7 Must Dos For Professional Success

Ever read something that you felt compelled to share? Well I did today. As a career advis0r, I am regularly giving career guidance. I love when I run across another colleague who is giving great career advice as well. So much so, I felt compelled to share.

There are 11 career management tips included in the blog post I read to support ones desire for career advancement and professional success. I’ve chosen my favorites. The link to the complete list is at the end of this post.

Strategies for Effective Career Building (these are my favorites from the original list with my modifications)

1. Nothing replaces smart hard work  – what is smart hard work?…work that gets results (it’s more than just being busy).

Joe’s version: In an industry where smoke and mirrors are used in abundance, take heed: Nothing can disguise the absence of hard work. And don’t confuse effort with results. (actually this should be another, separate tip). I don’t care how early you arrive or how late you stay—it’s about ROI.

2. We all have a personal tool kit - develop a personal portfolio that reflects some level of expertise with the willingness to continue to grow. More than ever, we’ve got to set ourselves apart.

Joe’s version: know yours and how to use it. As my mother told me on numerous occasions, I have special talents. Specifically, I’m a good consensus builder. You may be a killer salesman. Or extremely detailed. Whatever your “special talents” are, hone them and let them help define your personal brand.

3. It’s about teamwork, but know who is and isn’t on your team, meaning have “organizational savvy.” (This tip is about thinking about the word “team” in a different way.)

Joe’s version: I too hate office politics. And avoid them at all costs. Ignoring their existence is not only careless, but possibly counterproductive. Even if you don’t engage in them, someone else might on your behalf. Know who has the boss’s ear, who the players are, and who could take or leave ya. Whatever the political landscape in your company, it’s your reality and one you’ll have to navigate whether you like it or not.

4. Life is not always a box of chocolates—so decide how much you can take before you bail.  I say know where to draw the line and actively begin to develop and exit strategy.

Joe’s version: The perfect job doesn’t exist. I would imagine that even the taste-tester at Krispy Kreme has complaints about his gig (though I can’t imagine what they might be). Too often we hit tough times and jump ship for a lateral move or get frustrated and stop giving 110 percent. A career is like a relationship, so make sure you’re putting as much effort into trying to fix the problems as you put into feeling bad about them.

5. Individuality is to be respected—as long as you’re still part of the team. I say there is a “me” in team, as Michael Jordan use to say. There has got to be a quality me….to make the me in the word team stronger. A weak me contributes to a weak team.

Joe’s version: Sometimes, there is an “I” in team. It just has to be the right kind of “I”—distinctive yet collaborative, unexpected but on strategy. Don’t be afraid to stand out, but do make sure you don’t alienate your teammates in the process.

6. Sometimes you have to shout to be heard. Perhaps another way of framing shouting is being constructively vocal.

Joe’s version:  You’ve heard the phrase “Squeaky wheel gets the grease”? Well, take note: Occasionally, persistent voices are listened to. Don’t be afraid to speak up when you’re passionate about something.

7. Always be that ray of light in your boss’s/co-worker’s day.  Does your boss feel you are a help or a burden….that you are psychologically and emotionally reliable?

Joe’s version: This one’s simple. Surprise. Delight. Be the kind if individual you’d like to spend 200-plus days each year with. And to be clear—that’s much different from kissing ass.

Summary: This list is just plain old expert career advice and can serve as an excellent career management checklist…pass it on to people you really care about!

Coaching Tip: If you’re a manager, you can use this list to coach your team members in desired attitudes and behaviors.  It self empowering and helps them become contributors rather than just employees.

Source: Joe Hodas, senior vice president of brand communications at Vladimir Jones, a privately held, full-service advertising agency in Colorado. Link to full article…to see the complete list of 11.

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