Career Success

One would like to think that doing excellent work would be enough to grab the attention of those with the power to help you advance. While stellar performance is a great starting point, committing to getting noticed by key decision-makers can improve your odds for promotion or better assignments. To gain attention without looking arrogant or needy, try some of these strategies:

Volunteer.

As the end of the year approaches, people are beginning to think about resolutions for 2013. While taking time to brainstorm about what you truly want to accomplish is important, pondering how you intend to make your goals a reality can be the difference between a pipe dream and success. Career and life coach Deborah Brown-Volkman, president of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc., offers these suggestions:

1. Create a Plan.

Many studies have ranked public speaking as people’s number one fear … before spiders, heights and even death! I’m often asked, “Can someone who is afraid of public speaking get over his or her fear?” I would love to just say “yes,” but the truth is that fear is a natural part of public speaking. Getting over your fears should not be the goal; instead, learn how to manage them. In my webinar, I will share practical tips that help you deal with your fears.

As year-end reviews begin and the calendar gets ready to turn, the time is ripe for workers hoping to receive a promotion. But before visions of a higher paycheck and a bigger cubicle consume your mind, honestly appraise whether you are doing all you can to earn that next position.

With a new year approaching, many people are taking some time to rethink their lives and plan for changes they would like to make in 2013. This is a great opportunity to focus on your professional life, as well, and how you might be able to improve it. Odds are, there are some things you can change for the better to make the next year even more rewarding for you, professionally speaking.

• Working from Home Means Longer Hours [Business News Daily]
• Seven Productivity Myths, Debunked by Science [Lifehacker]
• Signs You Need a New Career in 2013 [Career Bliss]
• The Best and Worst Colors to Wear to Work [AOL]
• Turn a Holiday Party into a Networking Boon [US News]

One common trait among many successful people is the ability (and perhaps even preference) to work independently and be self-efficient. So it can be really annoying if you fall into that category and find yourself saddled with a boss who wants to track and analyze your every move.  

As a competent professional, having to report and explain your workday activities can make you feel like a child—not to mention, it can take up valuable time from your day.

When new employees have trouble in the workplace, it is tempting to think the reason is because they lack the necessary skills. However, a survey by Washington, D.C.-based Leadership IQ shows this assumption oftentimes is wrong. According to managers who responded, only 11 percent felt lack of talent was the case. More common concerns were inability to accept feedback (26%), having a hard time controlling emotions (23%), and lack of motivation to succeed (17%).

When planning or hoping for career success, many of us will often sit around waiting for our “big break” or for our great opportunity to present itself. This passive approach not only wastes a lot of time, but it is also very risky—it’s possible your dream opportunity may never come, or it might not be exactly as you envision, causing you to fail to recognize it until it’s too late.