By Joseph Alcantara
DUBAI: Some 1,920 hours. That’s your minimum working hours in a year. Are you making use of every second wisely? It’s important to be inspired to do a good job every waking morning and aim at building a career that you can be proud of.
Here are a few lessons to help carve a career – whether a first jobber or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find these relevant to your daily grind.
1. Attitude weighs more than competencies. It’s a given, you’re on your role because you’re competent. What will set you apart from is your attitude and approach on how to get the job done. Make sure you carry the right one, as people will remember this more than your list of accomplishments.
2. Fulfill the basics before going beyond it. Learn to walk before you run. Great to know that you can do more than what’s expected of you, but that’s worthless if you can’t fulfill the basics of what you’re supposed to deliver on-time and in-full.
3. You’re paid to deliver, so you better do. We’re known as a ‘generation of entitlement’. Nothing wrong with that, granted that we’re professionally grounded. Remember, your services are paid and your company doesn’t owe you anything, so better do your job well and minimize your complaints and demands.
4. There’s politics and you may or may not join. Engaging in ‘politics’, which tend to bring other people down for your personal gains isn’t part of your job description. I strongly suggest veering away from it because it’s counterproductive and won’t result to anything good.
5.Never outshine the master. You owe your boss the trust and respect. While there are instances when you feel you’re way better than him, don’t rub it in. Use it as an opportunity to show your real value and be his safe pair of hands. Always be levelheaded and take the high road.
6. Act a level higher. My favorite mentor once told me, ‘if you want to be promoted, consistently deliver an output and attitude that’s a level above yours’. Instead of convincing management why you deserve a promotion through words, show it instead.
7. Order takers don’t progress, recommenders do. Following orders are necessary – but that’s not supposed to be the end of your day at work. Adding value by voicing out your thoughts and recommendations is mandatory for you to grow and be considered an asset.
8. You may not be in sales, but you need to sell yourself. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes all about the packaging when it comes to persuading your client, boss or colleague to rule in your favor. Hence, you need to master the craft of being a charismatic worker – be a clear communicator, good networker and strong relationship builder.
9. Work is a life enabler, not a killer. You’ll find professional happiness through work-life balance, not on salary or job title. Not easy to achieve as you’re not always in control of every work situation, yet keeping the mindset that work is not your life will keep you grounded there are people, events and places that matter more.
10. Leave a legacy and make a difference. Always ask yourself: ‘Have I already created a dent that will leave my mark in this place?’. Aspiring to contribute in making a difference will result to real fulfillment. Everyone can be competent, but only a few can leave a legacy, try to be one of them!
About the author:
Joseph Alcantara thrives by inspiring people through his thoughts about career management, travel, fitness and positive lifestyle. Seventeen years in the corporate marketing world spent in seven companies across four countries, have given him a mantra to raise the profile of Filipinos wherever he goes. Read more of his inspirational stories at flywithjoseph.com or email him at [email protected].
