Are You Sabotaging Your Career?

There are lots of ways to ruin your career. Hopefully, you’re not someone who is doing more harm than good in advancing your career.

Here are 7 things you might be doing inadvertently; if so, it’s time to stop.

1. You are leaving your career to someone else. No one cares about your career more than you do. You need to take responsibility for your career and actively manage it; don’t wait for your supervisor to do something.
2. You are resting on your laurels. Most employers want to know what you have done recently; you should not be touting what you did 15 (or more) years ago with nothing more recent to show.
3. You lack self awareness and/or emotional intelligence. It is critical to know where you stand in your current organization and be able to “read the room.” If you don’t have a future where you are, it’s time to look around.
4. You only want to work by yourself and grab all the credit. See above. Working is generally a team sport; be a team player.
5. You do not meet deadlines, take responsibility for mistakes, or do what you promise. Enough said.
6. You are a complainer, always criticizing the organization, and the people who work for it. If there are constructive steps you can take, do so.
7. You fail to network or engage with others—inside or outside your organization. No one can do it alone and we all need support. This means building strong professional relationships, not just with the idea of using others but rather providing mutual support and assistance.

If any of these things sound familiar, try to pivot but recognize that you may have to move to a different organization; some organizations have very long memories. And if your struggling, consider getting a coach or a mentor. It is always helpful to have another perspective and someone in your corner to help strategize the next steps.

For more career resources check out our website, https://solutionsfortheworkplace.com/.