The Top 5 things You Must be Doing to Advance your Career
Are you wanting to advance your career, but finding yourself feeling frustrated at the lack of opportunities? Being aware of your frustrations and learning how to resolve them effectively will save you time and trouble.
Top 5 things you must be doing to Advance your Career:
- Communicate.
- Take initiative.
- Change your perspective.
- Come up with an action plan.
- Network.
Communicate.
It is important to communicate your needs to your boss before you go looking for a new job elsewhere. There may be some opportunities for advancement that you may not be aware of. When you communicate your needs effectively you may be surprised at the opportunities that present themselves. Align your needs with what will make you and others more effective. It can’t be all about you.
Take initiative.
If you are wanting to advance your career you must take initiative yourself. Taking the time continue your education that will fill or support a need should be considered. If you have new ideas of how things could be done present a plan of what isn’t working and suggestions to fix it. Share potential leads with your superiors. Do you see a customer need that isn’t being addressed? Your superiors can be clueless until you share. Sharing your perspective is your job insurance policy and ladder to promotion.
Change your perspective.
How are you looking at your current position? Are you looking at it as an opportunity for growth or somewhere that you are stuck for an unknown amount of time? Don’t focus on what you can’t do, do focus on what you can do. Ask yourself, “What can I do right now to make a difference? This attitude will open up opportunities for you to change your current role and add on responsibilities. People like a positive can do attitude and find self-pity and complaining wearisome.
Action Plan.
Setting up an action plan will help keep you in line and hold you accountable as you look to advance your career. Set goals and give each goal a timetable so you can track progress. Without action, you may be sitting in the same place a year from now.
Network.
Remember: you never know who knows who. No matter who you are, everyone has a network of people. Some people have a lot of connections and some do not. Don’t be discouraged by the number of people you know, because you never know who they know. If you are looking to expand your network, don’t be afraid to contact your local chamber of commerce to join a local group, volunteer at a charity event, or give your time to an important cause. Expanding your network will only help you to expand your career opportunities for the future. Check your motive. If networking is all about what they can do for you, forget it. If your motive is to help others, enjoy making the difference.
Do you need more help becoming a Difference Maker in your organization? I’m the trusted business advisor, executive coach, career guide, and leadership consultant you’ve been looking for. I’m here to listen to you and help find solutions for your frustrations. Please contact me today at 858-692-0438 to learn how I can help you!