Grooming yourself for future – The Professional world
You must have observed that at a workplace, some people are successful, some are not so successful. The obvious reason for success is competence, efficiency and effectiveness. But is it all that is needed for being successful at work. Sometimes you might have seen a person having all the above mentioned attributes is not as successful as others who are not as good as this person in the attributes mentioned. So, what is it which works as X factor deciding success for individuals in work situation? You need to know these, as being a student of professional course, and just few years away from corporate world, the knowledge would definitely come in handy when you will be taking your decisions out there. There are certain rules which are undocumented, but are practiced by successful people. Some rules are process oriented; some are behavioural or attitudinal in nature. In Hindi there is a saying "???? ??? ??? ???? ????? ????". It’s very important that your work is visible and is seen by your bosses. It’s all too easy for your work to get overlooked in the busy hurly burly office life. You’re slaving away and it can be hard to remember that you need to put in some effort to boost your individual status and person akudos for your work. But it’s important. You have to make your mark so you stand out and your promotional potential will be realized. Of course, the very best way to get your work noticed is to be very, very good at your job. And the best way to be good at your job is to be totally dedicated to doing the job and ignoring all the rest. A lot of people think that if they say ‘yes’ to everything they will get noticed, get praised and get promoted. On the contrary, this ‘I’ll do it’ mentality will have you ultimately overworked, undervalued and bused. Before you put your hand up to volunteer for anything, think very carefully. It’s a good idea to work towards carving out a niche yourself. Carving out a niche means spotting a useful area that no one else has spotted. It might be as simple as being great at using spreadsheets or preparing report or presentation. Any area where you are far better than the rest around you. It also means that you should work towards finding out an area where you can excel. Carving out a niche for yourself often takes you out of the normal range of office activities. First you have to look at your talents – Know your strengths and weaknesses – and decide where specialist knowledge could be useful. Perhaps you are wizard with computers or other technology. Maybe you are very creative and could usefully know a lot that other don’t. But whatever quality or excellence you chose to flaunt, you need be sure that it is relevant, topical and interesting. That way others will come to you when they have need of your service. If you know something then you become more of a consultant and also attain sort of 360 degree leadership. I have excellent skill in spreadsheets, I am very good photographer and have excellent film making abilities by training and by practice. These qualities put me class apart among my peers. But, whatever be your competencies, howsoever efficient or distinguished you are, if you lack commitment, then all these traits are of no use. To get on and up you have to be 100 per cent committed. You can’t afford to lose sight of your long-term goal for asecond. For you there is no time off, no down time, no lunging around time, no slip ups, no mistakes, no accidental deviations from the script. Whatever you do, becomes qualitatively better, if you are enjoying while doing it. If you are not enjoying yourself, what are you doing? If there is no entertainment value in your work then there really is no point in doing it. There is no shame in saying you enjoy your work. You should enjoy your work and make sure people know that. Once you acknowledge that work is fun – and for you it is even more fun than anyone else – you will find your step lightens, your stress level decreases and your whole demeanour lightens. Work is fun; engrave it in your heart. Having a good time at work and realizing work is good isn’t the same thing. Work being good means you take pride in what you do, enjoy the challenge, and look forward to each day with optimism and enthusiasm. Having a good time at work means not achieving much, talking a lot, winding up colleagues and drinking tea, coffee all day. Work being good means enjoying while making a presentation for work, while formulating marketing strategy, while interacting with your salesforce. If you are not enjoying your work and appreciating that it is enjoyable, then you will be a compulsive moaner, deeply sunken in the feeling of victimhood. To enjoy your work, you need to have the right attitude. The right attitude means giving it your best shot, not just today but everyday. Not just when its easy but when it is bloody awful as well. The right attitude means going that extra mile, giving it that extra effort even when you’re tired and pissed off and ready to quit. The right attitude is head up, never moaning, always positive and upbeat, constantly looking for the advantage and the edge. The right attitude is developing standards – and sticking to them. Being sure of your bottom line and knowing when to make a stand. The right attitude is being aware that you have enormous power and that you will exercise that power with kindness, restraint, humanity and consideration. You won’t do anyone down or be ruthless or manipulative. The right attitude is being good but quick, kind but observant, considerate but successful. Work on your competencies, identify your strengths, refine them to excellence. Have a successful professional career.