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Strategize to WIN: The New Way to Start out, Step up, or Start Over in Your Career
The Wall Street powerhouse and author of Expect to Win offers a new way to conceptualize career strategies and gives us proven tools for successful change.
Whether we're starting out, striving toward a promotion, or looking for a new opportunity, the working world isn’t what it used to be. Wall Street veteran Carla Harris knows this, and in Strategize to Win she gives listeners the tools they need to get started; get "unstuck" from bad situations; redirect momentum; and position themselves to manage their careers no matter the environment. With her trademark galvanizing advice, Harris identifies and clarifies issues that are often murky, offering lessons Identifying and making the most of your work profile (are you a Good Soldier? a Leader? an Arguer?); preparing for a career change without going back to school or taking a step honing three essential skills industry leaders possess (and how to get them); tuning into unspoken cues; and thriving through change. Introducing a new way of planning one’s career in five-year units, Strategize to Win distills battle-tested and step-by-step tools that Carla has used to launch and sustain her own successful career and help others move forward, recover from setbacks, and position themselves for success.
Whether we're starting out, striving toward a promotion, or looking for a new opportunity, the working world isn’t what it used to be. Wall Street veteran Carla Harris knows this, and in Strategize to Win she gives listeners the tools they need to get started; get "unstuck" from bad situations; redirect momentum; and position themselves to manage their careers no matter the environment. With her trademark galvanizing advice, Harris identifies and clarifies issues that are often murky, offering lessons Identifying and making the most of your work profile (are you a Good Soldier? a Leader? an Arguer?); preparing for a career change without going back to school or taking a step honing three essential skills industry leaders possess (and how to get them); tuning into unspoken cues; and thriving through change. Introducing a new way of planning one’s career in five-year units, Strategize to Win distills battle-tested and step-by-step tools that Carla has used to launch and sustain her own successful career and help others move forward, recover from setbacks, and position themselves for success.
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First published December 26, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 19, 2016
Good book which contains a large amount of useful information. This book is aimed at those in the corporate world but the fundamental principles described can be utilized by small business owners.
The "Stepping Up" section was loaded with helpful tidbits. I found the chapters on Performance Currency, communication between generations and building relationships extremely valuable. This book is well worth reading for business professionals of all ages.
The "Stepping Up" section was loaded with helpful tidbits. I found the chapters on Performance Currency, communication between generations and building relationships extremely valuable. This book is well worth reading for business professionals of all ages.
December 4, 2017
The library loan expired when I was halfway through the book; I'll be buying it. Carla Harris had to be the total package to succeed on Wall Street as an African-American woman, and she does not disappoint.
The book is pretty goal-oriented, as you would expect given who the author is. It's focused on how to climb the corporate ladder to the top as efficiently as possible. First, you need to find out if you're in a job category that historically has led to the top of the company. Some of it you can tell from the industry: "On Wall Street, you will rarely, if ever, find someone from strategic planning or finance and administration moving into a role as an investment banker. In consulting, you won’t find a researcher moving into a role as a strategic consultant." Harris also offers some tips on questions you can ask in the interview to help suss that out.
In each job, it's important to build your "performance currency" as soon as possible. This is the credibility that comes from doing a good job -- as defined by your boss and organization. She tells a story of doing something difficult that she thought would be a win, but she hadn't gotten her boss on the same page ahead of time; and so all that effort effort was effectively wasted when her success wasn't treated as such.
She calls it "performance currency" because of its trade value: "When you have a strong reputation and a track record of performance excellence, you can 'exchange' it for a shot at a promotion, a coveted position on an internal task force, a raise, an introduction to more senior people in the company, a respected voice at the decision-making table (where people will listen to you and be influenced by your point of view in important discussions), a spot on the deal team for the next big transaction, an opportunity to present in front of the client, or a chance to recover if you make a really big mistake."
I've heard a lot from different sources about being a "top performer," but I liked that Harris describes the next step as well: "The next important development in stepping up in your career is moving from having a reputation of being a high performer to having a reputation as someone who has influence in the environment."
