As you start scaling the career ladder, many hurdles will come your way. They will often catch you off guard without any forewarning or preparation. And how you tackle them could determine your success in the corporate world. And the faster you learn the critical lessons they carry, the sooner you will achieve your career goals.
But these aren’t lessons you’ll learn in Business School. They are life lessons that require tact and a long hard look at the harsh realities of human interaction.
1. Don’t give excuses.
Let’s face it; nobody likes excuses. If your employer wanted to hear explanations, then they could have hired just about anyone for your role. So, take ownership of your work and especially your mistakes. If you fail to deliver, own up and apologize. Then work like mad to correct your blunder and make sure that it never happens again.
2. Pick your battles.
Heated arguments and disagreements are common in high-pressure environments. But before getting into an altercation, assess whether they are really worth your time. Choose which conversations to pursue and which to let go of. Failure to do this could sap your energy, and that could be exactly what your opponent wants.
3. Don’t lose sight of your objectives.
It’s easy to get sidetracked by ego, especially when there are opposing views. Sometimes, you could get distracted by a need to prove yourself right. Things aren’t always black and white in a workplace. So, when it gets hazy, revisit your objectives. Count on them to guide your decisions.
4. “How do you want to be remembered?”
Ask yourself this question when you’re about to react to an emotion-riddled event in the workplace. It’ll help you avoid instantaneous action and severed relationships. It’s an excellent way to reframe your thinking and infuse sensibility. And it could also prevent you from falling into the pitfalls of short-term thinking.
5. Attitude over skills.
Skills and knowledge are irrefutably essential to excel in your career. But many employers prioritize attitudes over skills. This is because knowledge and skills can be taught through training, coaching, and mentoring. But attitudes are much harder to instill.
6. Practice over theory.
The knowledge you gather in Business School is irrefutably invaluable. But it means nothing if you don’t apply it at work. Getting your hands dirty is, of course, more difficult than reading a book. But it’ll create plenty of opportunities to learn through mistakes. And these lessons are much more powerful than what you’ll learn sitting in a classroom.
7. Speak their language.
To succeed in business, you’ll need to master the art of convincing, whether it’s the management, employees, or suppliers. Each individual has their own priorities, preferences, and perspectives. So, if you want to win someone over, you need to speak their language. For instance, highlighting the environmental impact of an energy-saving project will not work when you want to get the buy-in of your finance team. Instead, align with their priorities and discuss its impact on the top and bottom line.
