IS HARD WORK ENOUGH FOR CAREER SUCCESS?

Most of us are taught that hard work is honourable and will be rewarded. But putting in the hours isn’t all it takes to move up in your career. Here are other things that play a big part in getting that promotion you want.

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Remember your first days in your first job? Chances are you worked like a machine, took on as much as possible, stayed late and came in early… All because everyone – parents, teachers, successful people – keep saying hard work gets you where you want to be.

Life coach Harriet Minter explains what this does to us. We work hard and if we don't get noticed, we tell ourselves it’s our fault and we should work even harder. This becomes a cycle that can continue until we burn out.

Another thing that can happen to people who do good work and nothing else is that they’re under the radar, explains Carol Frohlinger, president of US-based consulting firm Negotiating Women, Inc. “So, when there’s an opportunity for promotion, nobody thinks of them.”

This means you need more to set you apart. But what? To figure that out, you have to know your goals, your strengths and your weaknesses.

There isn’t a magic formula to get you promoted but here are some pointers that pop up often when coaches and managers talk about getting ahead in the workplace.



TAKE CHARGE
The magic ingredient for career success and satisfaction is self-determination, believes renowned leadership and workplace advisor Liz Ryan. When you are the captain of the ship, you get to decide which way to sail. That's the only way to be successful in your career.

When you take a new job, she advises, make sure it's because you like and trust the people, not because they offer you a fancy title or a big salary. Trust your gut. You are a consultant and the CEO of your career, whether you work for a big corporation, a tiny start-up or yourself. How you get paid is a detail.

Harvard Business School Associate Professor Laura Huang says you have to find your “edge” – the unique qualities that set you apart. Then you should take strategic steps to make other people see your value and open the doors that will take you where you want to go.

WHAT MANAGERS LOOK FOR

Leadership. You have to show you can lead and also that you care about the success of team members. One way is to help out co-workers when you have time.

Eagerness. Be eager to take on tasks that are not in your job description. That could be a sign that you’re ready for more responsibility. One way would be to volunteer for special projects.

Regular communication. Managers can’t guess what your dreams are. Talk to them about where you want to go and ask if there are things that will help you get there. And one thing all the experts mention: don’t wait for your annual review to talk promotion. That’s probably too late.

Innovation. If you do what you’re told, you’re a good worker. But bosses are looking for leaders with new ideas to improve the business.

Be vocal. Make sure you’re not invisible. Speak your mind at meetings, offer to lead, go to the social events even if it’s not your favourite thing.

Continuous improvement. Show that you’re committed to continuously improving your skills by finding learning opportunities. One way would be to sign up for courses offered by the company.

A role model. Don’t get involved in office politics or gossip and don't develop bad habits such as being late or missing deadlines. Leaders have to be role models.

Related article: 5 Workplace mistakes to avoid



DEFINE YOUR OWN SUCCESS
Money, power and status are not the only measures of success. If you work at a shelter for the homeless and get paid a modest salary from donations, are you not successful?

“In my opinion, true success should be measured by how happy you are,” says Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group.

You might think it’s easy for him to say since he’s super-rich, famous and a powerful force in business. Yet he doesn’t mention those things as signs of success.

So when you go for that promotion, be honest with yourself about why you want it. And be sure it will help you lead a more fulfilling life. That’s a true measure of success.

Related article: Why mentors and coaches can boost your career

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/worklife, https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com, https://hbswk.hbs.edu/, https://www.forbes.com, https://www.refinery29.com, https://www.fastcompany.com, https://www.lifehack.org/808191/measure-of-success