A common question I’m seeing from those just starting their careers, especially those interested in leadership or management roles, is what can I do to prepare myself? Or, how can I expand my network? Or how can I get noticed and recognized for my work?

These are good questions, but might not be the right questions. I think an often overlooked step is starting where you are right now. Have you learned everything there is to learn in your current role? Have you mastered your craft? Have you passed the tests right in front of you?

Too often, in my opinion, people lack patience. If you can’t handle what’s right in front of you how are you going to handle a role of increased responsibility?

I built the early stages of my career by focusing on the task at hand and not getting too ahead of myself. I began as a contract employee (a ‘temp’) in customer service, taking phones calls off our 1-800 number. Now, I graduated from college with a degree in education and working in customer service was not something I saw myself doing. The job market was different then than it is today.

Rather than complaining, I focused on learning what I needed to be successful in the role I had. Over time opportunities to take on more responsibility surfaced and I was a logical choice because I had proven that I could handle what was already given to me.

I started being more opportunistic. I didn’t overlook the importance of building strong relationships with everyone – customers, business partners, management, and especially my peers. I established some credibility. In time I was acting as a defined “go-to” person during times without direct supervisor coverage.

The more comfortable I became, I started drawing on my previous experiences and passions. For example, I compiled and synthesized training materials, drafting several documents that supplement and in many ways enhance our traditional training guides. Eventually, I was tapped for my first official position in leadership.

I became a supervisor and restarted the process. I focused on the basics. I took time to get good at the details. I studied. And once I got my footing I became more opportunistic. I built relationships with not only my direct manager, but other senior leaders. The more credibility I gained the more I began to experiment with new ideas and new ways of doing things. I developed my own approach to things and starting getting more exposure in the process.

I realize that my story is unique to me. But, the point is that patience matters. Focus on what’s right in front of you. Get better. Build relationships. Don’t expect more until you fully appreciate what you already have.

By the way, it wasn’t all easy. I was turned down twice for full time positions – and ‘temped’ for nearly a year before getting hired. I was turned down for a position as a trainer in our department which seemingly fit perfectly with my degree. When one door closes another opens. If I wasn’t turned down, if I didn’t hang in there, I never would have started on the journey towards leading people. Patience.