KEY POINTS:
Q. What help is a guide to success at work? Can't simple hard work get me the rewards?
A. Hard work is only part of the answer. The rest of the equation includes planning and taking action. You need to know where you want to go and create your own success vision. Big companies use corporate visions all the time and you can apply the same idea to your individual career. A vision is effective because it creates a buzz of excitement around your aspirations and is the very first step towards realising them.
Q. What are some initial steps I should take to start getting my career going somewhere?
A. Think big and design your career, always questioning what "success" means to you. Is it a $100k salary, recognition for a job well done or simply waking up every morning and looking forward to your work day? To be successful at work and in life, you need to first imagine what the successful version of yourself will be like then plan and take positive action to achieve it. The easiest way to do this is to set compelling goals that enable you to turn your career success vision into reality. Write your goals down, make them SMART (specific, measurable, achievable/attractive, realistic and timed with a deadline), break your goals into bite-sized pieces, prioritise them by importance not urgency, and regularly evaluate and track your progress.
Q. What are some of the mistakes to avoid in getting ahead in my job?
A. The biggest mistake we see in our corporate coaching practice is executives in jobs they detest. Whether you are a school leaver, recent graduate, returning after a career break, made redundant or looking for a new direction, you can enjoy your work. The choice is yours, but my message is simple: most of us spend the bulk of our waking hours at work so you should enjoy what you do.
Q. To get ahead at work do I have to put my family commitments second?
A. Yes and no. Work/life balance is an ongoing challenge, but I like to think that there are natural times of focus in our lives, whether its studying for an exam, an addition to your family, a promotion or a change of career. Regardless of the initiatives your employer offers, you can take control by identifying your personal priorities. Then, simplify your life for immediate impact (be organised, get efficient and manage your time). Finally, be committed to knowing how to deal with stress, because it requires a life-long approach. You will certainly gain a sense of control, satisfaction, fulfillment and balance.
Q. Does getting ahead inevitably mean more stress?
A. When your responsibilities ratchet up at work, you can easily succumb to the pressure. But it doesn't have to mean anxiety. You need to be more diligent at managing yourself, know what is expected of you and use feedback to perform continually. It will also become increasingly vital to relate to others well, from listening attentively, showing empathy, delegating and inspiring your team. If you don't know where to improve, ask your colleagues.
Q. How do I handle stress at work?
A. There is no instant, quick-fix for stress. You need to do three things;
(1) know your personal signs (a headache, insomnia, tense muscles, irritability, etc) and triggers (tight deadlines, a pending board presentation, a difficult colleague, etc)
(2) continually manage your stress levels and
(3) create regular time to slow down.
The only way to achieve excellence and sustain high performance is to take the best care of yourself with good nutrition, regular exercise and relaxation. this applies to all of us, no matter how busy we are. Remember, if you don't have your health, your work and life will suffer.
