Significant Career Lesson From A Director Of Product At Stiddle
Joshua's significant career lesson centers on prioritizing giving over taking, "asking what you can do for others," fostering stronger relationships and a more positive work outlook. This approach, coupled with focusing on gratitude instead of self-criticism, has increased their social capital and fueled their growth mindset as a product director.
Networking, Communication, Leadership, Positive Attitude, Growth Mindset
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Joshua Han
Director of Product
Stiddle
UC Berkeley
N/A
Political Science, American Studies
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Prioritize building relationships and networking: Focus on what you can do for others, expanding the pie rather than just taking a slice. This approach improves professional relationships and work quality.
2. Cultivate a growth mindset and express gratitude: Instead of dwelling on shortcomings and apologizing, find reasons to be thankful. This positive attitude increases social capital and fosters forward momentum.
3. Adding value is key: Consistently look for ways to contribute and provide value to others. This approach is valuable in any career path and builds strong professional networks.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I think this echoes a lot of what I've said earlier about people and relationships. A good attitude that everyone should have, and that I've learned to have, is just asking what you can do for others, and not what others can do for you.
It's like that John F. Kennedy quote, right? You apply this to your career, your life, and looking at the world as a glass half full. I want to make this pie bigger instead of taking from it.
This has really increased the quality of my professional network relationships and how I approach work. Another thing I've learned is to find reasons to say "thank you" more than "sorry."
I think a lot of high performers and perfectionists have very high standards for themselves. Oftentimes they don't meet them and feel bad, ending up apologizing or beating themselves up. But as a founder and as a PM, it's very important to have that growth mindset.
Finding reasons to say thank you puts you into a position of adding value where you can, and not putting yourself down. You can find ways to give instead of taking, which is what I said before with my first lesson.
This increases your social capital, gives you a better attitude about work, and it's a way to look forward instead of looking backward.