Six easy ways to derail your career
WORKING BEST
Q: I usually speak my mind, because I believe in being honest. But yesterday, a co -worker asked me privately, “Don’t you care about your career here? Your bluntness is getting you a bad rep.” Why can’t I be honest?” — Thomas R.
A: Sometimes brutal honesty can do you more harm than good. You have to consciously do things that will help your career.
“Getting bumped off the track on your way to the top is every high achiever’s recurring nightmare,” says Barbara Reinhold, Monster contributing writer. She says research by Michael Lombardo, principal of Lominger Limited, uncovered six ways people derail their careers: Obviously, this is a no -no, even if your point of view is correct. Those who would rather be right than promoted almost always get their wish. Find ways to share your ideas, but not at the expense of someone else — especially a higherup. They have long memories. Keep in mind, there are ways to say “no” without wrecking your reputation.
You need to be good at working with people who behave differently. An ideal team has members who typically show four kinds of behavior: Get it done; get it right; get along; get appreciated. You need all four behaviors to solve problems well — and that means you have to value and be able to work with the different personalities.
If people don’t want to be around you, your career is in trouble. Bullying, isolation and being out of the loop in various ways all torpedo corporate careers. Instead, practice building others’ self- esteem, listening with empathy, giving reasons for your views.
Lack of follow-through. When you consistently forget to follow up on promises and don’t attend to important details, people notice and question the wisdom of handing you anything else to forget. Use a daily planner to record and track what you promised to do — and never miss a deadline.
If you’re on your way up the ladder from a highly technical role to a more managerial one, be sure to ask your boss for some feedback as to whether your strategic or your people - handling skills need honing. Start reading books on how to be an effective leader and manage people successfully.
Being overly dependent on a powerful boss or some other advocate, or even on your natural talent, sometimes causes high-potential people to get a little lazy. Keep in mind, the only person who can get you noticed and promoted is you.
How? Look for opportunities to gain positive exposure. Come to meetings prepared to express your ideas. Get on key task forces. Make sure your name is on key memos. Most of all, keep asking: “How can I help?”
— billrepp@ rochester.rr.com.