She describes how to do that, again with some cautions about what not to do. She says every idea is either evolutionary or revolutionary, and the evolutionary ones (the variations on something that's already accepted in the organization) are easier to sell. But you have to go to the person who originated the first idea, and get them on your side. Don't worry about sharing credit with that person; you want to, so that you can leverage their performance currency.
In terms of transitioning between jobs, Harris recommends changing jobs 3-5 times over the course of your career. You should make sure each job you take is building valuable skills that will lead to your advancement. If you realize your job is not doing that, leave as soon as possible. And "you should seek to get decision-making or management authority within four to five years of embarking upon a new career path."
Only some of this is relevant to me. I've never yet been on a path that would lead to the top of a corporation. As contracting is ubiquitous in my corner of the tech world, I've changed jobs a lot more times than 3-5, and rarely has that given me skills that would advance my career. I've never had management authority. But I like the way Harris writes so directly and clearly, and I think some of her advice applies to any person in any job.
The book is pretty goal-oriented, as you would expect given who the author is. It's focused on how to climb the corporate ladder to the top as efficiently as possible. First, you need to find out if you're in a job category that historically has led to the top of the company. Some of it you can tell from the industry: "On Wall Street, you will rarely, if ever, find someone from strategic planning or finance and administration moving into a role as an investment banker. In consulting, you won’t find a researcher moving into a role as a strategic consultant." Harris also offers some tips on questions you can ask in the interview to help suss that out.
In each job, it's important to build your "performance currency" as soon as possible. This is the credibility that comes from doing a good job -- as defined by your boss and organization. She tells a story of doing something difficult that she thought would be a win, but she hadn't gotten her boss on the same page ahead of time; and so all that effort effort was effectively wasted when her success wasn't treated as such.
She calls it "performance currency" because of its trade value: "When you have a strong reputation and a track record of performance excellence, you can 'exchange' it for a shot at a promotion, a coveted position on an internal task force, a raise, an introduction to more senior people in the company, a respected voice at the decision-making table (where people will listen to you and be influenced by your point of view in important discussions), a spot on the deal team for the next big transaction, an opportunity to present in front of the client, or a chance to recover if you make a really big mistake."
I've heard a lot from different sources about being a "top performer," but I liked that Harris describes the next step as well: "The next important development in stepping up in your career is moving from having a reputation of being a high performer to having a reputation as someone who has influence in the environment."
She describes how to do that, again with some cautions about what not to do. She says every idea is either evolutionary or revolutionary, and the evolutionary ones (the variations on something that's already accepted in the organization) are easier to sell. But you have to go to the person who originated the first idea, and get them on your side. Don't worry about sharing credit with that person; you want to, so that you can leverage their performance currency.
In terms of transitioning between jobs, Harris recommends changing jobs 3-5 times over the course of your career. You should make sure each job you take is building valuable skills that will lead to your advancement. If you realize your job is not doing that, leave as soon as possible. And "you should seek to get decision-making or management authority within four to five years of embarking upon a new career path."
Only some of this is relevant to me. I've never yet been on a path that would lead to the top of a corporation. As contracting is ubiquitous in my corner of the tech world, I've changed jobs a lot more times than 3-5, and rarely has that given me skills that would advance my career. I've never had management authority. But I like the way Harris writes so directly and clearly, and I think some of her advice applies to any person in any job.
February 26, 2016
If you haven't discovered some of the "tricks of the trade" then this book serves as a step by step approach to setting yourself up for success. I once heard someone define Lück as preparation meeting opportunity. This book can prepare you for opportunities when/if presented. I was particularly drawn to it because I'm in year 3 of a career disruption and looking to add differentiating skills. Carla points out multiple ways of approaching this and how you get people to notice your appetite for intellectual curiosity. Highly recommend this to the introvert or newly minted professional.
January 30, 2020
Good start to prepare for career changes whether you want to change job or move to another industry, chance is you always can and should prepare for it. I wish I read this book before start my career
January 21, 2024
I picked Strategize to Win after watching Harris' TED talk called "How to find the person who can help you get ahead at work", (aka finding a sponsor), which is one of the many topics covered in this book.
