 9-5 were history. I became determined to succeed by spending more time worrying about how something is possible, rather than if it is possible. I believe a good work ethic is much more than just putting in long hours and burning the midnight oil to meet a deadline though. To me, it means conducting myself in a professional, ethical, and hardworking manner. Very early on in my career at an AICC meeting a mentor of mine, who I dearly respect, told me that my integrity meant more to me than I will ever know. As I grow in my career those words become more and more clear. I have always taken great pride in the fact that I operate in an honest and dignified fashion and I urge all young employees who are beginning their careers to do the same. Stereotypes are everywhere in life. As a young professional in the corrugated industry I feel them even today. Yes, I am a part of a family business and I was given an opportunity. That is all I was given though. What I did with that opportunity was solely up to me. To my fellow young professionals and emerging leaders in the industry: I challenge you all to break down barriers not only like I did, but also like others before me have done and who have now become leaders today- through hard work, a willingness to learn, and with modesty.
For more tips from me, Joe Morelli, and the Real People of HP, explore our additional blogs and videos, or contact us directly at Huston Patterson.
