What do you do when an opportunity comes your way?

"What do you do when an opportunity comes your way?"  

I would suggest something similar to what a friend of mine is currently doing... recognize the opportunity, GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY, figure out how to work it, and make the most out of it.  

A wonderful leadership opportunity has come my friends way and as I understand it, it's one of those opportunities that carries "lots of responsibility" and very little recognized authority or role definition — It's an opportunity for the ambitious, with a runway to "make of it what you will". As we discussed his opportunity, I admit becoming a little green with envy, but then reminded myself that I've had my share of opportunities and I was there to cheer him on... so let the cheering begin!

As much as we want to shout, "GRAB IT, GRAB IT", it is important to recognize that the opportunity is in fact an opportunity. Opportunities need to be based on personal goals, objectives, and what you want... as you know, one person's opportunity may not necessarily be another's. As well as recognizing what you want, it is also important to understand what is needed to take you there; doing this will force you to align what you want with what you are really prepared to do. Doing this you define what is truly an opportunity for you and what is not. If it's the opportunity for you, now you can go ahead and shout, "GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY!" If an opportunity comes your way, either offered or discovered and it brings you closer to what you want, then make it yours because there is no reason not to. 

Richard Branson has been quoted as saying, "If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes... then learn how to do it later." 

Here is where my friend finds himself... "Figuring out how to work it", and from what I've been told I believe he is doing it in the right way.

• He knows he has the capability for being successful.
• He is taking the position as the champion for the opportunity and owning it.
• He is open to advice, guidance and constructive feedback, and incorporating feedback into his planning and execution.
• He is setting performance targets, metrics and putting operating mechanisms in place to ensure he is successful.
• He is engaging his team and functional partners for support.

In the end, you will want to make the most out of your opportunity; not only by showing success, but learning as much as you can, mastering your abilities, moving yourself a little closer to your broader goals, and most importantly, keeping up the momentum.

After all, there is that simple truism — Opportunities beget opportunities.

A fairly good job of cheering him on don't you think?

iamgpe