Many accountants and other professionals want to achieve success in their career. A proportion go on to achieve what they want while others struggle to achieve anything approaching their potential.
One of the most important things to focus on is making your self more valuable to your current employer and more marketable to potential employers.
So how can you do this and keep moving forward in your career?
Make Good Suggestions
You probably see lots of things that could be done better. Do you ignore them or do you make suggestions to improve things? While all your suggestions might not be implemented, you will get a reputation as someone who has a focus on moving things forward.
Offer Solutions Not Problems
There are many people who talk about what’s wrong. On the other hand it is much more difficult to offer solutions to problems.
Make Things Happen
Sometimes people stand back and wait for permission to do something. This is never going to get you noticed. Aim to make things happen.
Talk Less Listen More
If you feel you always have to have the last word, you will not be focusing on listening. When you listen you gain insights, which you can then act on.
Be A Great Team Player
No doubt you are personally very talented. At the same time you can only achieve so much in isolation. Be known as someone who really contributes to achieving results through teams.
Don’t Rest On Your Laurels
Career progression is never task and finish. You have to keep delivering over and over again. Never become complacent and rest on your laurels.
Keep Developing
Businesses, sectors and industries are always facing new challenges. These new challenges require different skills and experiences. Have a development plan to ensure that you keep growing and developing.
Take Responsibility
Many talk about wanting to be leaders. Not everyone who wants to lead is ready and willing to take responsibility. If you are you will stand out from the crowd.
The Bottom Line: While career success is never guaranteed, there is a lot you can do to stack the odds in your favour.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants and other professionals achieve more career success. He invites you to sign up for his free career masterclass
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.