I'm approaching the midpoint in my work career (though not exactly midcareer as my industry has an extremely long training path), and I wish I had come across this book and this advice earlier in my career. Like many women, as Harris discusses in this book, I believe I've over-relied on "performance currency" (the reputation and credit you accrue when going above and beyond what's asked of you and turn in extremely high caliber work), believing in the fallacy of "my hard work will speak for itself," and as a result neglected to build enough "relationship currency" (the investments you make in people in your organization, including your boss and others higher and more powerful than you in the organizational hierarchy). I've always made an effort to be kind and helpful to peers and those in more junior and/or supporting roles, but as a woman, I've felt it would come across badly to blatantly extol my virtues and accomplishments to my boss, my boss's boss, or potential sponsors (senior people who become invested in your success and are willing to use some of their political capital to help you get promotions and opportunities). However, as Harris asserts, building both high amounts of performance currency and relationship currency is crucial to advancement, and the more senior you become, the more relationship currency specifically is valued (since your technical competence to do your job excellently becomes presumed at that stage).
I also strongly resonated with many of Harris' examples, especially the ones highlighting how important early wins are when joining a new organization, and how it's crucial to get buy-in from your leadership about what constitutes a win so that your hard work doesn't go unappreciated. Harris talks about how earlier in her career, she managed to leverage her professional network to secure a meeting with a high-profile potential client who no one in her firm had ever managed to get a meeting with, how she prepared an extremely strong pitch, and how ultimately the client decided against the deal at that time. Harris' boss saw her efforts as a failure because the deal didn't close, and didn't appreciate Harris' work in obtaining the meeting or pitching, because Harris neglected to get the boss' agreement on what success would mean in advance. I feel like I've been in this scenario many times at work, where I've worked extremely hard on challenging projects only for my work to go unnoticed and/or unappreciated because I didn't take time upfront to align expectations with my boss.
There are many other high-yield pearls in this book, including advice on how to pitch yourself in interviews, how to on-board at a new company successfully, and how to work around common setbacks. I would highly recommend this read for professionals at all career stages.
I'm approaching the midpoint in my work career (though not exactly midcareer as my industry has an extremely long training path), and I wish I had come across this book and this advice earlier in my career. Like many women, as Harris discusses in this book, I believe I've over-relied on "performance currency" (the reputation and credit you accrue when going above and beyond what's asked of you and turn in extremely high caliber work), believing in the fallacy of "my hard work will speak for itself," and as a result neglected to build enough "relationship currency" (the investments you make in people in your organization, including your boss and others higher and more powerful than you in the organizational hierarchy). I've always made an effort to be kind and helpful to peers and those in more junior and/or supporting roles, but as a woman, I've felt it would come across badly to blatantly extol my virtues and accomplishments to my boss, my boss's boss, or potential sponsors (senior people who become invested in your success and are willing to use some of their political capital to help you get promotions and opportunities). However, as Harris asserts, building both high amounts of performance currency and relationship currency is crucial to advancement, and the more senior you become, the more relationship currency specifically is valued (since your technical competence to do your job excellently becomes presumed at that stage).
I also strongly resonated with many of Harris' examples, especially the ones highlighting how important early wins are when joining a new organization, and how it's crucial to get buy-in from your leadership about what constitutes a win so that your hard work doesn't go unappreciated. Harris talks about how earlier in her career, she managed to leverage her professional network to secure a meeting with a high-profile potential client who no one in her firm had ever managed to get a meeting with, how she prepared an extremely strong pitch, and how ultimately the client decided against the deal at that time. Harris' boss saw her efforts as a failure because the deal didn't close, and didn't appreciate Harris' work in obtaining the meeting or pitching, because Harris neglected to get the boss' agreement on what success would mean in advance. I feel like I've been in this scenario many times at work, where I've worked extremely hard on challenging projects only for my work to go unnoticed and/or unappreciated because I didn't take time upfront to align expectations with my boss.
There are many other high-yield pearls in this book, including advice on how to pitch yourself in interviews, how to on-board at a new company successfully, and how to work around common setbacks. I would highly recommend this read for professionals at all career stages.
August 3, 2018
Just what I needed to read with tons of practical tips and encourage you need whether you want to move up in your current professional position or are ready for a change, there is something in this book for you!!
