First, decide what you really want to do in your career. Trying to climb the ladder to a job you don’t enjoy is a pointless exercise. Work satisfaction comes from doing the things you’re objectively good at and the things you enjoy doing (funny that!).
After establishing what it is you want in your work life, set your career goals.
What are your goals and strategies?
Make 1 year, 3 year, 5 year and 10 year goals, or whatever suits you, and work towards them. It’s best to start with the big picture and work backwards from there, so everything fits into that trajectory.
Find out what you need to do to get those jobs. Do you require more qualifications or experience? Do you need to work on some of your skills? Write down strategies that will help you get to where you want to be. This is where career coaching can play an important role.
Become a leader
At work, always set the example. Be passionate about your work, but don’t become over-emotional about inter-personal issues. Try to be the sensible, pragmatic one; the person everyone goes to for advice.
To be effective in any senior or leadership role, you must have self-confidence. This doesn’t mean bossing everyone around, it just means you have confidence in your own abilities and decision-making skills. It also means taking responsibility for your actions, and accepting blame when things go wrong.
Often the best leaders are often those that make decisions, whether they are right or wrong! Good leaders expect to make mistakes sometimes. But they take responsibility for their mistakes and learn from them.
There’s a growing philosophy of something called servant leadership, where your primary intention is to serve others and help them grow as individuals.
Get involved
These days, most senior managers look to their staff to provide feedback about the company and to come up with ideas for improvement. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to have your say. Don’t whine, but be constructive and present your ideas in a professional way.
Communication skills are a priority in the modern workplace. You need to learn how to listen to others, express yourself clearly and concisely, and be able to work effectively with your peers and managers.
If you feel your communication skills could improve, I can think of no better or more cost-effective solution than joining your local Toastmasters club.
Finally, make sure your CV is up-to-date, professional, and concise. An employer sees your CV as a reflection of how you work.
What do you think? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
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