7 Stepping-stones to Career Growth and Excellence
by Steve Brunkhorst
Published on this site: June 13th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
Achieving excellence in our work is an integral part of feeling
genuinely satisfied in life. We want our careers or businesses
to blossom, making us financially secure and content with
our achievements. Here are seven stepping-stones that lead
to career growth and excellence. When used as part of a total
action-plan, these stepping-stones can contribute tremendously
to the fulfillment that you desire.
- Make a Commitment to Excellence
A passionate commitment to excellence is a primary step
to growth in any endeavor. It is not enough to say we want
to be excellent; we must make a commitment.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, business owner, employer,
or employee, commit yourself to becoming excellent in your
chosen field. When you commit yourself to excellence, you
will grow personally as well as professionally.
- Empower Yourself and Others by Continuing to Learn
A commitment to excellence requires continuous learning.
Keep your skills sharpened by reading the latest books and
attending seminars, classes, or workshops. Ask for feedback
from clients, customers, supervisors, co-workers and employees.
Frequently assess yourself and look for key skills that
need improvement.
By empowering yourself with knowledge, you will reap the
rewards of continued growth and excellent performance. You
will also inspire others to seek empowerment, excellence,
and growth.
- Multiply Your Efforts through Networking
Tell many people about the specific ways that you can help
to meet their needs. For example, instead of saying, "I
sell real estate," you might say, "I help low
income families find quality, affordable housing in areas
where they've always wanted to live." Tell people what
makes your service or product special. However, keep your
interactions light-hearted and spontaneous. Ask questions
that show your interest in the other individual. Make your
personality as well as your service memorable.
Compile a list of people with whom you want to work or do
business. Attend seminars or workshops and network at every
opportunity. If someone does not need your service, he or
she might know someone who does. Keep a supply of business
cards with you at all times. When you have built a business
relationship with someone or gained a satisfied client,
ask for referrals. Personal references will bring a large
percentage of your business.
- Communicate Powerfully
When networking or interacting with co-workers, communicate
powerfully by remembering three letters: ALC. These stand
for Ask-Listen-Clarify. Ask questions to determine the needs
and desires of others. Listen empathetically not only to
hear, but to understand. Then clarify by rephrasing and
repeating back what the other individual said. If necessary,
rephrase your question and ask additional questions.
Powerful listening is the key to powerful communication.
Pay attention to body language. Listen to non-verbal cues
that reveal feelings behind spoken messages, and then clarify.
Powerful communication will lead to continued career growth,
excellence, and satisfaction.
- Lead with Empathy
No matter what position you hold currently, you are always
leading others through your influence. You influence others
with your thoughts and actions even if you are not aware
of doing so.
Think of three leaders who you admire. What traits and leadership
skills do you admire the most in these leaders? This question
will reveal your deepest leadership values. Leading with
empathy is leading from your deepest values. These values
allow you to focus on the strengths of those you lead; they
allow you to lead others in ways you would want them to
lead you.
- Maintain Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Fitness
A healthy body helps to maintain a healthy mind and vice
versa. Spiritual strength nourishes both the body and mind.
Cultivating our faith in God strengthens our resolve to
overcome adversities and focus on outcomes rather than roadblocks.
Follow a sound wellness program, get regular physical checkups,
and pray or meditate each day. Schedule a daily time for
relaxation. Physical, mental, and spiritual fitness contribute
to steady growth and maximum excellence in fulfilling our
individual purposes.
- Serve with Love, Faith, and Gratitude
We receive in this life only that which we first give. That
includes our
thoughts and attitudes. Fill your thoughts with the spirit
of love for those you serve. Communicate your deepest gratitude
to customers and clients for their trust in you. Show gratitude
in special ways that provide more value than expected.
Trust clients and customers to make decisions that are right
for them. If you have faith in those you serve, they will
have faith in you.
Take this Challenge Now
Make a list of at least twelve different ways you could implement
each of these stepping-stones during the next 12 months. Select
seven items, one item from each list of twelve. Then put them into
action over the next week.
Continue to implement more of your ideas throughout the coming
months. Refer back to your list frequently, and write down the changes
that you see taking place. You will see positive changes both personally
and professionally.
In Summary
Career growth and excellence contribute significantly to life satisfaction.
They require acting with commitment and integrity. We need to set
our standards high and continually acquire new knowledge to grow
and perform with excellence. People are essential to success, and
we must listen deeply to communicate powerfully. Leading others
from our deepest values allows us to lead with empathy.
Growth requires physical, mental, and spiritual strength. Love,
faith, and gratitude will provide an integral framework for career
growth and excellence. Taking deliberate action to excel and grow
today will set the process in motion and bring rewarding results
throughout the future.
Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success
coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second
Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories,
motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve
more in your career and personal life. Contact Steve by visiting
http://AchieveEzine.com/
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