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7
Stepping-stones to Career Growth and Excellence |
by:
Steve
Brunkhorst |
Achieving
excellence in our work is an integral part
of feeling genuinely satisfied in life.
We want our careers or businesses to blossom,
making us financially secure and content
with our achievements. Here are seven stepping-stones
that lead to career growth and excellence.
When used as part of a total action-plan,
these stepping-stones can contribute tremendously
to the fulfillment that you desire.
1. Make a Commitment to Excellence
A passionate commitment to excellence is
a primary step to growth in any endeavor.
It is not enough to say we want to be excellent;
we must make a commitment.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, business
owner, employer, or employee, commit yourself
to becoming excellent in your chosen field.
When you commit yourself to excellence,
you will grow personally as well as professionally.
2. Empower Yourself and Others by Continuing
to Learn
A commitment to excellence requires continuous
learning. Keep your skills sharpened by
reading the latest books and attending seminars,
classes, or workshops. Ask for feedback
from clients, customers, supervisors, co-workers
and employees. Frequently assess yourself
and look for key skills that need improvement.
By empowering yourself with knowledge, you
will reap the rewards of continued growth
and excellent performance. You will also
inspire others to seek empowerment, excellence,
and growth.
3. Multiply Your Efforts through Networking
Tell many people about the specific ways
that you can help to meet their needs. For
example, instead of saying, "I sell real
estate," you might say, "I help low income
families find quality, affordable housing
in areas where they've always wanted to
live." Tell people what makes your service
or product special. However, keep your interactions
light-hearted and spontaneous. Ask questions
that show your interest in the other individual.
Make your personality as well as your service
memorable.
Compile a list of people with whom you want
to work or do business. Attend seminars
or workshops and network at every opportunity.
If someone does not need your service, he
or she might know someone who does. Keep
a supply of business cards with you at all
times. When you have built a business relationship
with someone or gained a satisfied client,
ask for referrals. Personal references will
bring a large percentage of your business.
4. Communicate Powerfully
When networking or interacting with co-workers,
communicate powerfully by remembering three
letters: ALC. These stand for Ask-Listen-Clarify.
Ask questions to determine the needs and
desires of others. Listen empathetically-not
only to hear, but to understand. Then clarify
by rephrasing and repeating back what the
other individual said. If necessary, rephrase
your question and ask additional questions.
Powerful listening is the key to powerful
communication. Pay attention to body language.
Listen to non-verbal cues that reveal feelings
behind spoken messages, and then clarify.
Powerful communication will lead to continued
career growth, excellence, and satisfaction.
5. Lead with Empathy
No matter what position you hold currently,
you are always leading others through your
influence. You influence others with your
thoughts and actions even if you are not
aware of doing so.
Think of three leaders who you admire. What
traits and leadership skills do you admire
the most in these leaders? This question
will reveal your deepest leadership values.
Leading with empathy is leading from your
deepest values. These values allow you to
focus on the strengths of those you lead;
they allow you to lead others in ways you
would want them to lead you.
6. Maintain Physical, Mental, and Spiritual
Fitness
A healthy body helps to maintain a healthy
mind and vice versa. Spiritual strength
nourishes both the body and mind. Cultivating
our faith in God strengthens our resolve
to overcome adversities and focus on outcomes
rather than roadblocks.
Follow a sound wellness program, get regular
physical checkups, and pray or meditate
each day. Schedule a daily time for relaxation.
Physical, mental, and spiritual fitness
contribute to steady growth and maximum
excellence in fulfilling our individual
purposes.
7. Serve with Love, Faith, and Gratitude
We receive in this life only that which
we first give. That includes our thoughts
and attitudes. Fill your thoughts with the
spirit of love for those you serve. Communicate
your deepest gratitude to customers and
clients for their trust in you. Show gratitude
in special ways that provide more value
than expected.
Trust clients and customers to make decisions
that are right for them. If you have faith
in those you serve, they will have faith
in you.
Take this Challenge Now
Make a list of at least twelve different
ways you could implement each of these stepping-stones
during the next 12 months. Select seven
items, one item from each list of twelve.
Then put them into action over the next
week.
Continue to implement more of your ideas
throughout the coming months. Refer back
to your list frequently, and write down
the changes that you see taking place. You
will see positive changes both personally
and professionally.
In Summary
Career growth and excellence contribute
significantly to life satisfaction. They
require acting with commitment and integrity.
We need to set our standards high and continually
acquire new knowledge to grow and perform
with excellence. People are essential to
success, and we must listen deeply to communicate
powerfully. Leading others from our deepest
values allows us to lead with empathy.
Growth requires physical, mental, and spiritual
strength. Love, faith, and gratitude will
provide an integral framework for career
growth and excellence. Taking deliberate
action to excel and grow today will set
the process in motion and bring rewarding
results throughout the future.
About the Author
© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst.
Steve is a professional life success coach,
motivational author, and the editor of
Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration,
a popular mini-zine bringing great stories,
motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts
to help you achieve more in your career
and personal life. Contact Steve by visiting
http://AchieveEzine.com |
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