Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News
What has been the best career advice you ever received?
“Consider the source” is one of the best and most broadly applicable pieces of advice I have received during my career. It is reinforced over and over at the FBI Training Academy as a cardinal rule in investigations and intelligence analysis, but its application is much broader.
Throughout our lives we will hear many opinions, feedback, and criticisms about what we are doing, our plans, our decisions, our aspirations, etc. It is important consider them all regardless of whether they are positive, negative, constructive, or condescending. But never forget to consider the source.
Information must be properly framed to be effectively used. For example, let’s say you aspire to do something that has never been done before. Some people might tell you it’s a great idea, and this makes you feel good and motivated, but then others might tell you it’s not possible and give you a list of reasons why. Pause here and remember that everyone is a product of their experiences, culture, biases, personal motivation, etc. This should help you decide how to use their information. If you reflect on what has been said and still don’t see the barriers, then their response might be a common case of saying something can’t be done, when what is really meant is it has never been done. Big difference!
As one of the few female assistant directors at the FBI, what advice would you offer women who are looking to advance their careers?
In one word—ask! Ask for what you want, ask for opportunities in the areas you are interested in, ask for that meeting you want, ask for what you need to be successful, and so on. In addition to hard work and experience, asking is one of the most powerful actions you can take to create opportunities or get what you need to succeed.
We have all heard the saying “opportunity knocks,” and while that is sometimes true, waiting for that “knock” should not be the only course of action. I highly recommend proactively asking if the door could open now; otherwise, you might just be standing around waiting for no reason, aside from you thought you had to wait for the “knock.” Sometimes doors are closed for a reason, but why not check?