May 28, 2022
This book addresses career strategies at different phases, including when you're starting out, moving up your career, or considering a job/career transition.
The writing is clear and engaging, and I like the fact that it addresses people across different phases of their career. The most useful ideas for me are probably the parts about (1) planning for 6-8 key modules in your career, (2) thinking through the job content and requirements, and positioning yourself accordingly, and (3) how to research success factors and position yourself accordingly.
There are loads of useful stuff, though some of the details make me question how solid the advice really is. For example, she mentioned that the interviewer may ask you "what are the 5Ps of marketing?". Really? I can't think of any interviewer asking that. I definitely didn't ask it in all my years of hiring marketers (even marketing interns), so....
Caveat: I only ever had 2 job interviews in my life and I got both roles I interviewed for. So I can't say I've had tons of experience as an interviewee. And those happened like 20 years ago? I probably have much more experience as an interviewer (both as a corporate executive and as a business owner). So when I say the insights/advice seem useful, I mean they sound logical and cover a range of realistic scenarios. For example, her suggestions on how to tackle the 10 common interview questions (including suggested scripts) make lots of sense. I can imagine myself responding positively as an interviewer to thsoe responses.
I suspect this book will be the most relevant for young people just starting out in their career (or within their first few jobs). Once you have enough "real-world" experience or have interviewed a fair number of candidates of your own, some of teh ideas may seem quite basic or common-sensical?
Book summary at: https://readingraphics.com/book-summa...
The writing is clear and engaging, and I like the fact that it addresses people across different phases of their career. The most useful ideas for me are probably the parts about (1) planning for 6-8 key modules in your career, (2) thinking through the job content and requirements, and positioning yourself accordingly, and (3) how to research success factors and position yourself accordingly.
There are loads of useful stuff, though some of the details make me question how solid the advice really is. For example, she mentioned that the interviewer may ask you "what are the 5Ps of marketing?". Really? I can't think of any interviewer asking that. I definitely didn't ask it in all my years of hiring marketers (even marketing interns), so....
Caveat: I only ever had 2 job interviews in my life and I got both roles I interviewed for. So I can't say I've had tons of experience as an interviewee. And those happened like 20 years ago? I probably have much more experience as an interviewer (both as a corporate executive and as a business owner). So when I say the insights/advice seem useful, I mean they sound logical and cover a range of realistic scenarios. For example, her suggestions on how to tackle the 10 common interview questions (including suggested scripts) make lots of sense. I can imagine myself responding positively as an interviewer to thsoe responses.
I suspect this book will be the most relevant for young people just starting out in their career (or within their first few jobs). Once you have enough "real-world" experience or have interviewed a fair number of candidates of your own, some of teh ideas may seem quite basic or common-sensical?
Book summary at: https://readingraphics.com/book-summa...
October 3, 2017
This book opened a little slow for me. However, after sticking with it it really flowered. It reminded me of a conversational
business textbook. The section on communication alone was worth the cost of the book. So many gems there. I read her first book and fingers crossed she writes a third. She has such a knack for offering suggestions on how to approach sticky situations and she offers such insight!
Read her first book. Then read this one; and together we wait for the third! I'd take her master class in a sec.
business textbook. The section on communication alone was worth the cost of the book. So many gems there. I read her first book and fingers crossed she writes a third. She has such a knack for offering suggestions on how to approach sticky situations and she offers such insight!
Read her first book. Then read this one; and together we wait for the third! I'd take her master class in a sec.
July 21, 2018
I think I read this at the wrong stage in my career, after I had to leave a job due to poor treatment. I thought this would help me figure out some next steps, but it just made me feel worse about situations that were beyond my control.
November 27, 2018
Strategize to Win is emotional intelligence applied to the working environment, in particular for the person who wants to start out, step up, or start over in his/her career. It's like having a career mentor helping you effectively navigate occupational intersections.
Carla Harris, author of Expect To Win, is double graduate of Harvard University (AB, MBA), longtime financial executive, and gospel singer with three albums to her credit. Here's what she says about Strategize to Win:
I recommended this book to: If you are on the hunt for a new job/career, read this book. If you are are a recruiter, read this book. If you are a parent equipping your child for the workforce, read this book. If you are coaching emerging leaders, read this book. I am passing it on to a younger family member who is grappling with his vocational fit. I think it will be a great resource.
