At this morning’s Cafecitos Breakfast, Jackie Palladino of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston opened her keynote address with this question. She then went on to share her response to this question, noting that, for her, “it is more about principles than positions.” Her list included things such as
• Taking on challenging assignments – stepping out of her comfort zone.
• Being part of intellectually stimulating teams – where ideas can be generated, shaped, executed and refined.
• Building strong relationships – where early warning signs of trouble are brought to her attention and where the people she needs to help fix an issue are already in her network.

During the networking after the event, many of the individuals I spoke with were pondering their response to this question. Some were focused clearly on organizations they wanted to work for, titles they aspired to hold, and the work they would be doing. While others were, like Jackie, thinking about how they wanted to feel about what they were doing and who they were working with. The lesson here is to be thinking about it, to be insightful and deliberate about the direction you want to be moving in. In this way, as opportunities arise, you are better able to make decisions as to whether these will propel you along this path, or create a detour. Detours aren’t necessarily bad, wonderful learning can come from them, and it’s always better when you choose to take the detour rather than suddenly find yourself there, don’t you think?