The Foreign Service Journal, March 2016

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MARCH 2016 37 bottom of your priority list. But developing “your people” is your responsibility, and without such investment truly impres- sive institutional results will not be achieved. In addition, perhaps the best recruiting tactic is your leadership practice, how you lead. Word gets out. If you are known as a leader who develops and invests in staff, provides opportuni- ties for growth and allows people space to create, you will attract followers. If you consciously create a work environment that values both work-life balance and teamwork, these elements will be powerful recruitment tools. People yearn to work for good leaders. Your leadership and investment in staff will be important factors in both recruiting and retaining talent you’ll need as you rise. Go out of your way to look for qualified women to usher up the career ladder. In all likelihood, someone helped you. I worked with women who believed in me, who gave me a chance to prove myself and guided me through stretch assignments. The best way to say thank you is to help open doors for other women. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Encourage them to advance. Share your secrets of success. Tell them how smart and strong they are. Offer them opportunities or assignments to learn and grow. And when they say thank you, ask these women to repay you by investing in other women. There you have it. These are my top 10 recommendations for advancing your career and balancing it with a rewarding life. n Conscientiousness is usually a good thing, but too much of a good thing can be detrimental. You Are Our Eyes & Ears! Dear Readers: In order to produce a high-quality product, the FSJ depends on the revenue it earns from advertising. You can help with this. Please let us know the names of companies that have provided good service to you — a hotel, insurance company, auto dealership, or other concern. A referral from our readers is the best entrée! Ed Miltenberger Advertising & Circulation Manager Tel: (202) 944-5507 E-mail: miltenberger@afsa.org