Significant Career Lesson From a Clinical Business Development Manager at InteliWound
Kayva's most significant career lesson is to "never outshine the master," which involves strategically revealing skills and ideas to demonstrate coachability and adaptability to leadership, rather than overwhelming superiors and unintentionally creating competition or an impression of being taken advantage of, especially early in one's career. It is important to be "very intentional about what from yourself you're giving," setting professional boundaries, and understanding that the workplace can be competitive, therefore it is important to protect oneself.
Career Development, Workplace Challenges, Interpersonal Skills, Professional Boundaries, Early Career Advice
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kayva Jha
Clinical Business Development Manager
InteliWound
Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey - MS in Business Management
Medical, Sciences & Related, Biology & Related Sciences
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Business Strategy
Disabled
Video Highlights
1. Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Early in your career, prioritize observation and learning. Be mindful of how your eagerness is perceived by managers. Some may appreciate initiative, while others might feel threatened or take advantage. Adapt your approach to show you are coachable and can align with their strategies before introducing your own ideas.
2. Strategic Self-Presentation: Be intentional about revealing your skills and offering solutions. Avoid overwhelming colleagues with your capabilities upfront. Instead, strategically showcase your abilities over time to prevent others from feeling competitive or exploiting your willingness to help.
3. Setting Professional Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and maintain a sense of 'mystery' in the workplace. Avoid over-sharing your skills or being available at all hours. This can lead to greater respect and protect you from being taken advantage of.
Transcript
One lesson you've learned that's proven significant in your career?
The most important lesson I've learned so far is "never outshine the master." I'm sure I'll learn more, but this is a big one I never thought I'd apply.
This rule comes from the book *The 48 Laws of Power*. I got it after a difficult experience at work, for what felt like the second or third time. I thought I had bad luck, but it was managers who didn't seem invested in my growth or success.
I always project myself as eager, willing to help, and the first to volunteer. I realized this might be what's actually hindering me. When you show all your skills and what you want to do, you're showing people they can take advantage of you because you'll do it anyway.
You're also showing them things they might fear, like you being in competition with them. In the workplace, we have to be honest: it's often everyone for themselves within a company. You learn that you're replaceable, so you need to be there for yourself.
In my most recent career, I get excited to fix solutions when I see a problem. I had to learn that, especially early in my career, people factor in age and experience a lot. Even though I think that's not ideal, it's how it is.
So, in early career, sit back, listen, and observe more. Then, be careful and considerate about how you offer solutions. You want to show leadership that you're coachable and adaptable, and that you'll run things their way.
After that, you can bring your value and ideas. If I were a manager seeing someone spewing ideas, I'd be happy because I'd see an initiator, a self-starter. But not everyone sees it that way.
Some people will want you to believe you're too young, immature, or underdeveloped to have and implement ideas. Whether that's true or not, you need to be intentional about what you share and how much of yourself you reveal.
Unfortunately, we sometimes have to be more calculative about decisions and set professional boundaries. You'll notice people who leave the office at 5 PM, without the mentality of working all day and night, tend to do pretty well.
I think this comes from having their boundaries set. There's a certain mystery that leads to respect. So, don't reveal all your secrets, and don't show everyone all your skills at once. You need to know how to pull them out at the right time so no one can use them against you.