Career Growth Doesn't Just Happen!

Career Growth Happens For A Reason—
1. You find a mentor and make time for him/her
2. You begin thinking at the next level
3. You are willing to assume added responsibility
4. You are not afraid to take calculated risks
5. You avail yourself of every opportunity to learn new things and stay abreast of what’s cutting edge
6. You know where you are on your career path, where you plan to be and how you plan to get there
7. You act on constructive feedback
8. You build strategic alliances with influential people within your organization and outside your company
9. You understand the long-term vision of the organization and prioritize your activities to help make it a reality
10. You always let other people save face when possible
11. You realize that it isn’t always about you—helping other people get what they want helps you get what you want
12. You avoid being sucked into office politics
13. You know what’s expected of you and strive to exceed it
14. You constantly seek to do things right the first time
15. You involve yourself with civic and professional organizations
16. You “dress for success” at the next level, not at your level
17. You know how to put people at ease quickly
18. You know your limitations but aren’t afraid to stretch yourself with new challenges
19. You are aware of your accomplishments and contributions to the organization
20. You are profit-conscious
21. You know how to state facts about yourself without sounding like you are bragging
22. You take the initiative in meeting new people at “meet and greets” and know how to put people at ease quickly
23. You are tactful and diplomatic in dealing with internal and external customers
24. You are solutions oriented in your thinking
25. You have a positive attitude
26. You take the time to say “thank you” both verbally and in “snail mail” thank you notes
27. You take time to really listen to other people—by listening you both learn new things and show that you respect others
28. You know how to take charge and lead a team when a project is faltering—without worrying about who gets the credit
29. You understand how to focus on what you do best and how to delegate non-productive or low level tasks
30. You plan your day/week to maximize your productive time
31. You willingly mentor others
32. You project confidence (not cockiness) and enthusiasm
33. You develop and use effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in all your dealings with others
34. You aren’t afraid to ask questions
35. You maintain the right life balances—professional, personal and spiritual

Careers Stagnate For A Reason—
1. The I’ve Arrived Syndrome
2. Failure To Evaluate/Realign Career Plans
3. Failure To Continue Learning
4. Failure To Take Advantage Of New Opportunities (Fear of failing)
5. Failure To Embrace Change As An Ally
Have a great and profitable week!
Robert Hidde bob@confidentliving.com