Michael Brown, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Skanska USA, is a respected leader in the construction industry. With over 25 years of experience, he has a wealth of knowledge and insights to share with young professionals looking to advance their careers. In this article, we will explore the 5 key questions that Michael Brown advises individuals to ask themselves in order to achieve success in their careers.
Insights from Skanska USA’s Michael Brown
What are your career goals?
According to Michael Brown, it is important to have clear and specific career goals in order to succeed. He advises professionals to take the time to reflect on their strengths, interests, and passions, as well as their short-term and long-term goals. This will help individuals identify the path they want to take and the skills they need to develop in order to achieve their objectives.
What skills do you need to develop?
Once you have identified your career goals, Michael Brown recommends assessing the skills you need to develop in order to achieve them. This may involve taking on new responsibilities, seeking out mentors and coaches, or pursuing additional education or training. Brown emphasizes the importance of being proactive and seeking out opportunities to grow and develop your skills.
How do you build relationships?
As an experienced leader, Michael Brown understands the importance of building relationships in the workplace. He advises young professionals to take the time to build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and industry partners. This involves being a good listener, showing empathy, and being reliable and trustworthy. By building strong relationships, professionals can gain valuable insights and support that can help them achieve their career goals.
How do you handle failure?
Michael Brown acknowledges that failure is a natural part of the career journey. He advises young professionals to adopt a growth mindset and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Rather than dwelling on mistakes, Brown encourages individuals to reflect on what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use the experience to develop new skills and strategies.
How do you prioritize your time?
Finally, Michael Brown emphasizes the importance of time management in achieving career success. He advises professionals to prioritize their time by focusing on high-value tasks and delegating lower-priority tasks to others. This involves setting clear goals, creating a schedule, and being disciplined about time management.
In conclusion, Michael Brown’s insights provide valuable guidance for young professionals looking to advance their careers. By asking themselves these 5 key questions, individuals can gain clarity, develop their skills, build strong relationships, learn from failure, and effectively manage their time. By following these principles, professionals can achieve success in their careers and make a positive impact in the construction industry.
