|
6/4/2008 2:03:36 PM
Common career Killers
Watch Out For These Common Career Killers
These days the average person spends more time at work each day than ever before, and many of our most productive years are spent preparing for a great career. It is very important, therefore, to keep on the lookout for the most common career killers, and to take the steps necessary to avoid them. There are many seemingly simple things that can derail careers and hold us back on the road to success, and those career roadblocks are the focus of this article.
Be a Team Player
Nothing can derail a promising career faster than failing to be a team player. Both public and private industry puts a great emphasis on teamwork, and those who have proven they can work as part of a team tend to move up the corporate ladder at a much more rapid pace.
It is important, however, to make your individual contributions count even as you strive to be a team player. It is important to demonstrate your skills as an individual on every project you complete, whether on your own or as part of a larger team.
Dress to Impress
The recent trend toward casual wear in the office has led to a great many career problems for many workers. When the dress code was formal, it was fairly easy to know what was, and what was not, appropriate office attire. With the trend toward casual dress, however, the line between office and home apparel has begun to blur. It is important to navigate the casual dress landscape properly to keep your career on track.
The general rule of thumb is to dress as if you are expecting to meet with a client. If you would be ashamed to wear it if your most important customer popped in for a visit, it is best left in the closet. When choosing clothes for the office, it is vital that the clothes look professional and well put together. Casual does not equal sloppy, and even a pair of jeans can give a smart appearance if they are meticulously clean and well pressed.
When deciding what to wear and not wear, it is best to take your cues from what others in similar positions are wearing. Dressing the part does not mean wearing a suit and tie when everyone else is wearing jeans. It does mean presenting a polished and professional appearance at all times. It may be a good idea to dress in a manner more similar to your boss than your coworkers. If you take the time to dress a bit more professionally than those around you it will get noticed.
Be a Political Animal
Every worker has his or her own feelings about office politics, but the fact is that office politics are a necessary part of a successful career. It is of course important to avoid negative office politics, and to refrain from gossip and backstabbing. But understanding the politics of your office, and knowing where the official and unofficial power lies, is a smart career move.
Using office politics to your advantage means working strategically to put yourself in the best light possible. Refusing to play office politics can be a real career killer. If you are to obtain the promotions you want, avoid downsizing or get the things you need, you will need support of your coworkers. That backing can be gained by building a relationship with those around you, whether by offering help, asking for advice or showing an active interest in their projects. Using office politics prudently can be a big boon to any career.
Network, Network, Network
We all know how important networking is to finding a job, and some estimates put the percentage of jobs gained through networking as high as 70%. Many people look at networking as simply a way to land a new job, but the fact is it is important to keep those contacts even after landing that great new position. Keeping in touch with your network of professionals will keep you abreast of the latest issues in the industry. In addition, the people you know can be a great source of advice and inspiration as you more forward in your career and take on bigger and bigger projects.
If your network is looking a little thin, try these tips for tapping in:
Ø Join a professional organization, a service organization or a club
Ø Find out what your college alumni association has to offer
Ø Subscribe to trade magazines specific to your industry
Ø Keep in touch with old friends from college, especially those who graduated before you do. Old college contacts can be an invaluable source of help on the job.
Ø Take advantage of networking opportunities like conferences and conventions. Do not be afraid to mingle with others, and always carry a supply of business cards.
Ø Be sure to build a rapport both with those above and below you. If you run into the company president in the elevator, be sure to introduce yourself and say hello. Even the most casual friendship can be a big boost to your career.
Avoiding potential career killers can be a big boost to any career. It is important to recognize the existence of these career pitfalls, and avoid them as best you can. The corporate world has never been more competitive, and it is important to do what you can to set yourself apart from the crowd.
|