5 Reasons to read Strategize To Win:
1. Carla's Pearls: Carla concludes each chapter with her "pearls." This is wisdom and insight one only gathers over a lifetime. Read her book for the pearls you will find.
2. Help doing the quiet work of leadership: Much of leadership is the behind-the-scenes work of assessment and reflection that leads to intention and action. Carla offers insightful questions for that essential work.
3. Interviewing: If you ever interview people or expect to be interviewed, read chapter three: "Making Yourself Attractive." Carla has interviewed thousands of people. She can help you conduct an interview and more importantly show you how to best prepare for one.
4. Performance Currency: (Intellect + Experience = Strong Execution) x Multiply Occurrences. Chapter 4 will help you gather this currency.
5. What to do if . . .: Such great insight/advice for preparing for job-related conversations over compensation and a host of other issues when things are going your way and when they are not.
As Carla Harris notes, "There is one person responsible for managing your career agenda, and that is YOU!" (p. 87). This book will help you to that end.
Carla Harris, author of Expect To Win, is double graduate of Harvard University (AB, MBA), longtime financial executive, and gospel singer with three albums to her credit. Here's what she says about Strategize to Win:
My hope for this book is that both young and mid-level professionals will find the answers and tools they need to get started in their careers, to get "unstuck," to redirect and crystallize their paths, and to position themselves to manage their career through any economic cycle or any corporate political environment and continue ascending toward success. viii
I recommended this book to: If you are on the hunt for a new job/career, read this book. If you are are a recruiter, read this book. If you are a parent equipping your child for the workforce, read this book. If you are coaching emerging leaders, read this book. I am passing it on to a younger family member who is grappling with his vocational fit. I think it will be a great resource.
5 Reasons to read Strategize To Win:
1. Carla's Pearls: Carla concludes each chapter with her "pearls." This is wisdom and insight one only gathers over a lifetime. Read her book for the pearls you will find.
2. Help doing the quiet work of leadership: Much of leadership is the behind-the-scenes work of assessment and reflection that leads to intention and action. Carla offers insightful questions for that essential work.
3. Interviewing: If you ever interview people or expect to be interviewed, read chapter three: "Making Yourself Attractive." Carla has interviewed thousands of people. She can help you conduct an interview and more importantly show you how to best prepare for one.
4. Performance Currency: (Intellect + Experience = Strong Execution) x Multiply Occurrences. Chapter 4 will help you gather this currency.
5. What to do if . . .: Such great insight/advice for preparing for job-related conversations over compensation and a host of other issues when things are going your way and when they are not.
As Carla Harris notes, "There is one person responsible for managing your career agenda, and that is YOU!" (p. 87). This book will help you to that end.
May 22, 2021
A great perspective on career planning and advancement from an experienced voice. I had the privilege of hearing Carla speak in Lakeland a little over a year ago and immediately bought her books. She is not only an amazing author but an amazing executive and role model. Her advice in the book is not only solid - it is a must-read for every person in the workforce or aspiring to a job who cares about their career trajectory.
Whether you are new to a career, mid-career, or changing roles, Ms. Harris provides exceptional advice and "pearls" of wisdom that will serve the reader well. A great read.
Whether you are new to a career, mid-career, or changing roles, Ms. Harris provides exceptional advice and "pearls" of wisdom that will serve the reader well. A great read.
July 17, 2021
This is really good. It’s a business advice book and the writing style is very easy/resonates. My Director (boss’ boss) was super excited after hearing the author speak. Her first book, Expect to Win, may be better known but this helps with the “Am I in the right position? How can I get more noticed/be more successful? Make a change?” questions. The author assumes that you’re driven and good at what you do. Not sure that this is helpful for a middle of the road/ not aspiring leader. There’s a lot of “how to answer X” interview question language and the gist is to sell yourself and connect the dots on how you can help/impact the desired position regardless of direct experience.
