Ten Practical Steps to Improve your Career

Dreamfedjob.com

In order to create the best choices and opportunities in your work life, you have to take calculated risks and be postive. Here are 10 practical steps to improve your working future and keep you motivated.

1. Invest in yourself. Dedicate time to focus on your job, from successes to struggles.

2. Know the organization. Every organization has key "information brokers," cultural issues, opportunities and goals. Learn exactly who the key players are and what the company needs.

3. Watch the politics. Tune into the political undercurrent that every office exhibits. Be aware of your boss's wishes and help to provide it. Always re-establish your presence if new bosses come on board.

4. Be an ideas machine. Don't restrict your expertise to your industry sector. Keep up to date, read widely and hunt down useful contacts.

5. Adopt a strategy for rejection. Focus on the positive outcomes of rejection. Use "no" as a learning tool, not as an excuse to cling to the safety of the mediocre.

6. Communicate a clear message. Personal PR is an art form. Regularly communicate three key messages to the decision-makers: 1) What it is that you do well and excel at. 2) How you make a difference to the organization and 3) Make clear the challenges and opportunities that you would like to take on so that your job develops to benefit the company.

7. Fall forwards. Don't fear making mistakes and learn from any false starts. You will end up focused and driven about what you want to do next. This kind of enthusiasm gets noticed!

8. Recruit your dream team. In-sync supporters of YOU can make your career transformation more agreeable. Recruit positive mentors to support you through your exploration.

9. Keep making connections. Set time aside to maintain relationships and networking. Cultivate the people who are already at the center of great networks.

10. Step out. Keep the momentum going! What additional training can you arrange? Who do you need to consult or influence? How are you going to increase your exposure?