Pearls of Wisdom for Your Career

Most of us-regardless of age, color or sex-want successful careers. We build our minds and values as we find our passion and discover what it takes to become successful, how to get success and how to keep it. Our minds decide the quality of our lives.

Often, I hear people say, "This isn't the workplace it used to be." They are absolutely right. It isn't, and it can't be if we plan to survive and prosper in today's competitive work environment. We have to keep moving and changing to stay ahead. Standing still simply isn't an option.

While it is true that these are trying times, people must remember that the most difficult days are behind us. No matter how challenging our work life may seem, life will never be as tough for us as it was for our parents and our forefathers.

To succeed in the workplace is a journey of a hundred miles that begins with a single step. Following are some pearls of wisdom for your career:

1. Build a good rapport with your peers. They can have a direct impact on the type of support you may receive.
2. Arrive at work at least 30 minutes prior to your shift. If you're at work on time, then you're late. If you are early, you're on time. Arriving early provides you with time to schedule your daily activities.
3. Key a daily log of your activities and important conversations. There is power in saying that on a specific date someone informed you of one thing or promised something else.
4. Take advantage of any tuition reimbursement training programs offered by your employer.
5. Develop a mentor relationship on the job.
6. Never burn bridges. Bypass the desire to bad-mouth your company. Bad-mouthing the company could potentially tarnish your reputation.
7. Correct false information immediately. If false information is left uncorrected in your personnel record, it could suggest that you have a performance problem. Always file a rebuttal to issues with which you disagree.
8. Perform your job competently. Do the best job possible. Leave no doubt in the minds of others that you are worthy of upward mobility.
9. Meet regularly with your manager. Don't wait until you receive your annual performance review to stay on target with your manager. Meet with him or her onece every two months to discuss your performance.

Remember, upward mobility/promotions are offered to people that work hard and play hard.

These pearls of wisdom are from my book entitled, "How to Survive the Drama and Trauma in Corporate America." nnnn