PwC's US CEO says the people who get ahead do this when no one is watching

Paul Griggs, the CEO of PwC in the US, advises that the key to advancing in your career is to consistently learn when no one is watching. Griggs, who began his career as an intern at the firm, credits curiosity for his rise to the top. He recommends developing the habit of researching questions you don't know the answer to.

Griggs suggests that employees aiming to advance in their careers should cultivate curiosity, even outside the scope of their specific tasks. He believes that Benjamin Franklin's quote, "Energy and persistence conquer all things," encapsulates the essence of climbing the corporate ladder, implying that putting in the effort when no one is observing is crucial.

To illustrate this point, Griggs used an example of two employees. One leaves work on Friday and mentally checks out for the weekend, while the other dedicates 20 minutes to researching an unknown problem before resuming their work. This small additional effort can accumulate over time, leading to consistently prepared participation in discussions, quicker comprehension of new concepts, and added value to the team, ultimately leading to more opportunities.

Griggs recommends starting with a notebook, jotting down any questions or concepts you don't understand during meetings. He encourages adopting this habit, dedicating some extra time to explore these topics. The takeaway is that people notice when you invest extra time in improving your skills. In an era where information is readily available, fostering a natural curiosity can set you apart, especially in a competitive job market.

This advice was shared in an interview with Business Insider, providing insights into Griggs' journey from an intern to the CEO of PwC.