In this age of constant changes, and sometimes at breakneck speed, can success in your career be guaranteed? It can be, when you take a look at the profile of consistent high performers.
In my interviews and meetings with high performers, I have discovered that they share these common traits:
1. Positive attitude and mindset
2. Extraordinary work ethic & personal traits
3. Excellent skills set
4. 360 degree on-the-job knowledge
What is wonderful about them is that you can control your level of achievement for each one. To begin with, you need a no-holds-barred analysis of your current self with regard to these categories. From here, you can then go on to identify the specific areas you need to work on to enhance your performances.
1. Positive attitude and mindset
You have probably heard this from many management gurus, However, have you really done anything about it? Involve others to help you derive an accurate analysis so you can balance up your perspective of your own attitude.
Your attitude can make or break you. In this new age of intensified competition and constant changes in the workplace, many of us are highly charged emotionally and constantly stretched. However, these ‘stresses’ may be simply overcome by tweaking our attitude and mindset.
First, recognize that a negative attitude is often the result of frustration. Having a positive attitude is not easy, especially when challenges mount one after another. But this is when a positive mind-set becomes invaluable. We can consciously develop ways of thinking that put us in control. Take time off everyday to review and reflect on the day’s doing; what we have done today and what we could have done in a different and more productive and effective way. Think thorough and map out your strategies so you are better ready to overcome it the next time these challenges come along. Such is the power of reflection. It does not matter if we fall, what is important is that we do not fall into the same hole twice.
It is okay to feel down; everyone does at one time or another. It is how you pick yourself up that can make all the difference in the world. Ask yourself: “What can I do that will be to my best advantage?”
2. Extraordinary work ethic
What exactly does “extraordinary” mean? I define it this way: Do whatever it takes to get the results you want and/or need without compromising your integrity or hurting others. Doing whatever it takes means a number of different things. It can mean:
* Starting earlier in the day
* Devoting time to plan and execute the task
* Scheduling time for important and urgent things as well those that are not urgent but important
* Following through on all projects
* Thinking of new ways to become more effective and efficient in the things you do
* Continuing to give your best efforts throughout the day, especially when you have had success early in the day
* Remembering and following the classic motto “I will do one more task”
3. Excellent skills set
Make learning a way of life. Plan your learning and carry them out. If you deem something as important, you will find the time to accomplish it. Most times when we go into a slump, the problem starts with getting away from the basics. Check and re-check your foundation skills, go back to the basics and review how you are performing from time to time. Do not wait till the end of the year and be shocked by your appraisals. Take inventory of your skills set and identify what else you need to learn to take you to the next level of performance.
Once you have determined your proficiencies in each area you can list the skills that need improvement. Discuss them with your manager and your colleagues. Get their recommendations on how to achieve excellence.
Utilise resources that will enable you to stay informed or learn new skills. Use books, audios, video, on-line services and distance-learning opportunities. There is a whole menu of learning tools available for use anywhere. Target at least one resource to keep you up-to-date and refresh on all aspects of your profession.
Continually successful professionals never think they know it all. They know that excellent foundational skills are critical to their success. They are also eager to learn from customers, associates, colleagues or self-directed initiatives and find ways to say sharp.
4. 360-degree on-the-job knowledge
You need and should know everything and anything about your position and your job. This includes knowing why your job was created, what it does and how it contributes to the overall ecology of your department and organization. When you know these foundational information, you can then analyse and work on crafting out an edge for yourself – what you can do to add value to the job and tasks that you currently do.
Surface knowledge just won’t cut it. Total knowledge gives you the solid foundation to not just perform, but perform at the peak or at the very least, perform at a level that is way above what you are doing now – Source: ST/ANN
Article by Dr Billy Kueek, a motivational speaker. He is the author of Unleash Your Potential