5 Habits to Elevate Your Success

Here are five habits that can help you elevate yourself to the next level, whether you're aiming for a leadership position or just want to improve your skills. Also beware of the potential traps when you first start developing these habits.

Take Charge of Getting Feedback

Many bosses struggle to offer consistent feedback, so take the initiative and request a meeting with your boss to evaluate your performance. Send an agenda ahead of time with points like "What am I doing well?" and "Where do I need to grow?" This way, you can get feedback and work on improving your skills.

Potential Trap: Avoid the trigger of defensiveness. If you hear something you don't like ask for more information then take some time to see if you need another meeting to clarify your perspective.

Focus on the Future

Instead of dwelling on the past and discussing what went wrong, focus on the future and discuss what you need to achieve your goals. Communicate your desires and goals clearly to become a visionary leader.

Potential Trap: Be careful of getting distracted if the other person starts to talk about the past. Don't take the bait and switch topics! Simply redirect by saying, "I appreciate the past, and want to learn from it. As I said, in the future..."

Be a Resource to Others

Become the "go-to" person by sharing tips and mentoring others, without doing their work for them. Trust yourself to deal with the consequences if someone takes your credit, and learn to set appropriate boundaries.

Potential Trap: Make sure you're helping and not rescuing. If the same person continues to need your help with the same issues, chances are you're rescuing and they aren't learning. They have to want their own success.

Keep Emails Simple

Write short and simple emails that address one subject or question at a time. Include your action item at the end of the email, making it easier for others to respond quickly.

Potential Trap: Don't get wound up on long threads discussing sensitive or controversial topics. If there's any emotion creeping into the email it's time to pick up the phone.

Document Your Successes

Take the time to document your successes, like feedback from your supervisor or co-worker, in a simple word document. This can serve as a case study to remind your supervisor of your superior performance.

Potential Trap: Don't constantly refer to your documented success. Use your documentation strategically in performance conversations.

By practicing these habits, you can improve your leadership skills and elevate yourself to the next level.

(This article appeared first in SmartBrief on Leadership.)

Marlene Chism is a consultant, international speaker and the author several books including her latest,?From Conflict to Courage ?(Berrett Koehler 2022).Visit the web at?www.marlenechism.com ?and get a free download on 7 Disruptive Relationships.