5 mistakes great candidates make on the way to partnership

You've spent years building your career. Strong financials, great client relationships, partners telling you you're on track. You're in touching distance of partnership - maybe 3 months away, maybe 15 months away. This should be the exciting final stretch.Here's the uncomfortable truth: this is exactly when some of the best candidates accidentally derail themselves. In cricket, they call it the "nervous 90s" - when a batsman is so close to making a century that they want it too much and do stupid stuff they wouldn't otherwise do. The same thing happens on the path to partnership.In this episode, you'll discover the five critical mistakes that can cost you the partnership you've worked so hard for - and more importantly, how to avoid them. These aren't theoretical pitfalls. These come directly from partners who've watched strong candidates stumble in the final stretch and want you to succeed where others have failed.In this episode you will learn:Why your utilisation numbers can sink your partnership bid even when everyone's backing you - and how to fix the problem before it's too lateThe difference between healthy ambition and "sharp elbows" that make partners think twice about making you their business partnerHow to balance being a firm citizen without becoming so overcommitted that your billable work suffers (and the exact conversation to have when you need to drop commitments)Why "meets expectations" feedback in your final stretch is actually a warning sign you need to address immediatelyIf you find this episode useful, don't forget to like it and then subscribe so you don't miss another episode.What help is out there for you to progress your career in the professions?If you're thinking, 'I get the theory, but I need more help navigating the politics and building my business case for partnership', our Progress To Partner Academy can help you.That's precisely why we have a suite of courses in the Progress to Partner Academy to help you with this. For example, our course on building your business case for partnership gives you the frameworks to position yourself strategically. And our virtual masterclasses on managing the politics of partnership give you practical tools for this crucial period.If you find this episode useful, don't forget to like it and then subscribe so you don't miss another episode.Join our Progress To Partner Academy - https://subscribe.howtomakepartner.com/progresstopartner/ and use the code PODCAST10 to get 10% off 12 months of premium annual membership.Links:Complete our FREE Partnership Readiness Assessment - https://careerprogressionreadiness.scoreapp.com to see where you have gaps in your own development - you'll get a personalised report with actions for what progress your career forwardConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathertownsend/Join our Progress To Partner Academy - https://subscribe.howtomakepartner.com/progresstopartner/ and use the code PODCAST10 to get 10% off 12 months of premium annual membership.Buy your copy of Poised for Partnership - https://amzn.to/3ETEYk3Buy your copy of How To Make Partner And Still Have A Life - https://amzn.to/4iLxugMBuy your copy of The Go To Expert - https://amzn.to/3HGPYlPBuy your copy of The Financial Times Guide To Business Networking - https://amzn.to/406QPma Get full access to How to Make Partner at howtomakepartner.substack.com/subscribe