The Two Millimetre Difference: How small shifts cut your career drift

Ripples in the water and quote from Dalai Lama

In the hustle and bustle of career life, it's easy to get caught up in grand gestures and big decisions. The size and complexity of these decisions can lead to career drift. But what if the secret to success lies in the small, intentional shifts we make every day? Welcome to the world of the Two Millimetre Difference, where tiny adjustments can lead to monumental changes in your career-building journey and stop you from hesitating.

The Power of Small Moves

As Caroline Esterson, career strategist and host of the "Little Moves Big Careers" podcast, explains, the Two Millimetre Difference is all about those micro choices that steer your career in new directions. Just like a pilot adjusting their plane's course by a mere two millimetres can lead to landing that plane in an entirely different country, your career can be transformed by the way you choose to show up, speak, and act. These are essential career tips for anyone looking to make a significant impact.

Mind The Gap to avoid career drift

Successful people choose. They choose to show up, not to drift. And in

doing so, they plug their sensational brainpower into whatever it is they are doing,

whether they love it or not, just because they can.

Illustration of the gap between what you have to do and what you are capable of doing

They choose to be a part of something and to play their part in something. They refuse to be passengers in their careers. These people aren’t all natural optimists, but they do seek out the positives in their situation and find out ways of making the best of their situation - the good, the bad and the ugly. In making this choice they seek out small differences (the 2mm differences) they can make to maximise their potential.

Practical Examples of the 2mm difference v. career drift

In Sales

Instead of just meeting your targets and the sale being a transaction, they focus on building genuine relationships with clients. A simple follow-up email or a personalised thank-you note can make a huge difference. They remember the little details and refer to them in future conversations, and that one-off client soon becomes a long-term business partner.

In Learning & Development

Instead of wheeling out a tired old workshop to tick the box, they decide to try a new approach or tool that engages participants more effectively. Even a small change in how you share ideas can enhance participant understanding and involvement.

In Project Management

They start their project update meetings with a quick round of positive feedback, asking, "What's working well?" and in doing so, they can set the tone and boost team morale and productivity.

In Customer Services

Taking an extra moment to listen to a customer's concerns rather than just going through the motions or trying to get to the point quickly. This can improve customer satisfaction, actually speed up the process, and, most importantly, build trust in your suggestions for a solution.

Intentionality Over Perfection

This is not about perfection; it's about precision. Perfection can over-complicate and lead to career drift. Instead, it's about making deliberate choices and taking positive action to drive the outcome you want.

• The way you open a meeting sets the tone for collaboration

• The decision to ask a better question can help you find the root cause of a problem faster

• The choice to challenge something that is bothering you stops you from building up frustration

• The moment you notice that it's more important to spend time actively listening to someone rather than planning what you will say next (in your head) helps to build trust.

These are the small shifts that define your career story. As Caroline says, "It's the small stuff done with fierce intent that builds the career story that others can't ignore." These career tips emphasise the importance of intentionality in career building.

Tips for Focusing on the Two-Millimetre Difference

Identify Key Areas

Determine which aspects of your job could benefit from small improvements and start with just one to build up new habits.

Set Micro-Goals

Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable actions that you can implement daily and help you develop your reputation as you start to act consistently (even when things are tough)

Reflect Regularly

Take time to assess the impact of your small changes and adjust as needed. This will not only help you make adjustments but also celebrate the wins too.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key. Small, regular actions can lead to significant results over time.

Overcoming Choice Overload

In a world flooded with options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Psychologist Barry Schwartz calls it "choice overload," where too many options lead to paralysis. The key is to simplify your choices and make one intentional move that nudges you forward. It's not about having a master plan; it's about making deliberate choices that align with your values and goals. These are crucial career tips for navigating the complexities of career building.

Conclusion

So, what matters most to you right now?

What's one move you can control today?

Remember, not choosing is also a choice.

Embrace the Two Millimetre Difference and make those small, intentional moves that will shape your career and legacy.

To hear more about the power of getting intentional, listen to episode 9 of The Little Moves Big Careers podcast.

Subscribe now to stay inspired and keep making tiny yet powerful shifts in your career-building journey.

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