Often people ask me, what in your opinion are the secrets of Career success?
I am glad this is a question I am answering in this blog post. I like the question because it is somewhat philosophical. Looking back on my career, which now covers almost forty years. And looking at the associations I have had as a career employee in about ten Fortune 500 companies. Also from a HR professional's point of view. I feel I can certainly share my perspectives. So here, in order of importance are factors that I think lead to Career Success.
1. Being specialized in a discipline. If you become the best value adding resource in an organization in one particular area, in my opinion you certainly will have career success. Your employers will look to you as a person who can assist in the organization’s success.
2. Networking is a key element of success. If nobody knows how good you are, then how are you going to achieve success? I tell everybody to network, to meet a wide variety of people continuously and then one can be on the road to success.
3. A balanced life is another ingredient. Just because you work Long Hours does not mean you are going to be successful. As a matter of fact, if you work long hours, employers might think you are not very efficient. It is important you balance your work, family, spiritual and community dimensions of your life.
4. Being at the right place at the right time is an important factor. If you think you have an excellent opportunity in front of you, grab it. You know what they say, carpe diem! Most of us over analyze the situations we are presented and therefore we miss those rare chances that come in front of us once in a long while. This is an intangible - for us analytical types these opportunities are hard to fathom, because they do not seem rationale to us. Seize the opportunity in front of you, because that very opportunity can be your ticket to “career nirvana”. Instinct, I have learnt can often be a good guide.
5. Career self-reliance is yet another important point. Do not depend on others; be independent. Begin with your end in mind. And steadfastly stay focused on your path. Otherwise you will meander.
6. Do not go through your career being a skin Deep Professional, be a knee deep professional. If you profess to be a professional in your Field, get yourself educated in that field, get yourself certified in that field. Understand that field in great depth. Become a true expert in the subject matter. Do not fake it. A little knowledge and whole lot of "hot air" will succeed in the short run but not in the long run. A little knowledge is always dangerous. I find in recent years there are many so called experts crowding the halls of companies and as such in depressed economic times organizations can easily get rid off a whole bunch of people without a wink. Rarely are in depth professionals subject to work force adjustments and other upheavals.
And no one really enjoys going here, there and everywhere without knowing where the actual path is leading.
