Career Advice: How To Be One Of The Top 20

Eighty percent of the work is done by twenty percent of the people employed no matter the type or size of the organization.

In this time of economic uncertainty, it just makes common sense to work your butt off to be sure you are in that segment that is getting the job done. Make yourself essential to move forward on your career path.

Here are some job tips on how to be in the top 20.

Know where your job fits in the scheme of things and what is expected from you. If you and your boss don’t have a clear picture of your role, ask for directions.

Work with a plan to achieve career success. Set goals with specific actions and timelines.

Find out what challenges your boss is facing. Make your boss’s job easier, not harder. Demonstrate you are helping him to reach his career goals.

Stay up to date on what’s happening with your company. Don’t ask for a raise when things are on the skids with your employer.

Do more with less. Go above and beyond the call of duty. Take the initiative; come up with new ideas. Come in early, stay late.

Seek additional training to improve your value and increase your chances of landing a new job if the pink slip comes.

As added insurance, maintain your contacts within and outside of the organization that employs you.

Solve problems, don’t create them. Don’t require special attention from your boss and your co-workers.

Be a team player. Share the work load, as well as the credit.

Don’t waste your time gossiping and rumormongering.

Be sure to document the results of your on-the-job performance. Make sure your employer knows the effort you’re making and the results achieved. Ask for regular performance appraisal so you can make mid-course corrections as you pursue your career goals..

Review your performance for the past 12 months. Have you contributed to your employer’s success?

Recognize there are no shortcuts to career success.

I wish you career success!

Ramon Greenwood, Head Career Coach
Common Sense At Work