Becoming successful in one’s career can take three years or ten years and this is dependent on the steps that you take during your journey.
I recently came across an interesting quote by, Marva Collin, she said: “Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it…” So whether you are a newly qualified graduate entering the workplace or an experienced professional wanting to move up the corporate ladder these 10 steps could assist you in getting closer to your desired career level.
1. Attitude: when you start off in your career your attitude is the most important factor that ultimately determines your success. If you lack willingness, purposefulness, dedication and determination you simply cannot expect to accelerate in your career. People that generally start a career with the right attitude are more progressive in their careers. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Adrian Gore, Raymond Ackerman, Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Patrice Motsepe and Khanyi Dhlomo are examples of people that were faced with challenges but had the attitude to proactively search for what others may perceive to be impossible – your attitude determines your latitude.
2. Passion: if you do not have the passion in your career you can forget about getting ahead. There is a difference between having a job and a career. A career is the path you follow to reach your ambition and goals.
3. Work Ethic: if you put in the hours and work smartly, chances are your employer will notice your work ethic. Every piece of work that you take on has your name and signature on it so it is very important to take pride in what you are doing.
4. Potential: allow others to see your potential in the workplace. Get involved in new projects or work that may seem challenging or difficult because this would allow others to recognise your full potential and this would align you for future growth within your organisation.
5. Turning negative situations around: when you are faced with adverse situations you need to turn the situation around no matter how bad the situation is. Take accountability and turn an adverse situation around by looking at areas that you can influence in a positive manner.
6. Taking control: do not wait for others to tell you what to do in your career. Make things happen for yourself. If you seek an opportunity, irrespective of whether it is to work for a specific client or to go for a secondment for a few months – if you are not gallant enough to ask for the opportunity, how can you expect to get the opportunity? Even if there are no opportunities for you at present, leaders in your organisation will keep you in mind when an opportunity does arise.
7. Listen to constructive criticism: sometimes you think you are the “best in your game” but there could be qualities that other people you work with recognise in you that could be destructive to your development. Be open to suggestions and constructive criticism. This is going to allow for internal change and personal development.
8. Self-Management: prioritise meetings that are going to be advantageous to your role and department. Do not waste time on having meetings that do not have clear objectives. Plan your day and week productively. Before scheduling a meeting make an agenda for yourself and during the meeting assess the progress you are making.
9. Express Opinions: do not be afraid to voice your opinion. If you feel strongly about something that would be useful to your organisation, express your opinion. This will allow people in your organisation to realise that you are someone that can add value to your organisation because of the way you think and you are not easily dissuaded by others and you question their thought process.
10. Forward Thinking: start a personal developmental plan for yourself and then monitor your progress over the months. If your goal is to become a director or a chief executive officer or any other desired role – start a “road-map” and plan how you are going to get there. Speak to people that are currently in these roles. They will be able to share their experiences with you and guide you on how you can get there.
- Bonus thought – Never Give Up – Never Quit – Never Ring the Bell
I will conclude with some wise words from Oprah Winfrey: “The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work…” Ultimately, the decision to become successful in your career is really up to you and following these 10 useful steps may catalyse your journey to the top.
By Olivia Eleanor Timothy, HR Manager at Werksmans Attorneys,LLB (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal) and LLM Labour Law (University of South Africa)
