How to Succeed in Business by Really
Trying
Except in
rare instances, achieving success is no accident. And
hope, by itself,
will not navigate you to your goal. Although it’s
true that luck often plays a role,
even a streak of good fortune isn’t enough without
planning and determination.
The following checklist provides some solid tips for
building a successful career.
- Develop excellent work
habits—for example, meet deadlines
and don’t procrastinate.
- Read extensively about
your primary career area. “Own”
your profession by developing a
disciplined reading program, so
you’ll be aware of trends and
developments.
- Practice team
playing—learning from colleagues and
sharing your knowledge. Beware of hubris.
- Know both your job and
your organization’s expectations,
and be sure they’re on the same
track.
- Set goals, write them down
and evaluate your progress.
- Focus on understanding
your clients/customers. Come up with
strategies that add value for them.
- Don’t dodge
administrative tasks—it upsets most
supervisors.
- Volunteer for outside
activities: Accept assignments to speak
to outside groups, lead professional
panels and write articles for
professional journals.
- Build executive
communication skills and cultivate an
executive persona by reading books on the
subject and attending seminars.
- Take risks with personal
development, acknowledging both strengths
and weaknesses; build on strengths and
correct weaknesses.
- Seek out notables both
inside and outside your profession, and
watch and learn from winners.
- Always seek opportunities.
Success is not a sweepstakes waiting for
the knock at the door.
- If your employer does not
emphasize learning and achievement, move
on.
- Think big—but always
manage the details.
- Take manageable risks.
Remember, without occasional failures,
success is unlikely.
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| Source: Rowbotham
& Co., a worldwide network of accounting and
consulting firms. |
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