Career Development Six Pack

Moving ahead in a corporation can be as simple as using good judgment. You must be persistent and dedicated to what you want to achieve and use a good set of tools to achieve it. Kick back and relax while consuming the career development six packs listed below.

  1. Develop skills that are transparent to the organization. Skills such as computer, finance or marketing are transferable from industry to industry.
  2. Never price yourself out of a job. Make sure your skills and responsibilities increase in proportion to your salary.
  3. Develop strong interpersonal skills. You must be capable of coping with all types of individuals. If management is your goal, take a Diversity Management course. Learn how to get along with all people.
  4. Take smart calculated risks. When an opportunity presents itself, you should size-up the situation before plunging in and accepting responsibility. Evaluate the risks involved in volunteering for the task and make sure you can accomplish what is expected. Be careful, if you are not sure what you are getting into this could back fire.
  5. Don't be a victim of the Peter Principle. Laurence J. Peter in 1969 established this famous principle: "In a hierarchy, individuals tend to rise to their levels of incompetence." Make sure you have accomplished the necessary building blocks for that executive position before jumping in the applicant pool. As you rise to the top, the more people skills and political savvy you will need. If you have not learned how to maintain your emotions or how to politically maneuver through awkward situations, take some time to develop in these areas.
  6. Avoid controversy. Stay clear of petty office disagreements. Maintain a clean slate. Use good moral judgment before performing undocumented procedures. If it requires secret actions, think twice before doing it.