Career Growth: Strategies For Achieving Career Success

SaiCareers.com

An impressive and consistent career growth record is every professional’s dream, a dream that most would do
anything for. Yet, many believe that achieving professional success is an impossible feat requiring complex
Machiavellian maneuvering. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no mystic mantra for achieving career success.
The strategies for achieving career growth and success combine plain old hard work, planning, and common sense.
This article examines a few such strategies.

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Improve your employer’s ROI (on you of course)

Like it or not, we all get paid to produce results (unless your employer is unusually benevolent). Ideally, the
employer expects you to be at par with -- or at best, outperform -- established objectives for your position. The
employer pays you a certain salary and expects you to return more than what is invested on you; in other words a
high return on investment (ROI) is expected. Work hard and do everything possible to deliver a high ROI.

Professional development
Learning never ends, they say. Continuously investing in professional development -- training programs,
professional associations, education, certifications, reading professional literature, and the likes -- will help you
stay abreast with the latest advancements in your field, and also a step above the competition. Set aside an annual
budget (if your employer doesn’t sponsor) for your professional development and growth.

Challenge yourself
Top professionals constantly challenge and reinvent themselves, pushing the bar to achieve more every time. If
you are able to produce 100%, try for 110%. Constantly challenge yourself to achieve more every time.

Become a valuable resource

Do people come to you for advice very often? If not, take steps to become an expert in your profession. From
internal employees to the media, you must be viewed upon as a valuable resource. Look for publishing (articles,
books, etc.) and public speaking opportunities in your profession.

Love all, serve all

No, I am not trying to preach. Try volunteering on projects, community initiatives, company presentations, internal
committees, etc. Take on extra tasks. The rewards of such service (translation: the extra mile) will go beyond the
professional frontier. Being perceived as “helpful” and motivated could do wonders for your career.

Learn to work through the political machinery

You don’t have to become a conniving politician in order to achieve career growth (success). Just know what to say
and when; avoid confrontations, disputations, etc.

Improve your visibility

Do you attend company events, conferences, etc? Does your boss know what results you are producing? If not,
you might be missing out on great opportunities.

Network, network, network

If I could, I would summarize this article in three simple words, they would be as follows: network, network,
network. Knowing the right people, both within and outside the organization (especially experts, authors, and
industry leaders) can do wonders for your career. If you don’t have a mentor, consider having one. The right
mentor can make a significant difference in your career.

Become a better leader

The corporate world values leadership skills like no other. Irrespective of your profession or position title,
leadership skills are always desirable. Be proactive and develop your leadership skills.

Follow professional ethics

Qualities like punctuality, reliability, precision, diplomacy, enthusiasm, positive attitude … are always valuable. The
stronger your professional ethic, the more successful your career will be.

Although success doesn’t come overnight, common sense, hard work, and careful planning is what it takes to
catapult even an ordinary career to enviable heights.
20 Powerful Tips For Career Growth
Hi folks,

I found this interesting article in the net, which is worth revealing... have a look at this.....

If you want to advance in your career......follow this......

1. Do more than is expected of you . Prove that you're capable of handing more responsibility.
Volunteer for special assignments.

2. Take initiative and do what needs to be done , before being asked.

3. Learn the skills you'll need to advance. Take advantage of on-the-job training, but don't rely
exclusively on that. Consider taking (and paying
for) skill-enhancing courses on your own.

4. Be loyal to your boss, your team, and your company. (Yes, you can be loyal without being a
"brown-noser.")

5. Be patient and don't expect to be promoted without demonstrating your abilities over time.

6. View the big picture and understand your company's mission. Find ways to help them
accomplish it.

7. Save money for your company by identifying ways to boost revenues, reduce expenses, or
streamline processes.

8. Offer solutions to the problems you must take to your boss.

9. Show respect to everyone -- superiors, peers, subordinates, and especially customers.

10. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know." If you don't know something, say so; don't try to fake
it. Find the answers you need.

11. Take responsibility for your actions . If you're at fault, admit it and take the blame. If you're
wrong, apologize.

12. Never gossip . Gossip can hurt the careers of two people: the person being talked about, and
the person doing the talking.

13. Never say "That's not my job." Don't think you are above anything. Pitch in and set a good
example, especially if the job is one that nobody else wants to do. Your willingness to do so will
be noticed and appreciated!

14. Share the credit . People who share credit with others make a much better impression than
those who take all the credit themselves.
15. Ask for help when you need it . Don't let a difficult task get out of hand. When you need
help, ask for it -- before things get worse.

16. Keep your dislike to yourself . If you don't like someone, don't let it show. Never burn
bridges or offend others as you move ahead in your career.

17. Don't hold grudges . Life isn't always fair. If you were passed over for promotion, didn't get
the project you wanted, etc., let it go. Be gracious and diplomatic, focus on the future and move
on. Harboring grudges won't advance your career.

18. Be humble . When you're right, don't gloat about it. Never say "I told you so!"

19. Make others feel important. Compliment others, emphasize their strengths and contributions,
and help them whenever you can. They will enthusiastically help you in return.

20. Join associations and professional organizations (like this forum ) related to your career. In
addition to helping you learn more about your industry, this can provide invaluable networking
opportunities. (Which might come in handy if your employer isn't promoting!)

Hope you found this interesting. Let me know your comments...have a great day !!!

Cheers,
Anu Vaish