Limited self-esteem and lack of self-esteem: As career professionals, we often underestimate our own abilities and attribute a higher degree of efficiency and aptitude to others. This limiting belief prevents professional development from reaching its full potential. Professionals who want to advance their careers must understand that their skills are competitively matched to others in their field. Developing self-confidence and self-esteem are the first steps to successful self-advocacy. Confidence is contagious and easy to identify.
Counterproductive Behaviors: Everyone has clothes, some good and some bad. Bad habits interfere with professional development. Saying inappropriate things or making inappropriate gestures at the wrong time does not come across favorably with coworkers, bosses, or guardians. Behaviors develop reputations that precede professional commitments. Judgments are made on the basis of past work behaviors and rumors are spread that illuminate this perceived shortcoming. Stress and fatigue contribute to less than desirable behavior and being aware of the reactions of others is a signal that should alert us to maintain or replace the behaviors represented.
Without information on the steps and techniques required for progression and advancement: Most workers find themselves performing repetitive tasks and wonder why they’re not making progress. Some people are content to do the ordinary, but you’re not (or you wouldn’t be wasting your time reading this). Ask questions: how did it go up so fast? What she did? How did she do it? Who was her contact? Here are 7 steps that can be implemented immediately and possibly the missing element needed for your promotion: 1. Build relationships 2. Be early, leave late 3. Do more than is asked of you 4. Tell everyone how good you are your boss 5. Support other departments 6. Ask for more work and do it 7. Ask for a promotion. If you don’t agree to just move on then you will move on. Ultimately, the blame for our failure or success falls on our shoulders and we must identify sequential steps to meet our needs, regardless of how difficult these steps may be.
Misaligned goals and values: Goals and values are not the same. However, the negative effects are felt when they are not in sync. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Is it really where you want to be? What do you value most in life? Does that goal align with your most important value? When goals and values are aligned, an aura of synergy is created, joy follows at work, new energy is created, positive momentum is created, and resounding vigor is experienced. Do you feel a weight on your shoulders? Perhaps your goals and values are misaligned. What quick switch could you make so that the two paths would meet?
Lack of self-awareness regarding strengths, knowledge and skills (KSA): Never underestimate your education and life experience. Most people do. We all have strengths, but not all of us take the time and effort to turn innate strengths into abilities. Not knowing your strengths can limit your long-term development. What do you like to do? What do you do without any effort? Where do you get the most compliments from others? We all have life experiences that shape our behaviors and attitudes. These life lessons are not learned or experienced by everyone. We learn by doing. It is common to underestimate our knowledge. We assume that others know the same things and others have had similar experiences. This is not the case. We share similar experiences within cultures, but each individual’s big picture is unique. We are all different in our own way and have something valuable to add to the conversation. Never underestimate your value.
Inability to communicate effectively: Have you ever heard of the game “phone”? A message is whispered from one player to the next, and the message heard by the last player is always completely different from the original message. The biggest problem in today’s fast-paced, overworked and overinformed environment is the inability to communicate effectively. As an author or writer, one learns to write as if the audience knows nothing. On the other hand, when we speak or write, we generally accept that our audience has a basic understanding of the topic. The error in communication lies in not clearly transmitting the message as intended. Critical points are left out to maximize time, but those points must be completed by the audience receiving the message. This misunderstanding leads to crucial mistakes and ultimately destroys more time than was initially saved. Take the time to communicate your message clearly and effectively in the first place and save yourself the headache of correcting associated errors.
Lack of leverage of networks and relationships: The general belief is that our closest friends and family are the only ones who would help us in times of need. Studies on social networks suggest that this is completely wrong. Your external network is willing to help and you need to take advantage of the benefits. Loose connections seem to bring greater benefits and find greater opportunities that their immediate network could never take advantage of. The power of your external network exists in your positioning that is completely out of reach of your immediate network. Request support and test your remote network to see how they can support your professional development. People are willing to help. It is our nature. Your external network could give you the necessary boost that will take your career to the next level. If your distant network is limited, then you need to create a plan of action to cultivate connections. In today’s globalized and interconnected economy, competition is high and relationships are golden. Ultimately, this works because of mutuality and the genuineness of our species. When you have the opportunity, return it because what happens, comes back.
