A fundamental shift in approach and attitude is evident in many job seekers, especially those who have studied well and accomplished much in the area of academic learning.
 
Whilst still in a minority, the view concerning a certain entitlement to better treatment or rewards based on academic qualifications which may be quite removed from meaningful performance has shifted.
Firstly we should never forget that "one's qualifications (ability) get one hired, yet one's performance (attitude) results in one being fired". Secondly one's attitude towards the job, the colleagues, clients and superiors will be a far more important and accurate determinant of performance and advancement than people generally believe.

Compounding this poor emotional maturity is the fact that superiors do not raise and discuss issues regarding poor deficiencies in terms of attitude or behaviour. They often find it easier to discuss matters involving poor performance in a particular area rather than attitudinal matters. Thus, they gloss over the bad attitude and simply don't promote the individual instead.

Therefore in-order to take your career sky high, the first challenge is to do a reality check on:

• What am I doing to keep abreast of developments in my field and how much am I investing in myself?
• How competent am I when engaging with others, and what is my overall attitude to those, whom I serve, work with and report to?

Many employees have forgotten the enormous benefits of the workplace. For most, it has been an experience of development in terms of skills learned. They include mental abilities, social interactions, financial disciplines plus a variety of other core skills.

Therefore the workplace has the capacity to be a place of enormous personal development. When reviewing any position, one should enquire prospective employers on what their attitude and conduct is towards training, internal promotions, exposure to travel, job rotation, performance appraisals and incentive plans.

Most importantly, one has to consider if they are looking for a career or simply a job. The first view takes the long-term perspective. It is intent on making an investment that over time is expected to yield rewards. The second view is more "now" and is driven by the attitude "what is in it for me".

If you are looking to build a successful career, make sure that your guiding principle is not your wallet but your opportunity to learn. Instead be empowered, challenged and stretched with responsibilities and opportunities you might normally have pulled back from.
When we chase the size of the wage packet as a priority, we usually sacrifice the more important and beneficial attributes which are crucial for our development and progress. Some of these attributes could involve understanding the company's own strategic goals and vision.
What company values can the interviewers tell you and what do they pride themselves for? How will you and the employer know that your performance is good or exceeding expectations?

Unless this can be articulated, you will never know when you have met their expectations or how to even beat such expectations!
A career that knows no limits requires you to take some risks! Careers which are fulfilling and exciting are firstly about challenge, taking responsibility, being empowered and being accountable and where necessary taking the appropriate risks! 

 

Steve Murphy

Associate director

Training Edge International