Make this the year you get your career on the right track.
Pay attention in class
Treat every workday like a school day. Be sure you learn something
and use it to make yourself more productive. It doesn't have to relate
to your skills set. It may be as simple as understanding how to work
with specific peers or improving your emotional intelligence. Take
mental notes. Don't sleepwalk through the day.
Look for the next rung
You need to excel at your job. This is how you gain credibility. But understanding your next step is key to career happiness. Career pathing
is critical to remaining engaged on the job. Schedule discussions with
your manager to get clarity on the next challenge. If you don't get it
on your team or in your company, it may be time to look elsewhere.
Understand company goals
Make sure you understand how your job contributes to your company's
business objectives. Are you in a revenue-generating role? A
brand-awareness role? Is your mission to delight the customer? Knowing
how your job fits into the big picture will give you inspiration and a
sense of accomplishment—and will help you understand your job's impact.
Be ethical
Bring integrity to your job. Whether you're running the company or
cleaning its restrooms, be honest in all you do. Don't call in sick just
to get a day off -- that's stealing. Put in an honest day's work. Be
accountable. If you're working remotely, be sure you are. Do what you say you're going to do. Honesty and reliability mean a lot to your manager.
Stay fit
OK, this was probably on your last New Year's resolutions list, but
that's because it's so important. Try to break a sweat for 20 minutes,
three days a week. Go for a walk at lunch. Join a gym. Lift weights. A
healthy body makes a healthy mind. Exercising increases blood flow to the brain and gives you ideas. You'll be more productive at work, and best of all, you'll feel better.
Stretch your role
Occasionally think how you can go above and beyond. Are there
projects outside your defined role you could help with? Be proactive;
ask to join. Come up with your own ideas, and work with your manager to
implement them. If you're a hamster, step off the wheel and poke your
head out of the cage. Stretch a little. This won't go unnoticed.
Manage up
Make sure you and your manager are in firm agreement on what you're
doing. Be proactive and get on his calendar to ensure you're meeting or
exceeding expectations.
Don't assume he's paying close attention. There are bad managers. If
there's a disconnect between what you're doing and what your manager
wants, you're partly to blame. Don't wait until your annual performance review rolls around.
Manage across
Even if you work primarily alone, be sure to make time to understand
your peers' roles and how they go about their jobs. Show an interest.
Don't just choose a few friends and become part of a clique. High school
is over. You never know when you may need people—or be reporting to
them.
Communicate
Don't leave people waiting for answers. If you're in an email
environment, return emails promptly. Let people know what you're doing.
If you're working on a project, always ask yourself who needs to know
about it, then tell them. Talk to people; give them a heads up. And when
someone helps you out, be sure to thank him. It's amazing this item
even needs to be on a list, but bad communicators abound. Don't be one
of them.
Make time for play
Have fun. Work hard, but smile while you're doing it. No one likes a grump. Approach each day with a positive spirit and stay loose. Enjoy your family and friends as well. Make time for them—and you. It's called work-life balance. All work and no play makes life a chore.
10 career resolutions for the new year!
Reviewed by MilanduJr.
on
May 31, 2017
Rating: 5
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