Bossing Up Takes More than Grit, Stamina, and Self-Confidence

I love Broadway shows, but they may not be your jam. Even if you’re not a theatre fan, you should take note of Kecia Lewis. That’s because she’s the epitome of what we’ve been talking about this month: high results, high value people (HVPs).

Kecia’s story started with breakout success as part of the cast of Dreamgirls. But then life threw her a curveball. What she thought might be a short break for the birth of her son became extended time away.

She continued booking roles but didn’t experience another career pinnacle until she played Alicea Keys’ piano teacher in Hell’s Kitchen. When she accepted her Tony this year—long after her Broadway debut—Kecia summed up her winding journey by encouraging others, “I say to everyone who can hear my voice: Don’t. Give. Up!”

HVPs Use People Skills to Go from Good to Great

You might listen to the case study and think, OK—keep at it—I’ve heard that a million times before.

But here’s the inside scoop high results, high value people understand: Bossing up takes more than grit, stamina, and self-confidence. Reaching heights like a Tony Award also requires mastery of people skills.

Let’s dig deeper and hone in on a single people skill: Wise decision making. Here are three ways Kecia Lewis used discernment to be successful. You can apply these same ideas to your career:

1. Playing the long game is an everyday sport. Make shrewd choices about who and what gets your attention. Incremental progress through small, daily wins is still progress.
2. There’s a difference between small and unimportant. High value people know that having the loudest voice in the room is overrated. So, don’t underestimate smaller opportunities. Picking the right role can be the steppingstone to your breakthrough.
3. Stay in the mix. Kecia Lewis didn’t accidentally wind up back on Broadway. She made her way back through alliances. Accordingly, avoid unnecessary stress and pressure by choosing to go it alone—no high value person does it.

There’s an art to knowing how and when to show up. So, don’t just aspire to make an impact. Differentiate yourself by taking your good thing and using insight and discernment to make it great.

High Results, High Value People Series Recap

In the July series, High Results, High Value People, we’ve discussed three quantifiable work skills qualities—courage, curiosity, and preparation—which will make you a key contributor. The concept of “value” can seem fuzzy or confusing. So, let’s recap the myths we’ve busted so you have a people skills roadmap to become an HVP.

The three qualities are:

1. Courage. One myth about high value people is that their worth springs from having big personalities. However, having lasting results take more than swagger or bluster. Bravery includes the capacity to bring your authentic self to work. So, develop the healthy self-confidence to do you. Not when it’s easy or convenient. Every day. Every HVP has the courage to demonstrate their thinking and style.
2. Curiosity. Another myth is that HVPs always have the correct answer on the tip of their tongue. But the reality is that HVPs rely on curiosity before they commit their precious time and energy. So, get curious the next time you’re asked to commit to vague details or a too-good-to-be-true offer. Get the facts before leaping to a hard no or giving a blind faith yes.
3. Preparation. The last myth about HVPs is the nepo baby syndrome, where they rely on a powerful network. Successful people will tell you that solid contacts only open the door—they can’t guarantee that an opportunity will work. So, mine every learning and lived experience, even when they’re challenging. Those situations prepare you for future achievements

Remember: You don’t have to be born in the top 1% to be a high results, high value person. Act as the creative, wise CEO of your life—a Soul Boss—and combine top-notch people skills with an impeccable character.

Have you enjoyed this series? Keep the goodness going by discovering a new approach to skilling up. Check out my new book, Soft Skills Basics in a Flash.