April 3, 2019
The beginning felt like it was “not for me”. Maybe this would be better suited to a very junior member of Corp America. THEN, it turned. It pays to stay with a book. The introduction and awareness of politics, how to play, when to play, importance of sponsors and difference from mentors - wow! Ms. Harris nailed it! I already referred the text to a mentee and should probably add this to my “read again” list in a couple of years to remain grounded myself. ;).
November 3, 2021
You rarely get a book that guides you on your path in the Corporate space, both books from Carla Harris are like a guide map that you need. I also like that she is spot on with my mentor, most of the things I read here I could relate so much to what my mentor kept on saying.
If you’re new in this corporate world, or still trying to figure it all out, hear our Carla from her ted talk https://youtu.be/gpE_W50OTUc and these two books.
If you’re new in this corporate world, or still trying to figure it all out, hear our Carla from her ted talk https://youtu.be/gpE_W50OTUc and these two books.
February 3, 2019
I didn't really connect with her content. In her book she is mainly writing to students getting ready to embark on their careers and takes a pretty old school approach (taught by many individuals) on how to find the proper career. I don't disagree with the majority of the content but find nothing in the book really original.
July 30, 2019
I admire and respect Carla Harris. I think she is a role model and has been someone I’ve been looking up to for the past years. Thus, I had high expectations from this book and they weren’t met. It’s a good book for those who want to start up or step up in their career. It lays down the ABC of a corporate job and I would recommend it to students and young professionals worldwide.
September 3, 2020
Carla Harris is so motivational and even better when you hear her speak in person. This book provides some great advice for a person at any point in their career, particularly the Stepping Up section. Also would make a good graduation gift for those coming out of college for section 1 about starting a career.
February 6, 2022
This was a great continuation of Expect to Win as Carla shares her pearls some more. I liked the last few chapters on navigating through change as a mid-career professional and her principles are very relevant to the modern day work environment. I would highly recommend this especially if you are starting a new job or you feel stuck in your career.
February 6, 2023
Best career advice book I have ever read. Wish this had been written when I came out of university 10 years ago.
The insights about how to choose a job, how to position yourself within a company, and how to transition jobs are all on point. I have read several books about career development over the years but this one has the most practical advice.
The insights about how to choose a job, how to position yourself within a company, and how to transition jobs are all on point. I have read several books about career development over the years but this one has the most practical advice.
May 24, 2023
One (albeit very successful and respectable) woman’s take on how to be successful with no attention paid to the plethora of research and evidence out there, instead focusing on anecdotal experience and coming up with ambiguous frameworks and archetypes. 2 stars because I see some value for someone just starting out in their professional career.
June 30, 2025
I'm really not one for self-help, but this was a solid, inspiring read. Definitely makes me interested in reading more career development books. The writing was compelling without being condescending, and the book was well-structured to emphasize all of Harris' points. Would recommend to almost anyone in the corporate world!
July 8, 2018
Some good tips and strategies for advancing your career. It's geared specifically for a corporate workplace, however anyone can benefit from the reading. The author's writing is smooth and easy to read.
March 3, 2021
Wish I had read this 18 years ago when I graduated college and was starting my career! Very helpful for people brand new to the workforce. Found a few things that were interesting tips and relevant for someone at my stage though.
March 11, 2021
I’m perplexed at this book’s rating—it is a 5 star read in every regard. Don’t dismiss it after reading the subtitle—everyone, regardless of his or her career stage, industry, or role, stands to gain from reading this book.
December 30, 2021
Lots of excellent career advice, particularly on how to frame and word difficult conversations in the workplace. I would recommend it to those looking to make a transition as well. Full of great, practical examples. I recommend!
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January 8, 2022Really good book about planning your career and what career moves you should make a different points in your career. Definitely a book I would re-read or even own because it is full of great information that I feel would be useful to me later on.
March 25, 2019
Informative and provided a step by step guide on how to move up in career.
Know your strength and weakness, and maximize impact on your strength.
Know your strength and weakness, and maximize impact on your strength.
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November 22, 2019....
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September 10, 2020Fantastic book with great advise
October 9, 2020
Great for someone just starting out or looking for a career change. Additionally, some of the exercises are great for aiding in self-evaluation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews