How Facing a Challenge at Work Helped Me Advance into a Leadership Role That Didnt Exist Before

How Facing a Challenge at Work Helped Me Advance into a Leadership Role That Didnt Exist Before The grass isnt always greener on the otzu sich side its green where you water it. At least thats what Dana Kleen has found to be true.A Director of abverkauf Development at WP Engine, Kleen says If I ever feel that the grass at WP Engine is abfluging to yellow, Ill work hard to find a way to bring it back to life. I know the more I invest in the company, the more they will invest in me.And that they have. In the four and a half years that shes worked at WP Engine, Kleens needed to step out of her comfort zone, veer off the beaten path and test her limits beyond the imaginable. But she says In no way have I been on this journey alone. I have truly felt supported every step of the way.We recently spoke to Kleen about what excites her in her current role, what her career development looks like at WP Engine and the best piece of career advice shes ever received which helps her stay positive every day.How long have you been with your company? What about it made you first want to join?Ive been with WP Engine for four and a half years now and I am still amazed that a company like this even exists. I welches impressed by the diversity, the number of powerful women in leadership positions and the many awards its received such as Best Places to Work.I quickly realized in my interview that at WP Engine, a top workplace does not translate to meaning an easy workplace, and I welches intrigued. I welches craving a new challenge and an exhilarating career that was going to push me to new limits. When I signed the offer letter, I received just that. The journey has been far from easy, but its absolutely been worth it. Tell me about the roles that youve held at your company, as well as your current one. What about this role most excites you?I began my career at WP Engine as an individual contributor on the SMB Acquisition Sales team. Within 10 months, I was promoted to Team Lead an d then to Manager shortly after. It was motivating to know that most leaders at WP Engine are homegrown and the business truly invests in their employees, looking to promote from our internal talent pool before all else.Within the next year, I was asked to help manage our struggling Sales Development team. This role was never part of my plan, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and was determined to make an impact. It was supposed to be a 3-month project, but three months has now morphed into two years. I took a risk by veering off the beaten path, but I was rewarded with new challenges, a different perspective and exposure to other departments.I was promoted to Senior Manager within a year and then to Director the following year. Celebrating a sales rep advance beyond my team is what excites me the most. Its very humbling to know I can make a big difference in someones life and start their sales career off on the right foot. My personal goal is to get a rep set up for success and promoted within a year.A lot of people believe that developing your career means changing companies, and not infrequently. What has enabled you to develop/advance your career without job hopping?I firmly believe that if you stick around anywhere long enough, opportunity will present itself and it has. If you like what you do, and youre good at it, I think you have it made. I dont need to chase greener grass to find happiness. If I ever feel that the grass at WP Engine is starting to yellow, Ill work hard to find a way to bring it back to life because I know the more I invest in the company, the more they will invest in me.Ultimately, what has led you to stay at your company?Ive stayed at WP Engine for the same reason I joined the challenge. Its gratifying to know my hard work doesnt go unnoticed and I am not just a number The business has continued to believe in me, providing new opportunities and new challenges to stretch me beyond imaginable. And in no way have I been on this jou rney alone. I have truly felt supported every step of the way.What was the best quality of the best boss youve ever had?The best boss I ever had was a relator. He had an ability to form close, honest and trusting relationships with ease. Whether it was an employee of WP Engine, a barista or the dentist down the street, he knew everyones personal story. Our one on one meetings were to discuss life, and of course that included business, but our conversations went well beyond that. He helped me through all life milestones (wedding planning, buying a house, preparing for kids, etc.) and I can only hope to offer the same kindness to others. This skill doesnt come naturally to me and I have to work hard to formulate those deep, personal bonds.Whats the most memorable piece of career advice youve received?Quit taking it personally I took a Dale Carnegie leadership course and Q-TIPs (get it?) were on the instructors desk. They were flung in the direction of anyone whom showed signs of takin g something personally. He emphasized that its not about you, and the actions of others are not a reflection of our self-worth. I try to remind myself of this in the toughest of situations, personally and professionally.--Fairygodboss is proud to partner with WP Engine.Find a job there today