Some go on to achieve great success but others, particularly those from professional backgrounds, often struggle. So what are some of the barriers that stop people getting ahead in their career?

1. Failing to get clear about what they want to achieve short term and long term. Being clear about where you are going helps you make informed choices.
2. Being unwilling to put in the effort. In many professions there is a level you cannot get beyond without a professional qualification. I am not saying this is fair but it is reality. We all know that getting any type of professional qualification requires effort.
3. Being a minimalist. By that I mean never going beyond the boundaries of what they are paid to do.
4. Lack of confidence. It amazes me when I come across highly competent people who are lacking self-confidence. Don’t confuse confidence with never worrying. Confidence is what pushes you forward even when there are some big obstacles.
5. Failing to get noticed by the decision makers or those who have the ear or can influence the decision makers.
6. Underselling what you have to offer. It is easy to think that all the organisation is interested in is the people who sell or are in the creative functions. Every organisation needs good people in every discipline so make sure you sell what you have to offer.
7. Never learning how to manage and in some cases resisting any suggestion to learn the oddly named softer skills.
8. Failing to continuously develop yourself and finding that what you thought were assets are actually obsolete skills.
9. Making career moves that look great in the short term but are really bad news long term.
10. Never mastering how to be successful in interviews and handle the pressure of the interview situation.

The Bottom Line: We all start with the same opportunity and to a large extent influence how far we go.

If you have found this blog post valuable I invite you to check out my audio masterclass on climbing the career ladder.

So what are 7 things you could do to progress your career straight away?

Make It A Priority

Anyone can talk about wanting more success in their career but like anything worth having it requires an investment of time and energy.  If career progress matters to you make it a priority.

Get Clarity

Before you can embark on any kind of career progress you need to get clear about what you want in both the long, medium and short term.  The clearer you are the easier it is going to be to make progress quicker.

Speak To Your Boss

People often wrongly assume that the only way to progress your career is to move on to a new job.  Sometimes you can get a secondment or involved in a project to broaden your experience.  On the other hand you will never get this unless you are willing to ask.

Do Your Own Self Assessment

Sit down and do an honest assessment of what you do really well and what are your weaker areas.  Chances are your strengths will far outweigh your weaknesses.

Get Some Feedback

Others can often see qualities and attributes we don’t see ourselves. Asking a group of people for feedback is the fastest way to get these insights.

Create a CV or Resume That Markets You Well

At the end of the day your CV or Resume is your personal marketing document.  How good a job is your document doing in effectively marketing you?

Use All The Job Search Options

Up until a few years ago the options around job search were quite limited.  These days there are so many options at your disposal yet many people fail to utilise them.

Take A Long Term View

A career is more of a marathon and less like a sprint.  Make decisions with the long term in mind.  Remember too that the more senior you are the longer it is going to take to find the right opportunities as there are fewer opportunities around.

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps professional people to climb the career ladder and achieve the career success and rewards they desire.  He invites you to sign up for his free audio masterclass at http://www.goalsandachievements.co.uk/careers-main.html

1. Take some time to self assess what you do well and what needs developing.
2. Get some feedback from others who you have worked with.
3. Make a file of your key career achievements.
4. Draw up a 90 day fast track personal development plan where you do one thing, no matter how small, each day to build your skills, knowledge or competency.
5. Stop making money your motivation for progressing your career. If you deliver, money will follow.
6. Step up and volunteer for special projects.

The truth is doing some simple things can make a huge difference. So when will you get started?

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to achieve success, realize their professional potential and maximise their earnings.  If you are ready to climb the career ladder, sign up for his free audio masterclass here

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What else would you add to the list of 5?

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to achieve success and realize their professional potential through being highly effective leaders and managers. For more information and to sign up for his free audio e-course click here

Lack of clarity
• Are you really crystal clear on your next role? Do you really know the type of industry or geographical location you want to work in? Getting clarity about these key questions is vital to you progressing your career.

Lack of strategy

• You need to approach your job search systematically rather than just randomly. Make really clear choices about the types of roles you want to pursue, how you are going to find them or how you will create the opportunities you are seeking.

Out of date skills

• The pace of change is extremely fast these days in organisations so you need to make sure that your skills reflect the market needs. Make a point of taking stock of your skills and what needs developing.

Not selling yourself

• Whether you like it or not, you have to sell what you offer in job applications and in interviews. Start keeping track of your achievements and results so that you can sell these effectively. Don’t be afraid to share your successes.

I wonder what else you would add to the list? Why not leave a comment with your suggestions?

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to achieve success and realize their professional potential through being highly effective leaders and managers. For more information and to sign up for his free audio e-course click here