Scanning the e-news that popped up this week I had to stop and read an article in Marie Claire magazine about the 5 steps to a great career. There is tons of stuff written about this topic in cyber world and it does all seem to have a familiar ring to it – so maybe the advice given is worth noting! So to cut to the chase – this group of 5 successful people had the following to comment about career success and I have added a few thoughts along the way…
1. “Think before you speak” Donald Trump, CEO, Trump Organisation
“If you’re smart, you’ve learnt what not to say in a romantic relationship. But have you learnt what not to say in a business relationship? If you say, ‘That’s not my job,’ there’s no better way to advertise you’re not a team player….”
Now, I agree with DT here – after years of employing staff and thinking about the memorable ones who stood out no matter what level or role – it was always those who demonstrated flexibility and a desire to assist that were the standouts. I think they got a lot more out of their roles too.
2. “Putting in extra effort will help get you noticed” Shelley Barrett, CEO, ModelCo “I don’t like clock-watchers – like it or not, the people who work hardest are the ones who succeed. Most bosses have worked incredibly hard to get where they are.”
This is an interesting topic in today’s busy life – I mean when is enough, enough? We often chat with people who want to get ahead … yet it comes out in conversation that they expect instant success and are not willing to put in the ground work. Maybe this is a generational thing?But I don’t really think it is … I think this directly relates to the ‘drive’ of the individual and their desire to succeed. I have come from the school of… ‘clock, what’s a clock?!’ No, not every ones ideal view of the world, but I have to say, from the heart, that I have had a wonderful, enjoyable, memorable and exciting career. And I know it was largely because I loved what I was doing so much that it never seemed like hard work and time was never an issue!
3. “Don’t compete too hard for the limelight” Tracey Fellows, MD, Microsoft Australia “…The employees I promote deliver results – and their colleagues want to work with them. An individual without the desire to enable colleagues is just that – an individual. Someone who’s passionate about helping others succeed is a leader.”
Well, you can’t fault this advice. For years I have explored information about the difference between managing and leading – and, yes there is a huge difference. And, it is clear that organisations have a dire need for true leaders in their midst to encourage the hearts and minds of their employers. So, as TF notes, if passion is visible and clear within a company or team, then it stands to reason that these people will shine and succeed and lead.
4. “Don’t be too tough on our junior colleagues” Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group “The [employees I promote] are good with people and care about people – and not just the people at the top. They should be good at praising. People who criticise all the time are completely counterproductive. If a flower is watered, it flourishes. If not, it shrivels up and dies. People don’t need to be told where they’ve slipped up; they’ll sort it out themselves.”
Enough said!
5. “Don’t think the boss can’t recognise the time wasters and gossips” Julia Ross, Executive Deputy Chairman, Ross Human Directions “No boss likes a time waster, and if you think we can’t spot those who do it, you’re wrong. If the kitchen falls quiet when I walk in, it’s obvious people are talking about something they’re not comfortable that I hear. Similarly, if computer screens change over when I walk by, I know [the employee is] emailing friends.”
Hmmm. Interesting piece of advice I felt. Not sure I was in harmony with this one. We often need to talk confidentially about things like work or home or life or loves – things that you really might not like the boss to know about – and nor should they know it all – so fair enough I say. And – talking breaks is encouraged these days so really have to think about the whole notion of ‘time wasters’.
It did make me smile though – as I had one employee some time ago who spent a huge amount of time on the internet at work – and used the ‘boss is coming key’ with superb precision…, but the whole team knew and were uncomfortable with the behaviour – and quietly made it clear.
Maybe this advice says more about the culture of the environment and that all important element called ‘trust’
