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Career Success Strategies Set goals - have or develop a dream It has been said that if you know where you're going, you have a better chance of getting there. As Stephen Covey recommends, "Begin with the end in mind." This needs to be specific. Try "I want to be a CEO" versus "I want to move into upper management." If a specific position does not work for you, try defining what you'd like to have, i.e. "a cabin in the mountains" etc. Scope out requirements and steps that provide for that dream. Once you settle on specific goals, start thinking about the difference in: (1) where you are now and (2) where you need to be. Determine what you need to do between now and then to achieve those goals. Be specific. As you answer these questions in detail, you begin to see a realistic path between here and there. Of course, it's reasonable to consciously adjust or change your goals. Develop short term goals that will get you there incrementally Make a list of small steps to get you to your goal. Make the items attainable and specific. If a higher degree is required try goals like:
As opposed to goals like: Get Advanced Degree. Notice that the short list of specific goals sounds much more attainable and manageable that the broad general goal. In summary, once your goal is set:
Make career decisions based upon this evolving strategy Avoid temptation to go in an ancillary direction for reasons that do not support these goals Whenever you are called upon to make a career decision, keep these goals in mind, and keep the vision in mind. Ask yourself some pointed questions, such as "Does this move me closer to my goal? How?" What direction must I go to move closer to where I want to be? And, go "TO", not "from" a job. Never take a new job just to get away from a bad job. Be careful not to follow leads that take you away from your goals. Keep specific goals in mind whenever you make career decisions. It is as simple as getting out that list of goals (and steps to get there) and reviewing in context of the opportunity/decision at hand. Do not move too fast Take time to build a solid foundation in each position (avoid job hopping). If you move up before you're ready, it may prove a failure waiting to happen. Do not price yourself out of the market You may price yourself out of the market by demanding too much money. It's important to negotiate a good (win-win) package, but not to the extreme (win-lose). While more money may seem very attractive, it should be a secondary consideration to long-term career strategy. For elaboration, see our salary negotiation article titled "Bring Me The Money!" Do a GREAT job in each position Do more than expected - "knock the cover off of the ball and good things will happen." Show up day after day, and do your very best every day. Establish and maintain a network of great references. Manage your manager effectively Know his/her goals and objectives, and what it takes for him/her to be successful, and then help achieve that success. Prove yourself as a person who can be counted on to perform, is a team player, and who will drive to make you both successful. Be visible in your area of expertise, and build and nurture a network of professional contacts Lead, be quoted, speak, write. Be involved in professional and charitable organizations. Your reputation and network will result in your being referred for many top jobs. Be courteous and helpful to recruiters Even if you are not currently looking for a new position, these relationships can help in the future when you are ready to move. Also, they are often sources of market information and/or opportunities that may be very beneficial to you, or a friend. In short, keep these relationships open and beneficial to both parties, and it will help you in the long run. Like a doctor, dentist, lawyer, CPA, etc., it's best to have these relationships established before an emergency develops. Loyalty is important, but also be opportunistic Keep your eyes open for windows of opportunity – perhaps that "golden opportunity" – be very selective (does this opportunity meet your criteria?) Loyalty speaks of character and a moral fiber that is often lacking in our world today. However, blind loyalty may result in a slower ascent to your goal. Look for areas of personal and professional improvement Take an honest look at your strengths and weaknesses. Write them down, ask for candid input. Choose an area of weakness and take one step each month to change that into a strength. True change comes in small consistent steps, not large sweeping resolutions. Promote others, be helpful, positive and optimistic Pitch in and help - be a "team player. Avoid gossip and backstabbing at all costs. Read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Exercise integrity, honor and non-political behavior Do not get involved in office/corporate "politics" Keep a win-win mentality and a positive, "can-do" attitude Improve your company, help it make money Do you see untapped markets or opportunities your company could be targeting? Or places where money is slipping through the cracks? Make a positive difference for, and impact on, your company. Document those improvements and profits Keep a list of the ideas you submit as well as the areas you suggest for improvement. Then, follow up and see if these result in real benefit to the company, and in what specific way. This list will often come in handy around the time of performance reviews. And substantial accomplishments, as detailed by increased revenue, cost improvements, productivity gains, etc. look great on a resume. Keep sights on the long term Don't make short-term or impulsive decisions that could seriously jeopardize your long-term strategy. R. Gaines Baty is President of R. Gaines Baty Associates, Inc. (est. 1977), a Dallas-based retained executive search firm. Mr. Baty, who started his career with IBM Corp., is formerly a two-term President of both the Society of Executive Recruiting Consultants (SERC) and the Dallas Independent Recruiters Group (IRG), and is a well-known author, trainer and practitioner in executive team building, executive evaluation, executive search and career management issues. Mr. Baty can be reached at gbaty@rgba.com. |
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Integrity
- Professionalism - Commitment - Results |
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