When it comes to moving ahead, we all have to shoot for a stretch job or
project from time to time. But getting someone to take a chance on you
can be tough, especially in environments that are risk-averse. Some try
the "fake it till you make it" approach, but how much should you fake?This post originally appeared on Fast Company.
What's the difference between "faking it" and misleading or lying, which can get you reprimanded, fired, or worse—landing a situation that's entirely over your head? "Some people might perceive it as you're not being yourself, but you're changing who you want yourself to be," says Heath Suddleson, founder of Potomac, Maryland performance coaching firm Executive Achievement. "There's a difference, and there are ways to do it ethically."
Know What You Can Fake
There's a
difference between acting as if you've got the job you want by acting
professionally and dressing the part, and misleading people about your
expertise or role, Suddleson says. It's one thing to stretch in how you
present yourself and how you interact with others. It's something else
entirely to make people believe you are something you're not by lying to
them, he says.
Examine Your Motivation
When you're
going for that stretch gig, do a bit of introspection. Suddleson says
your driving force should be more than just raw ambition or a fatter
paycheck. Those motivations can lead you to make poor decisions.
But if
you're passionate about what you do, or what you would have the
potential to do in the new gig, or have a vision for wanting to move up,
then you're more likely to fake for the right reasons.
Build Your Case
Executive coach Mallary Tytel, PhD, president of Sioux Falls, South Dakota performance consultancy Healthy Workplaces LLC,
says you should take inventory of the skills you have, the reasons why
you'd be right for the role, and consider the areas that might need
strengthening. Make a case for decision-makers to hire or take a chance
on you.
Then, use
the skills and experience inventory—as well as your own passion and
motivation—to believe in yourself without the constant worry that you're
going to be found out as a fake.
Tell the Truth—to Yourself and Others
Whether
you're "faking it," or taking the "believe in yourself" approach, the
quickest way to get into trouble is to start slinging untruths,
Suddelson and Tytel say. If you're lying, you're doing the wrong thing,
and then you could risk the very job that means so much to you.
Get Beyond Faking as Quickly as You Can
Even as
you're positioning yourself for the next big gig, work on having the
skill set you need to do it well. Suddleson recommends taking a class,
finding a mentor, or hiring someone who can help you get up to speed.
Use the skills inventory you took to find the areas that need strengthening.
Follow Through with Your Goals
Once you've
achieved the goal you set when you started "faking," you must follow
through, Tytel says. When someone takes a chance on you, keep the lines
of communication open, and see the commitment through to the best of
your ability because both of your reputations may be on the line, she
says.
"You make a
commitment whether personally or professionally—you have to stand by
that," Tytel says. "I believe in honesty so there are no surprises. Be
honest and candid and always put your best foot forward. If people see
you're working hard to meet your commitment, they're more likely to give
you the support you need."