The Next Right Step - Expert Advice for Your Job Search

As with many successful leaders, Kenny Johnson’s journey has been anything but linear.

But one thing he emphasizes is the importance of each step along the way, even when he didn’t know exactly how it would all come together. From graphic design to landscaping to real estate, Kenny has focused on building relationships and taking the next right step.

If you’re currently navigating your own search for the next right opportunity, keep reading for some practical advice.

What are the qualities you look for in new team members?

The number one quality I look for is follow-through. It’s important that when someone says they’re going to do something, whether it’s following up with an email or completing a task, they actually do it. It could be something as simple as “I’ll follow up with you next week” or “I’ll send a recap of this conversation.” It’s a test of whether someone can take responsibility for their tasks, even after the conversation has ended. I struggled with this in a sales position for a long time, which is why it stands out to me. It's easy to say a lot of things, but if nothing gets done, it doesn’t help anyone.

I also value kindness. You can be a taskmaster and get things done, which is important, but when I’m working closely with someone, I appreciate people who are kind. While I need people who are good at getting tasks done, I also want to collaborate with people who genuinely care about others. If you're only focused on tasks and not on people, it can create a difficult environment, but kindness is necessary for a healthy team and atmosphere.

How would you describe an ideal team player?

The ideal team player is proactive. Ideally, if I give a team member a goal, they’re not waiting for step-by-step instructions. They will be eager to find solutions. Often, I’ll share ideas I’m not sure about, and team members who take the lead in researching and helping me refine those ideas are invaluable.

An ideal team player is also humble. They stay supportive even when I make a mistake or change my mind. They are coachable, willing to admit their shortcomings, and ready to learn and grow.

Finally, because of my shortcomings in this area, a team player needs to be organized. I’m highly relational which means that sometimes organization and details can fall through the cracks. Having someone who I know is more tuned into those details is essential for our team to function smoothly.

In short, the ideal team player is proactive, humble, and organized.

How would you advise someone as they consider different career paths?

Find your Thrive Zone. The zone where you’re really good at what you’re doing AND you love doing it. For me, I enjoy connecting with people so sales and customer service just made sense because I could make money from what I already loved doing.

What is one piece of advice you want to share with job seekers before heading into an interview?

I'm all about connection and it’s no different in an interview room. If you can remind yourself that both you and the person interviewing you are human and that you both had lives and activities before this conversation, it will help calm your nerves and allow you to approach the interview with intentionality and authenticity.

The sooner you can make a connection with the person you're speaking to, the better. It could be something as simple as asking how their morning has been or commenting on the coffee they're drinking. The key is to keep it human.

What are some key skills and traits that you predict will be essential in the future?

Networking, but not in the stiff, business sense of the word. In the sense of being able to build relationships and connect with people. In the world of AI, so much can be automated and formulaic, but one thing that cannot be is relational connection.

It’s also essential to surround yourself with people who are different from you. Don’t get trapped in an echo chamber. Embrace diverse perspectives and skill sets. You never know what you’ll learn from those around you.

Thanks so much for sharing, Kenny!

If you’d like to learn more about Kenny or his work at East West Capital, check out his LinkedIn here or their website here.