4 Tips for a Successful Career

In this age of constant changes - sometimes at breakneck speed - can success in your career be guaranteed? It an be, if you can develop the traits that consistent high performers exhibit, which are:

Positive attitude and mindset
Your attitude can make or break you. In this new age of intensified competition, many people are highly charged emotionally and constantly stretched.

However, this stress can be overcome by simply tweaking your attitude and mindset.

First, recognise that a negative attitude is often the result of frustration. Having a positive attitude is not easy, especially when you constantly face challenges.

But this is when a positive mind-set becomes invaluable. you can consciously develop ways of thinking that put you in control.

Take time off every day to review and reflect on the day. Think about what you did and what you could have done in a more productive and effective way. Think through and map out your strategies so you are better prepared to overcome these challenges the next time.

Everyone feels disheartened at one time or another. It is how you pick yourself up that can make all the difference in the world.

Extraordinary work ethic
All successful professionals realise that this is a major key to success, but what exactly does "extraordinary" mean? It can be defined this way: Do whatever it takes to get the results you want and/or need without compromising your integrity or hurting others.

Doing whatever it takes can mean:

• Starting earlier in the day,
• Devoting time to plan and execute your task,
• Scheduling time for important and urgent things as well those that are not urgent but important,
• Following through on all projects,
  
• Thinking of new ways to become more effective and efficient in the things you do,
  
• Continuing to give your best efforts throughout the day, especially when you hve had success early in the day, and
• Remembering the classic motto, "I will do one more task".

Excellent skill set
Make learning a way of life. If you deem something as important, you will find the time to accomplish it. When people go into a slump, the problem usually starts with straying away from the basics.

Check and re-check your foundational skills, and review your performance from time to time. Do not wait till the end of the year and be shocked by your appraisal. Take an inventory of your skills set and identify what else you need to learn to take you to the next level of performance.

Once you have determined your proficiencies in each area, you can list the skills that need improvement. Discuss them with your manager and your colleagues. Get their recommendations on how to achieve excellence.

Utilise resources that will enable you to stay informed or learn new skills. Use books, audio, video, on-line services and distance-learning opportunities.

There is a whole menu of learning tools available for use. Target at least one resource to keep you up-to-date, and refresh your knowledge on all aspects of your profession.

Successful professionals never think they know it all. They know that excellent foundational skills are critical to their success. They are also eager to learn - from customers, associates, colleagues or self-directed initiatives - and find ways to stay sharp.

All-round knowledge
You should want to know everything about your position and your job. This includes knowing why your job was created, what it entails and how it contributes to the overall functioning of your department and organisation.

When you know this foundational information, you can then analyse and work on crafting out an edge for yourself - what you can do to add value to the job and tasks that you currently do.

Surface knowledge is not enough. Total knowledge gives you the solid foundation to not just perform, but perform at the peak or at the very least, perform at a level that is way above what you are doing now.


Article by Dr. Billy Kueek, a motivational speaker and trainer in leadership and soft skills
Website: www.BiKsolutions.com
E-mail: billy@BillyKueek.com


Extracted from The Straits Times CATS Recruit