recently read an article in Real Simple that featured responses to the question, “What is the smartest career advice you’ve ever received?” I have received and/or experienced much of the advice found in the article in one form or another in my own career. In reflecting on this, I formed my own list, borrowing from some of Real Simple’s readers’ themes.
From having multiple mentors (many of who were my managers) to admitting mistakes, the advice – whether explicitly given or learned through trial and error – has certainly helped advance my career to where it is today.8 Smart Career Tips (in no particular order):1. Be a team player.
In other words, be willing to perform tasks that are “not your job.” If it supports your team, it will support your career in the long run as long as you are not sacrificing your own work or being taken advantage of. This might include performing menial tasks, or stepping into to help your coworker with a project you’re not assigned to.
2. Find a mentor.
Linking up with someone who is willing to be a sounding board, give you advice and even correct any missteps is often underestimated. In an ideal world, your manager will be a mentor, but if that is not the case, don’t be afraid to look outside your department or even outside your company.
3. Offer solutions whenever presenting a problem.
Come up with one or two potential solutions to fix the issue when approaching your manager or coworker with a problem. Not only will the problem be better received, the listener will know your goal is to help, not just complain.
4. Show gratitude.
Thanking those who have helped you on a project, in your job or in your career through handwritten cards, meals, coffee, or even small gifts is not only the right thing to do – it’s smart. Those people will remember your graciousness, and will remain a good contact for you in the future.
5. Explore new opportunities.
When presented with the chance to apply for a different job or different company, don’t ignore it. Carefully consider the option and if it’s remotely a good fit, apply. At worst, you’ll have an updated resume and will get to brush up on your interviewing skills. At best, it could lead to a dream job you didn’t even know existed!
6. Be interruptible.
I realize this is hard, especially if you’re rushing to meet a deadline, but your coworkers are people first, with the very real human need to connect. Unless it’s so frequent that it’s affecting your overall productivity, be willing to stop what you’re doing and spend a few minutes actively listening to what he/she wants to discuss.
7. Admit when you make a mistake.
This seems counterintuitive to advancing a career, but in my experience, owning up to mistakes I’ve made has fostered trust among my coworkers and managers. They know they can rely on me to be honest about any glitches in a project, which can actually leave more room for innovation and risk. (Of course, some company cultures do not foster an environment of innovation, risk and learning from failures, but if yours does, embrace it!)
8. Be teachable.
We can learn all kinds of things from all kinds of people. Having a humble attitude and asking others for input can go a long way in not only improving the quality of your work but fostering a collaborative culture.While these tips are meant to result in some form of career “success,” I find it endlessly fascinating that a recent Real Simple and Time, Inc. poll of over 1,000 women and a few hundred men found this to be true:The adjectives that people most strongly associate with success: HARDWORKING & CONFIDENT. At the bottom of the list: bossy, alpha, aggressive.In other words, at the end of the day (or your career) you can follow all 8 of these tips, but if you’re lazy and mean, you’ll never be truly successful.
What smart career advice have you received from others?
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