Is Your Career Hitting a Plateau?

It is easy to get comfortable at a job and cease to stop pushing the boundaries. Often we get into a daily routine and allow ourselves to perform at the same the level each day. This can of course be a positive thing. It can allow you to maintain productivity and helps prove your reliability. But it can also stop you from moving forward on your path to success. So what can you do if your career seems to have hit a plateau? Craig Chappelow and Jean Brittain Leslie of the New York Times offer some advice.

First and foremost don’t be afraid to ask for instant feedback. If you can tell that you are under-performing ask a coworker or manager what you could have done to have better performed. Often they’ll be able to offer you helpful advice and will value the fact that you care enough to ask. Of course you need to have thick skin when listening to these responses but if you take their feedback as constructive criticism you are sure to improve.

Secondly, you should also provide yourself with some personal feedback. Engaging in self-analysis can help you to know who you are and what you have to offer. This will help you emit self-confidence and will allow you to sell yourself to your boss and clients. If you don’t know why somebody should do business with you than they won’t either.

Thirdly, gain an understanding of the company culture. Notice the way changes are made at your company and learn to adapt with your company, this will help you to guide the company through challenges and prevent your work style from becoming outdated.

Fourthly, learn to empathize with and listen to the people you work with. If you sympathize with your peers and managers you’re more likely to develop stronger personal relationships with them. Actively listen to what people have to say. Give them your full attention, take notes as they talk and respond accordingly. This can help you to more fully comprehend what they are saying and will likely result in improved work performance.

Fifthly, collaborate with coworkers. If you work with and communicate with others you are likely to be more effective. You’ll find that your efforts go further if you have a little help. This also helps you to establish transparency and will allow others to know just how much you contribute to your company. This includes delegation. Often we try and do everything ourselves which can be overwhelming and prevents other employees from showcasing their talents. Delegation is a key part to a successful leadership philosophy. This will also help you to focus on the task at hand which allows you to bring jobs to a close giving you quantifiable results.

Lastly, if you hit a rough patch adjust your behavior and learn from your mistakes. If you allow yourself to grow from your setbacks you’re likely to achieve greater successes and continue to advance in your career. A positive attitude goes a long way, so don’t loose enthusiasm and capitalize on your strengths. People are sure to notice.