Top 10 Career Success Attributes

Posted Sunday January 03, 2010

Are you optimistic about your professional future in 2010? According to a poll commissioned by Global News by Ipsos Reid Public Affairs, 73 per cent of respondents said they are "optimistic that 2010 will be a good year for creating jobs and getting people back to work." What will this year, and more importantly this next decade hold for you professionally and personally? I actually wrote a completely different column for this morning however, as I was sitting in my office I was reviewing the amazing clients and professionals that I have had the privilege to coach and interview over this past decade. I wondered why them? What did they do differently? Was there any consistent pattern to their professional success? Why did their career take off and not the other peers that graduated from the same schools? I thought I would sum up for you the top 10 principles that you have helped professionals take their career to the next level.

The Top 10 Career Success Traits from 2000- 2009

Optimistic- Yet not naive.
Flexible and abatable yet not a pushover. Good professional boundaries.
Continually learn- both linearly and non-traditionally.
Confident yet not cocky- Not afraid of self-promotion and will promote others.
Value, nurture and are valued by their professional network.
They take smart risks- continually. Pay attention and are not afraid of the economy.
Have a wide sets of interests in life
Globally and local perspective.
They have a genuine interest in their professional field.
They respect and are respected by their employer.

Bonus- They take their work seriously but not themselves...

What would be your career advice? Share your thoughts on my blog.

You can listen to the podcast from our last webinar with Nancy Ancowitz author ofSelf-Promotion for Introverts. The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead.

Upcoming Free Webinar Friday Jan 8th 12-1 PM ET
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This weeks poll; Are you planning to make a career move in 2010?

Last week's poll results; Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Continue the conversation on my blog.

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100% pragmatically optimistic, along the road with you!

Alan

PS. The Career Transition Program is a practical way to help you take your career to the next level.

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Excellent points Alan! The

Submitted by Mike Houghtling (not verified) on January 4, 2010 - 12:21pm.

Excellent points Alan! The replies show you've really hit the nail on the head. It's all about balance. The challenge is knowing these success strategies - really understanding them, then keeping them in mind during the work-a-day grind. Something I've been struggling with for as long as I can remember. Thanks for summing it up so clearly.

I start every year with the intention of learning something poignant by year's end. I decided this year's lesson is about stepping out of my comfort zone by stepping into my life. Too many people think life begins after you've succeeded. We think lasting happiness comes after you've got the prestigious job, the big house, the perfect family, and the bulging bank account. It's not about what you've got but what you do with what you've got. Success comes when you live successfully no matter your current situation. Most of know this but knowing and doing seem to be two different things. We often get trapped in the dream long before we start living it. My goal this year is to change this. Your ten points + bonus are going on the fridge.

succesful traits

Submitted by Mary Whitaker (not verified) on January 4, 2010 - 10:23am.

I like your list of succes traits. I think that people to be successful in thier career need to be consistently learning about the new trends in thier industry. Career success is not a monetary value however for some that is important. As for me it is more about the passion of the job and for me it is the success stories I hear from my clients when they have found a job or have believed in their strengths or raised their confidence to speak to a group of people. Success comes in many forms and to be successful you need to heed what is in your heart, be aware of where your passion lies and what motivates you to the next step whether that is a promotion or a career move. Maintain an optimistic attitude and good perspective when looking at all your options and no matter what be true to yourself.

Seek similar qualities in your employer

Submitted by Jordan (not verified) on January 4, 2010 - 9:09am.

Good points, Alan. I suggest also looking for proof of the same qualities in your prospective employers, customers, co-workers or whoever else helps puts rice in your bowl.

Based on my own experience, it can be awfully tempting to accept a work situation that lacks the qualities you list but provides attractive income. In the long run this approach isn't good for your career growth or mental health. It also doesn't help the business become more competitive by fostering employee engagement.

Unfortunately, too many businesses only pay lip service to supporting these career success traits. Yet they wonder why they can't attract and retain top talent.