An Expert Opinion:
Six Healthy Habits For Your Career
In today's expert opinion,
learn six simple habits that help you
achieve more success in your career.
Some days, I'm all filled up when it comes to getting advice. There's a never-ending list of things I'm supposed to do or not do when it comes to relationships, food, fitness, and work. Headlines scream at me all day long. It can be completely overwhelming and more than a little annoying.
But every now and then, an article grabs my attention. It just makes sense. It offers simple advice that I can really use. Today I share an article that falls into that category. At first glance, it seems almost too simple. At second glance, I realize - that's exactly the point. Short, sweet and valuable.
Cy Wakeman is an author who writes about how to keep it real at work. In this article, she shares six simple habits that, if adopted, can help you achieve more success in your career. I agree on all fronts and wanted to share it with you today.
Short. Sweet. Valuable. And so true. Read the article by clicking "Read More" below.
Six Healthy Habits
An article posted on Forbes by Cy Wakeman, February 2013.
"Do you ever feel like your career has hit a plateau? Are you stuck in the same position with the same pay, year after year? Are co-workers getting promoted around you? If this sounds familiar, it could be the result of bad habits at work.
Now, I know what you’re thinking:
Bad habits? I work hard. I fulfill every responsibility in my job description. I help out when someone asks for a favor. And I do it without biting anyone’s head off… usually! So why can’t I get a promotion?
I feel your pain, but if you want to get back on track to a wildly successful career, you might need to make some adjustments in your work habits. These days, it is no longer sufficient to simply fulfill your job description. Showing up day after day doesn’t guarantee you a raise or a promotion. That’s because organizations have to do more with less. They are extremely focused on results. They are, in a word, scrappier. And they expect their employees to be the same.
Want to be the type of employee organizations prize most highly? Incorporate these six habits into your everyday working style and attitude, and you’ll quickly become an invaluable asset to your organization.
1. Seek opportunities to help and to grow.
Now, I know what you’re thinking:
Bad habits? I work hard. I fulfill every responsibility in my job description. I help out when someone asks for a favor. And I do it without biting anyone’s head off… usually! So why can’t I get a promotion?
I feel your pain, but if you want to get back on track to a wildly successful career, you might need to make some adjustments in your work habits. These days, it is no longer sufficient to simply fulfill your job description. Showing up day after day doesn’t guarantee you a raise or a promotion. That’s because organizations have to do more with less. They are extremely focused on results. They are, in a word, scrappier. And they expect their employees to be the same.
Want to be the type of employee organizations prize most highly? Incorporate these six habits into your everyday working style and attitude, and you’ll quickly become an invaluable asset to your organization.
1. Seek opportunities to help and to grow.
Step outside your prescribed role whenever possible. Sign up for cross-functional projects, volunteer to help a co-worker or take on a new responsibility. Doing so will expose you to key influencers throughout the organization while displaying your versatility and willingness to take on new challenges.
2. Be grateful for feedback.
2. Be grateful for feedback.
It can be painful to receive criticism, but you should learn to welcome feedback – both negative and positive – if you’re interested in progressing. Every bit of criticism is a gift, helping you see past your ego and make the changes you need to become more competent, more effective and more valuable.
3. Focus on your own contribution.
3. Focus on your own contribution.
When you are personally accountable for your work, you gain both respect from others and fulfillment for yourself. On the other hand, comparing yourself to co-workers and blaming them for problems severely limit your happiness and productivity. So stop worrying about what your co-workers are doing – or not doing – and focus on your own effectiveness.
4. Let results drive your work.
4. Let results drive your work.
Gone are the days of simply showing up and going through the motions. Instead, organizations are holding their employees accountable for specific results. The more you can contribute to the organization’s bottom line, the better it is for your own career.
5. Be flexible.
5. Be flexible.
Flexible employees are rare and valuable because they help organizations navigate the choppy waters of competition and economic volatility. Be prepared to adapt frequently to new responsibilities, requirements, expectations and working conditions.
6. Keep your emotional cost low. (Note from Lisa: If you do nothing else, do this.)
6. Keep your emotional cost low. (Note from Lisa: If you do nothing else, do this.)
Workplace drama eats into productivity and drains morale, so employers are understandably wary of employees who spend their time complaining, blaming and plotting. My advice? Maintain an even keel at all times. Resolve to succeed under any circumstances. Try not to take things personally. Check the drama at the door, and you’ll find it much easier to move your career forward."
[End of Cy Wakeman article.]
Bottom Line
There you have it. Six habits that can change the game for you at work. All important. All do-able. They may seem too simple to matter - "Of course you should be flexible!" But if you take a few minutes to really consider this advice, you'll likely realize that you can do better. That's all healthy habits really are: You make one change after another toward a broader goal. In this case, the goal is success in your career.
One Final Thought:
I mentioned at the start of this article that the constant "noise" offering me advice (good and bad) drives me crazy sometimes. I'd like to think that this column helps you cut through the noise, at least some of the time. Colleagues tell me I share too much. After all, my business is consulting with and coaching others on these very topics and more. But notice that I don't listen to them. I want to share what I know and let you take advantage of it - only if and when it benefits you.
The best way for me to help is for you to tell me what's on your mind. What do you struggle with at work? What relationship issues do you run into routinely? What situations make you uncomfortable or frustrated? Let me know what's on your mind. Maybe I can help! Comment below or email me your thoughts.
Lisa
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Cy Wakeman is a writer who offers tips for business leaders and employees on how to “ditch the drama, restore sanity to the workplace, and turn excuses into results.” Find the original post and learn more about Cy here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/cywakeman/2013/02/26/six-healthy-habits-for-your-career/
