Sunday, January 19, 2014

Are You Working – Or Achieving Career Leadership?


It has been an interesting few weeks …

After the “slumber” of the holidays, the “world” has appeared to wake up! Many business owners I have talked to are amazed at the significant uptick in business they have seen in the past two weeks. And I join that crowd. It is always active in January in my business as people wake up after their slumber and begin to take action in relation to their job or career.

But this year has been different. Active would not be the right word – “open the flood gates” is a better description.

Why? People are more confident. The economy continues to improve and the job market is stronger here in our region, statewide and nationally. I know there are many who would disagree – but the numbers are the numbers – it is much better, but not where we need the job market to be. We still have lingering unemployment issues – long-term unemployment, a mismatch of skills available and the employer’s needs, etc. Last month’s national job report is a shining example.

Nevertheless, the signs are there that if one is disenchanted with their career path, not engaged in their work or not liking their job, now is the time to begin making changes.

Given what is happening, I thought it timely to discuss the difference between those who just work for a paycheck, and those achieving leadership in their career. I think this is very important as I see over and over again people who were fed up with one job, jumped to another and found they were still not engaged, passionate or achieving. In short, they haven’t achieved their “fit”.

Over the years, I have conducted my own informal survey of those truly successful in their career to determine the common factors. I write about this in my book, and would once again like to review with you. I call the factors the Four – P’s


Understanding the Four P’s of Career Success
The big question – what does one look for where they will find success? It isn’t just pay, or skills or experiences that count. To be truly successful, you must connect. I have learned over the years the Four-P’s that define success in a job or career. When you find your Four- P fit, you will find success.  Those truly deem successful in their mind are:

  • They are Positive – If you are positive about what you do, you will enjoy it and you will excel. If not in a positive role or workplace, you won’t connect. You won’t be happy, and it will show to others, and your performance will reflect this too.

  • They have Purpose – Successful workers go to work everyday because they serve a purpose, and that may be to their family, to the community, environment or some other cause. They identify with it, and this drives success.

  • They see Potential – Rather than seeing obstacles to hold them back, they see potential in what they are doing, and they strive toward it – always and everyday. They don’t let small stuff get in the way – they work around it. They find a reason to do, rather than not do something or pursue an opportunity.

  • Above all, they have Passion – You may have heard the quote by Dale Carnegie:

"You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing".

It is so true. Those truly successful in their career and in their life have passion for what they do. They have a burning desire to achieve, to grow or to contribute. They are not working for pay or a pension; they are working because they love what they do. That defines the difference between many: Some work for just pay – others work for their cause.

If you are in the midst of a job or career change voluntarily, or have lost your job due to layoff, closure or some other reason, reflect on what is your best connection (your Four-P fit), commit to finding the career and job that will allow you to achieve these factors.

If you do, you will as Confucius states: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.

And thank you, as always, for reading this. – Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder

Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 26 years providing career & corporate management services in
2014!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968  

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