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Career Growth: Strategies For Achieving Career Success
SaiCareers.com
An
impressive and consistent career growth record is every professional’s
dream, a dream that most would do anything for. Yet, many believe that
achieving professional success is an impossible feat requiring complex
Machiavellian maneuvering. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no
mystic mantra for achieving career success. The strategies for
achieving career growth and success combine plain old hard work,
planning, and common sense. This article examines a few such
strategies.
Improve your employer’s ROI (on you of course)
Like it or not, we all get paid to produce results (unless your
employer is unusually benevolent). Ideally, the employer expects you
to be at par with -- or at best, outperform -- established objectives
for your position. The employer pays you a certain salary and expects
you to return more than what is invested on you; in other words a high
return on investment (ROI) is expected. Work hard and do everything
possible to deliver a high ROI.
Professional development
Learning never ends, they say. Continuously investing in professional
development -- training programs,
professional associations,
education, certifications, reading professional literature, and the
likes -- will help you stay abreast with the latest advancements in
your field, and also a step above the competition. Set aside an annual
budget (if your employer doesn’t sponsor) for your professional
development and growth.
Challenge yourself
Top professionals constantly challenge and reinvent themselves,
pushing the bar to achieve more every time. If you are able to produce
100%, try for 110%. Constantly challenge yourself to achieve more
every time.
Become a valuable resource
Do people come to you for advice very often? If not, take steps to
become an expert in your profession. From internal employees to the
media, you must be viewed upon as a valuable resource. Look for
publishing (articles, books, etc.) and public speaking opportunities
in your profession.
Love all, serve all
No, I am not trying to preach. Try volunteering on projects, community
initiatives, company presentations, internal committees, etc. Take on
extra tasks. The rewards of such service (translation: the extra mile)
will go beyond the professional frontier. Being perceived as “helpful”
and motivated could do wonders for your career.
Learn to work through the political machinery
You don’t have to become a conniving politician in order to achieve
career growth (success). Just know what to say and when; avoid
confrontations, disputations, etc.
Improve your visibility
Do you attend company events, conferences, etc? Does your boss know
what results you are producing? If not, you might be missing out on
great opportunities.
Network, network, network
If I could, I would summarize this article in three simple words, they
would be as follows: network, network, network. Knowing the right
people, both within and outside the organization (especially experts,
authors, and industry leaders) can do wonders for your career. If you
don’t have a mentor, consider having one. The right mentor can make a
significant difference in your career.
Become a better leader
The corporate world values leadership skills like no other.
Irrespective of your profession or position title, leadership skills
are always desirable. Be proactive and develop your leadership skills.
Follow professional ethics
Qualities like punctuality, reliability, precision, diplomacy,
enthusiasm, positive attitude … are always valuable. The stronger your
professional ethic, the more successful your career will be.
Although success doesn’t come overnight, common sense, hard work, and
careful planning is what it takes to catapult even an ordinary career
to enviable heights.
Related Articles:
Career Management
Networking
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We hope you enjoyed
the following article: "Career Growth: Strategies For Achieving
Career Success."
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