Sunday, October 24, 2010

How to make a difference in your career

Are you worried that you might lose your job? Or perhaps wondering if you are on the right track? I have sometimes also wondered to myself if that is the case. My previous work experiences tell me that that should not be the primary concern if you have been putting in the right consistent effort and your goals are aligned with those of the company. If you have these two things going for you already then you are somewhat 50 percent there. However, these days, keeping the job you have is a task in itself and requires additional thought and effort to sustain a progressive and positive growth. I have kept a few additional pointers below to stay ahead of the game.

Keeping fit and healthy
This is extremely critical especially in our fast paced world where a person burning out happens more frequently than the computers they are working on. I would even venture as far as to say that without your health, all the wealth in the world would mean nothing. It is not just having higher levels of tolerance to stress as well but a mind that is sharp and an energy level to match. It is paramount that everybody focused on obtaining this first and foremost before applying the rest of the principals stated here.

Going the extra mile
Sometimes, employers are looking out for talents who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get down to work when the company needs them most. The Chinese character for crisis is also the inverse of opportunity and this is the time to shine. Having worked in two smaller organizations, I know this for a fact since there is never enough hands rowing the oars. It also pays to be somewhat of a jack of all trades in this respect. At the end of the day, it all comes to getting the job done and if you are recognized for that fact, you definitely have a better bargaining chip with management when the right time comes around. Even if the situation doesn’t appear, keep a record of your own accomplishments that stand out as having gone above and beyond the call of duty so that it can be flaunted (at specific strategic times) during appraisals or the occasional banter with the boss or better still at the new job you are aiming for.

Be a motivator or cheerleader in your workplace
Nobody likes people who are negative in the workplace as it is a sure way to bring morale down. If you ever had somebody pour cold water on your ideas and opinions, you will probably get my drift. Turn that situation around and be a supporter of the people around you. Get them to speak their mind and share their thoughts. Encourage them and even go as far to participate in realizing their ideas will definitely get you some brownie points in the office while making you look as a team player. Your enthusiasm will also be contagious and the word will spread that you are wonderful company to work with. Don’t be surprised when people will also start admiring you and will reciprocate by supporting your causes as well. Perhaps your next promotion will be due to the collective voices and hands which are supporting you from the side, above and below you.

Show gratitude when due and shower praise for others
We all need somebody to appreciate our efforts no matter how little it is or how often it is dismissed by those trying to be modest. Deep down inside, we are all longing for a sense of appreciation for our efforts. You may be the CEO of the company or a lowly janitor but each individual in the organization has a part to play and therefore stand equal in terms of importance to the healthy functioning of the company. The same way our parents taught us the significance of a simple “Thank You” or even congratulating us on the accomplishments of our youth from academic or extracurricular achievements, these also apply to your career or everyday work.

Be aware and always on the lookout
Keep in mind that your objectives and goals that you have set for yourself and your career. Always, always remember that you are looking out for yourself first and foremost. While it is true that employers are always doing their best to keep their employees satisfied or working for them, that doesn’t mean you should stay on if it does not meet your long term objectives whether it may be climbing up the corporate ladder or starting your own business or whatever for that matter. Look to create value and hone your skills in alignment with your future self that you want to be. You owe it to yourself to stay true to yourself above all.

No comments:

Post a Comment