Career advancement is achieved in stages

Till quite some time back, careers used to move on their own at their own pace. However, today, anybody who is into one wants it to move fast. People want immediate realization, immediate achievement and immediate satisfaction. Unfortunately, that does not happen. We have to move forward slowly and steadily to attain contentment. And success, if at it comes your way will be quite a difficult task.

In the light of the above, you need plan for your future. There are two issues about which you need to introspect and come out with answers in an honest manner. First and foremost, you should be clear about the direction in which you like your career to be moving and how will you ensure that you are on the desired path. Having done that, you should be able to decide on a line of action following which, be able to envision the effect of your career advancement on your career success.

One thing that will always stand by you as you move ahead in your career is fortitude. A large number of people lack it and do not seek to cultivate it either. If something good has to happen, it will not be a sudden development; the start and end will never be without your notice. The unfortunate part is that we think that we are geared up well for anything when actually we are not. Therefore, it is no surprise that when things happen, they fail to move forward. Be it a new career, getting onto a career path, a job hunt or any other activity, advancement will be gradual. And this highlights the need to be patient.

It is essential that you remember some basic guidelines. Your move forward from your current position should be in accordance with a well-ennunciated plan. It will be necessary for you to embark upon and remain on a safe and sound path; and as you keeping ahead, keep adding on to your qualifications. To make certain all this, you need to have attributes that help you analyze and anticipate things as also respond to emerging situations.  

If you seek to move forward in your career, you simply cannot afford to wait for somebody or some happening to impel you. You have to be anticipatory in your approach and outlook. Five strategies required to be adopted by you are: -

·   Identify a frontrunner: You ought to identify a successful frontrunner in your line of activity. He or she could be your immediate boss or even somebody working elsewhere. The very fact that he has done well implies he would have experienced varied plusses and minuses at a stage at which you are presently. Valuable guidance, clarifications of doubts and indication of directions provided by this so-called guru will assist you in attaining your objectives. Building an association with a doyen manifests your keenness to excel and can serve as a big advantage, particularly when it comes in the knowledge of others.

·   Follow a role model: You need to be watching a person who is above you in your company's hierarchy to emulate him. His or her deportment, to include dressing sense, demeanour, camaraderie and attitude can well be imbibed and followed. You need not impersonate your role model, but following all positive attributes will stand you in good stead when you endeavor to work in organizational interest.

·   Augment your learning: Learning is an ongoing process. You should make full use of various training activities scheduled by your company, including conferences, presentations and seminars. Off time, it is a good idea to join classes and acquire additional qualifications. Remember that the more you learn about your job and the level that you aspire for, your dreams will invariably come true. You will thus make yourself a valuable member of your team and in the process will remain primed to shoulder extra and higher responsibilities.

·   Plan for the ensuing five years: Whenever you think over about your career objectives, you should also think of what you seek or where you hope to be the ensuing five years. Having identified that, it must be recorded. It could well be anything - new qualifications, promotions or even a job change. Once reduced to writing, they will serve as a noticeable outline of your aims and putting together any of them in an action plan will thus be a hassle-free affair.

·   Engage in good time & resource management: Time management is an indispensable element to achieve success. It is crucial for you to maintain a good work-life balance so that you do not get afflicted by tensions that have to be regarded as part of present day work schedule. Notwithstanding the level at which you are pitched or the number of years you have put in your career, the need to manage your resources judiciously needs no emphasis. You should exercise control over your wishes and desires and make certain that you do not overspend; in this way you will always have adequate reserves and savings to cater to unexpected situations.

Remember that your luck has a very restricted function to play in your career. If you think that Lady Luck will whisper to you to get going, you are sadly mistaken. The only thing that will pay you dividends is your own belief in your own self; you will have to take the initiative to be at the wheels of your career. It is only then that your career will start moving in the true sense of the word.