If you want to thrive in your career, you will need to go above and beyond the call of duty to succeed. But what does this actually mean? What would you really need to do to reach new heights, and also justify your importance in the organization you are a part of? Will an online business degree be enough?
Of course, there are no solid answers to these questions, but there are ways you can adopt to ensure you thrive in your career. If you are wondering about said ways, then the following 5 should get you on the right track.
Identify your Purpose
When you know why you want something it will not only guide you but it will allow you to do deal with the uncertainties that may pop up every now and then. It will motivate you so that you are more than willing to deal with any and all challenges without breaking a sweat.
It is worth noting though your purpose should not be a success. Do not make it a target, as you will miss it more often than not. Just like happiness, you cannot pursue success.
You need to understand it is an unintended result of pure dedication to the cause, something that is greater than yourself.
So if you want to succeed, you will need to bring your A-game to the table. By offering the absolute best you have, you will be the master of your destiny in terms of where your career will end up.
Give Soft Skills Equal Importance
In this day and age, the more skills you have, the better it is. If you are lacking the much-needed skills required these days, you will not be able to differentiate yourself from your competition.
The job market is constantly evolving, and the introduction of AI (Artificial Intelligence) along with other technological developments demand to have as many skills as possible to survive and thrive even.
To boost your career significantly, you will need to have social and emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills. Research has shown empathy is essential for leadership, so if you want to grow and be seen as a leader, you will need to be empathetic towards your team.
Knowing when and how to respond in specific situations will definitely set you apart. Knowledge helps, but being able to read situations accurately and using your knowledge appropriately will get you what you want.
Know Yourself
Enough emphasis cannot be placed on the fact you will need to determine what you are, your purpose, and who you are. You will also need to be clear on the values that guide you.
Believe it or not, your beliefs actually affect your behavior, which in turn affects how you act. For example, if you believe you can accomplish anything, you will be more than likely to take the necessary actions to reach your goals.
While values direct and purpose inspires, it is self-knowledge that guarantees true power. It is the kind of power that results in originality. Keeping this in mind, it should not come as a surprise that people are drawn to individuals that own their power, because that is what makes them who they are.
Learn to Adapt
Just because the future is uncertain does not mean you are on your own, nor are you out of options. These uncertainties may present challenges of their own, but individuals that are able to adapt will take advantage of these rare opportunities to prosper.
The new competitive advantage is adaptability, which is why you will need to work towards improving your AQ (Adaptability Quotient). However, how well you are able to adapt to change will determine whether you will succeed or fail. For example, if you have a business degree but you want to change your work environment, you could do a master’s in healthcare administration and work in a hospital.
Find a Sponsor and/or a Mentor
It goes without saying emulating others is the best, quickest and easiest way to learn, and humans do so from a very young age. Similarly, to grow in your career, you will need to emulate your mentors, since it is the best approach. For this reason, you will need to find suitable mentors, especially those whose role you wish to fulfill later on.
But then again, there is a lot of debate regarding mentorship vs. sponsorship. Due to this, it would be best to find a sponsor and a mentor. While a mentor will give you valuable advice, a sponsor will have your back.
The Final Word
Simply put, sponsorship guarantees career advancement while mentorship ensures learning.
That being said, these are just a few ways you can thrive in your career but do not stop here. Struggle and strive for excellence, also do not hesitate from acquiring as many new skills as you can. Keep a positive attitude and help others whenever possible, and you will see how successful you will really become!