At the workplace, our path is never quite charted out for us. At some point in all of our careers, we need to take the time to critically think about our careers, understand the landscape we are in, and what the organization can actually provide in terms of growth. While thinking about it, you may come to realize that what you need and desire, is something the organization cannot actually provide. This is not necessarily a bad situation, it gives you the opportunity to take control of your career and work closely with your manager to help facilitate your growth.
With that said, what are some quick and easy steps you can take to help facilitate professional growth? I thought of 5 ideas that can do just that.
Look in the Mirror
By taking some time to look in the mirror and give yourself an assessment of your strengths and weakness, you can develop an action plan on what you would like to improve as an employee. Taking the time to invest in yourself is critical. Committing to make time to reflect on yourself as an individual is a critical process to growth.
Prioritize
There are some things in your career that will take a lot more time than you would like. Also, there are a lot of things that are beyond your control. In your career, you will have to prioritize and know what goals will be the highest value for you in your career.
Be a Team Player
Working well on a team is crucial to any kind of success in your career. The brightest, smartest and most talented individuals not only possess hard skills, they are also able to communicate and work well in teams. No matter how good of a job you are doing, no matter how hard you are working, you are part of a team. Remember that personal ambition and being a team player are not, and should not be, mutually exclusive. A lot of the most successful people I have met have succeed with and are motivated by working on high functional teams.
Pay Your Dues
Again, things take time and you need to work on being patient. Further, to advance your career sometimes you will have to do the stuff that no one else really wants to do. Just think of it as an investment you are making in your future. Further, good managers and bosses know and respect the extra effort.
Think Positive
Everyday think of something positive or exciting happening in your career. Think about the good work you are doing. Likely, you’ll have a lot of good things going for you. If you’re not happy in your career and looking for a change, stay positive and keep working to network and land a new position that is more ideal. Regardless, to grow your career, you’ll need to stay positive and always see the brighter side.
These are just five quick tips, and I am sure there are dozens of others the GovLoop Community would like to share.
What are some ideas you have? What would you share with the government community to help people immediately make an impact in their career?
I really liked Jim Elliott’s post about how you should never have the attitude that you “paid your dues”. Probably not going to advance your career if those around you think you’re coasting on past accomplishments: https://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/reputation-vs-what-have-you-done-for-me-lately?xg_source=activity
The most important, in my opinion, is the positive thinking comment. Sometimes when things seem at their worst, it really is easy to default to the ‘woe is me’ attitude and wish and wonder for better things, when they are more than likely already happening around you. Changing your entire focus changes who you are, for the better, and people around you pick up on it. Probably the most contagious attitude people can have is a positive one. Have a great weekend everyone.