10 Steps for Career Success

You can read dozens of books and articles about how to find career success, but it comes down to 10 simple steps. Follow these, and you'll do just fine in the workplace.

1. Show up early.
You'll do your best work when the office is quiet and the sun is rising. It's much easier to work when your e-mail queue is quiet and there's not a line at your door.

2. Drink eight glasses of water.
Seriously. Cut back on the coffee and flush out your system. Drop a slice of lemon in your water to give it taste. If nothing else, this will force you to get up from your desk more often.

3. Work with a sense of urgency.
You're good at your job, but don't get comfortable. There's always someone out there who can fill your shoes. 

4. Put away your phone in meetings.
In a meeting, give attendees your undivided attention and forget about your phone. If you're not engaged, why are you wasting your time? Productive meetings move a business forward. Distracted attendees can derail it.

5. Smile, laugh.
You choose your attitude. If you're in a position of leadership, this is even more important. You set the tone. You can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you react. Take the high road. Smile. Be happy. Your colleagues will appreciate it.

6. Be as courteous in e-mail as you would in person.
When using e-mail, think about what you write and how you say it. Sometimes an e-mail is the only communication you may have with someone, especially if you work remote. Be polite.

7. Answer your e-mail.
There's nothing more annoying than to ask someone a question and never get an answer. Regardless of your title or position, a colleague deserves an answer. You may not get to it before the end of the day, but try to respond within 24 hours. 

8. Take a 30-minute walk at lunch.
Get outside and stretch your legs. It's good for your physical, mental and emotional state. Schedule it in your calendar. It's a much better idea than eating a greasy burger. 

9. Remember people's names.
The most pleasing sound is the sound of your own name. Take the time to get to know people. Speaking to someone and using his or her name in the conversation goes a long way. It's appreciated.

10. Commit to quality.
There's an old saying that no one remembers how long it took you to finish something, but everyone remembers how well you did it. Expect the best. Demand the best from yourself and deliver.

Comments

[Seth]

Good pointers. Especially the water. I think we're all guilty of that one.

[ARawson]

I can't begin to count the number of times my supervisor has forgotten my name. It does make a difference for someone to remember.