On Monday, we wrote about 5 key changes that are impacting people in the workplace. Today we offer you thoughts and ideas on two areas to focus on to best prepare yourself for these changes.
1. Mastering the fundamentals of your personal business skills. This is essential to differentiate and prepare yourself for new opportunities. It includes:
ü Knowing and clearly articulating your skills, competences, job history, and interests. You need to do this both verbally (for the interviews), and in writing (resume, application, letters of interest). And it must be evidenced based focusing on your strengths and growth progression (that is, demonstrated results).
ü Refresh and expand your personal and professional relationships and network
ü Clearly understand the job you are pursuing (or your new job). This includes function, key responsibilities and the strategic direction of the organization. This is essential to focus your learning and direct your energy – and it avoids learning through guessing and trial and error.
ü Take a business personality profile assessment to better understand your strengths, potential derailers and the type of job you would most enjoy. This information will help you define your career options (including starting your own business) and prepare you for the interviews.
ü Use a coach, mentor or trusted friend to help improve your skills and help you through the transition.
2. Know and practice the intangibles of business success. Business success does not rely solely on the hard business skills. Everyone applying for the job or seeking promotion has these. The differentiators lie in the intangibles, which include:
ü Not letting fear stop you and limit your chance of success
ü Being proactive and responsive
ü Not overselling, which can happen when you are unsure of yourself
ü Not quitting at no. Show confidence in yourself to explore a no– it may just be a no, not now, or no, not like that, or that they don’t fully understand the benefits yet.
ü Don’t get hung up on perfection. The perfect resume is less important than getting an interview – use the mantra “success not perfection”
ü Focus. Don’t wander and flit from topic to topic, task to task.
ü Do not waste people’s time with your personal beliefs and opinions
ü Look the part – how you present is extremely important. It’s not just what you say that makes an impact.
ü Demonstrate gratitude to everyone that helps you.
Look at the list and identify areas where you feel you can improve – and start working on them – today.
Copyright 2010 Kubica LaForest
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