How To Win In Your Career By Dr. Karyn Gordon

The career landscape is changing rapidly, and it’s causing enormous uncertainty.??The numbers were rising even before Covid hit, but anxiety levels are now spiking more than ever.

At Cornell University, appointments for career counseling have increased by 37% in 2020 since COVID.

It’s an especially difficult time right now for the many young people who are concerned about their future. Deciding on a career path is difficult when there are so many options, but there is pressure to get it right. Others have decided that if online school is the only option, they will defer a year. This heavy narrative isn’t much better for adults in the workforce.??Nearly 80% of adults are currently dissatisfied with their life and career, with reasons that include unhealthy, borderline “toxic” work cultures, lack of career opportunities, uninspiring managers, and unrealistic workloads – the list goes on.??No wonder wellness is one of the most requested topics I get asked to speak about!

So how can someone “win” in their career???Here’s the flip side to this topic, which is not only empowering and optimistic, but realistic. We have?never?been living in a more exciting time in history when it comes to career opportunities. Yes, there are so many options – which is WHY it’s critical that both young people and working adults have a roadmap on how to win in their career. How do I know? As the CEO of a global leadership coaching company, I have the privilege of working with and coaching incredible leaders in just about every industry, across Canada, USA, Europe and Asia. I hear first-hand what leaders are looking for. I can see the industries that are growing, and those that are shrinking. And I see the enormous opportunities that exist if you know where to look and how to develop yourself.

Building a thriving career is both an art and science. So whether you are in the workforce and wondering what your next step should be, or in high school deciding what to study – you can apply these 5 tips and start to win in your career.

Tip #1:????????????Know Your Career Direction & Be Flexible For Opportunities?

Innovation and disruption have become part of the career landscape. This means some industries will shrink while others expand, but the key here is not getting stuck in one dead-end area. Know your career direction, continually develop your skills and be open for exciting new opportunities that arise. Today the average person has 11 careers – prepare yourself to be constantly learning, so you can evolve your career in meaningful ways.?

Tip #2:????????????Ask For Feedback

Here are a few important truths: We all have blind spots. And most people are hesitant to give honest feedback. So this means that if we want to win in our career and know what to improve on - we need to ask for honest, constructive feedback. Embrace it and learn from it so you can improve yourself.

Tip #3:????????????Build Relationships & Expand Your Network

According to Business Insider, 70-80% of jobs are never published. Most hirings happen because of relationships that have been built and networks that have been developed. It’s critical that you focus on building connections and relationships at every job! Do not burn bridges – ever!??You never know how one relationship can open up enormous opportunities later on. I’ve had babysitters who I was so impressed with, that I created new job opportunities for them at DK Leadership years later.?

Tip #4:????????????Give An A+ Job & Provide Value?

In every job you have, whether you are a manager at a firm or a counselor at camp – do an outstanding A+ job! Look for ways to overdeliver, give more value, and anticipate people’s needs.??They will notice, and you will be remembered for it.

Tip #5:????????????Find A Mentor

Mentoring is one of the secret sauces of a successful career. When I started my business 25 years ago, I knew nothing about entrepreneurship or running a business. So I found myself a business mentor to learn from, and this was a game-changer for me. Mentoring is powerful, practical – and free! Think of the skills you want to develop – and ask yourself who do you know within your circle of influence that can help – and then have the courage to ask.?

Apply The Learning

What action step could you do today to help you win in your career? If you are currently in your career, what tip could you apply to give you a fast competitive edge? If you are a student, which tip could you start applying today to prepare you for your career?