In football, quarterbacks are told never to telegraph their pass. Giving away their next move makes it easy for the defense to block the play.
But in leadership and career growth, the exact opposite is true. If you want to move forward, you need to make your goals crystal clear to the people who can help you get there.
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Too often, we assume that if we work hard and perform well, the right opportunities will just come our way. But here’s the truth: no one can advocate for you if they don’t know what you want. That’s why one of the most powerful things you can do is telegraph your pass—clearly communicate your aspirations to mentors, allies, and potential sponsors so they can offer guidance and open doors for you.
How to Telegraph Your Career Goals Effectively
1️⃣ Tell Your Mentors Where You’re Going
It’s not enough to say, “I want to grow in my career.” Be specific. Share your short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals with trusted mentors. Whether it’s leading a new project, stepping into executive leadership, or transitioning into a different industry, clarity allows mentors to provide targeted advice and connections.
2️⃣ Ask for Corrective Feedback
Great quarterbacks don’t just throw the ball—they adjust based on their teammates and the defense. The same goes for your career. When you share your aspirations, ask mentors what gaps they see in your skills, leadership presence, or strategic thinking. This allows you to refine your approach and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
3️⃣ Activate Sponsors by Being Visible
Mentors give advice. Sponsors take action. They use their power, influence, and social capital to advocate for you in rooms you’re not in. But they can only do that if they know where you’re headed. By consistently and confidently sharing your ambitions, you make it easier for sponsors to connect you to the right opportunities, recommend you for leadership roles, and champion your career growth.
No One Can Pass You the Ball If They Don’t Know Where You’re Headed
If you want to advance, you have to own your narrative. Start having intentional conversations with the people in your network who can guide and support you. Let them know what you're working toward, be open to feedback, and invite them to be part of your journey.
Want to get strategic about mentorship and sponsorship? My Core Leadership Competencies course dives deep into building relationships that accelerate your growth. Click here to learn more! 🚀
I'M ROOTING FOR YOU!
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