Did
you know that optimistic people are healthier and live longer? Yes,
there are well-documented benefits to maintaining a positive attitude.
That's true in
the workplace, as well. According to a recent survey, optimists are
more successful at job hunting and getting promoted. Those who tend
to believe that good things happen to them more often than bad things:
Spend less
effort in their job-search process
Are offered
jobs more quickly
Are choosier
about their jobs
Are more likely
to be promoted
The researchers
can't exactly put their finger on why this is true. They speculate
it might be because optimistic people are good at coping with problems
and are more flexible when they encounter difficulties.
So if you're looking
for a job or want to get promoted, it definitely helps to have a positive
attitude.
Speaking of getting
ahead, I encourage you to read my article "Be carried to the
top!"
"People with
extraordinary careers do not claw their way to the top, they are carried
there." That's what James Citrin and Richard Smith conclude in
their book The Five Patterns of Extraordinary Careers.
Support from others is a valuable commodity in any situation, but
it's a necessity when you navigate the corporate landscape. Without
it, you risk being stuck in your current position indefinitely, overlooked
for promotion and passed by others who are well connected and better
supported.
How can you find others to help "carry" you?
Cultivate and take advantage of these five key resources:
1. Supporters:
Supporters show an interest in you and your career and invest the
time to explain what it takes to advance within the company and get
the job you want. They help you reach the next level by providing
resources, insights and knowledge. They also serve as role models
for top-notch executive behavior and presence. Supporters can provide
feedback, criteria and expectations to help guide you along a clear
path toward success.
2. Confidants:
A confidant is someone with whom you are comfortable disclosing information
about your experiences at work. Because these discussions often involve
fears, frustrations and your innermost doubts and concerns, a confidant
must be completely trustworthy. This kind of trust takes time to develop,
but it starts with taking risks and being willing to share. Confidants
are there to listen, to provide honest feedback and to support you
as you face major challenges.
3. Mentors:
Like a supporter, a mentor provides specific information and guidance
to help you improve your performance and productivity. You will, however,
have a closer relationship with a mentor. This individual will take
a personal interest in your career and play a more active role in
helping you meet your goals for advancement and professional success.
To ensure your mentor is unbiased, it's helpful if he or she comes
from a different department.
4. Advocates:
The difference between mentors and advocates is a matter of degree.
Both can provide feedback, information and encouragement. However,
a mentor will not necessarily get directly involved in promoting your
career. Advocates, on the other hand, will actively champion your
cause to their peers (and even supervisors) in the company. Advocates
encourage your growth and challenge you to reach higher levels. They
know your key accomplishments and are acutely aware of your potential
for future success. Armed with this information, advocates campaign
on your behalf, create visibility with senior management and directly
assist you in advancing up the organization.
5. Executive Coaches:
In addition to supporters, mentors and advocates, another effective
source of support is the executive coach. Executive coaches are to
business professionals what master musicians are to aspiring performers:
they guide the thriving careers of their clients to help them reach
the peak of their abilities. Executive coaches have the expertise,
techniques and tools to assist you in achieving what you most want
in half the time. They provide honest and objective third party feedback
and help you develop the skills and mindset you need to move beyond
limitations, resistance and self-doubt.
They can help carry you to the top.
The obvious goal in seeking supporters, mentors, and advocates is
to secure help with professional development and future promotions.
But the underlying objective is to form alliances with those peers
and superiors who want the best for you. In the process, they will
encourage your growth and challenge you to reach higher levels within
the company.
EXECUTIVE COACHING: Garfinkle Executive Coaching provides individualized,
customized coaching to help you move to higher levels of leadership
by creating impact, exercising influence, boosting visibility and
achieving significant victories on key projects. http://www.garfinkleexecutivecoaching.com/
CAREER COACHING: You spend one-third of your life at
work, so you deserve to feel fulfilled by it. Joel's unique 7-Step
Dream Job Process focuses first and foremost on helping you find the
perfect job that aligns with your passions and natural talents. http://www.dreamjobcoaching.com/coaching/career/
SPEAKING: Frequent speaker at keynotes, meetings, conventions
and seminars. He will energize your keynotes, meetings, conventions
and seminars with his compelling and inspirational speaking style.
http://joelinspirationalspeaker.com/
EMPLOYEE OUTPLACEMENT PROGRAM:This
proven 9-step program provides unique, personalized services to displaced
workers. Whether you are a manager on your first job or a seasoned,
high-level executive, you will receive intensive one-on-one attention
and support to help you move quickly and successfully through the
job search process. http://www.outplacement-firm.com/
