Navigate Don’t Vegetate!

“You need to have the ability to gracefully navigate the world.” Malcolm Gladwell

 

As a life and career coach, much of my work revolves around teaching clients how to successfully understand and navigate the world of work. I’ve identified some of the skills that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary employee. Whether you are starting your first job, beginning a new job or advancing your career later on, here are some underutilized skills you may find helpful.

New job

• Prioritize face time. Get involved in office events and network. New employees often keep their heads down and remain at their desks. Take a break, take a lunch. Get up and go and talk to people.
• Have confidence. You know more than you think you know. No one knows everything; what you don’t know you can learn. Realize that you can adapt to most situations.
• Brand yourself. Be known for something. Whether it’s being the person who always asks good questions, or the creative problem solver, be known for something.

Advancing your career later

• Stay curious. Learning never stops. There are so many opportunities, including online learning to develop professionally and personally. Explore different aspects of your companies business and the industry.
• Think beyond your discipline. Have an idea of what you want to do, but be open to change. Guide your career to go where you want to take it.
• Don’t get too comfortable. Take on new challenges. If you are not uncomfortable, you are not growing. As soon as you get into a comfort zone, you need to challenge yourself.