Article by Rose Meagher
We may lose and we may win, but why rely on luck when it comes to your career success? Don’t just jump into your job the way you’d approach an afternoon road trip!
A better idea is to be prepared so you ensure that you succeed. Having a plan, including always ensuring you have enough proverbial gas in the tank, is key to your success. Here are five things you can do to make sure that happens.
1. Know yourself.
Think about what you have a passion for, and make sure that your job is at least somewhat related to that passion. Once you figure that part out, take an assessment that can tell you a lot more about yourself. Tools such as DISC, which identify how we do what we do, and Driving Forces, which explain why we do what we do, are invaluable in helping people identify their perfect career options. The more you know about yourself, the better you can tailor your next job search.
2. Know your company.
How much do you know about your company? Do you understand their mission statement and core values? Have you become familiar with the company culture, and do your beliefs match the company’s?
3. Understand your position.
Having a thorough understanding of your position will help you identify where you are likely to excel and what things you may need to shore up. Identify potential mentors that can help plan your career path and accelerate your learning curve.
4. Ask questions.
If you avoid only one mistake, avoid assuming you know everything. Asking questions will not only clear up any gray areas; it will show your company and co-workers that you are invested in your position. Ask away! The only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.
5. Request feedback.
There are many different roads to travel to get to the same destination. The destination you are seeking is success. You may feel like you are doing well, maybe even excelling, but the only way you will know for sure is by requesting feedback. Different people have different perspectives. You stand to gain so much valuable insight by asking for feedback. Perception is reality and you want to ensure that you are perceived positively by your co-workers, your boss and your company. And this can be accomplished simply by requesting – and utilizing – valuable feedback provided by co-workers.
Once you have a plan on how you want to approach being that Top Performer, think about the skills you are missing. What are those key skills? Then ask for support via leadership development. Contact BLU for more information on talent assessments and people development.
