Outside View

A great way to develop your work skills is to enlist the support of others.  Who among your friends, co-workers or family members are particularly neat and organized?  Is there someone you know that keeps their office the way you would like to?  Who among your colleagues has a particular work habit that is helping their career?  Enlist the support of others who you admire.  Here are some tips on how to proceed:

Tip 1:  Partner.  When you find that person you’d like to emulate, think about what you might offer them.  You can set up a trade – learn as much from them about their method of working and keeping things moving along.  Offer to teach them something they might otherwise not know.  A great side benefit, you’ll develop a deeper relationship.

Tip 2:  Observe.  Perhaps you don’t feel comfortable asking for help.  Observe and keep notes on how others work.  Pick the very best practices that you see.  You may have an artful project manager, an expert motivator, or someone who runs efficient meetings.  Examine their skills and practice what they are doing well.

Tip 3:  Copy.  When faced with an uncertain situation, think about how someone you admire would handle the situation.  Act “as if” you were the other person.  This technique can be used in all kinds of situations, particularly when you are outside your comfort zone.

Tip 4:  Ask.  Meeting individuals outside your organization can be a wonderful resource for your career.  When you meet someone who holds a position in another company that is of interest, ask what advice they might have for you.

Tip 5:  Survey.  Conduct a quick survey of the people you most admire.  Ask what is the single best tip they have for someone who wants to get ahead in their career?  Keep a record of the answers.  Ask as many people as possible this same question.  From this research you may find your own game plan to further your career.

Tip 6:  Read.  Biographies of successful people are an incredible resource and insight on your own success.  The internet is filled with career articles free for all to see.  Your local library is filled with answers to your career questions.  It takes some effort but well worth the time.  Ask others what their favorite career books and articles are.  Incorporate what makes sense to you.

Tip 7:  Get a coach.  Your organization may offer coaching for career development.  Or you may have a mentoring program available.  A coach or experienced mentor has the skill and ability to give you an outside view of your career.  Take note of what they may advise.  This is particularly valuable if you’re not moving as fast as you’d like or you’re feeling stuck in your current situation.  The most successful people enlist the support and help of others – don’t go it alone.

What do you do to get an outside view?  Do you have any tips to share?  Leave your comments below.

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