Top 10 Secrets to Career Success

By Tiffany Dotson

Even if you aren't the first generation completing college and going into territory no one in your family has ventured into, at some point in time, everyone needs some career guidance. As you embark on this exciting journey into corporate America, you will find bumpy roads, rough terrain, smooth roadways and incredible views! Be sure to pack along the following 10 secrets to career success to optimize your chances of experiencing more smooth pavements as you transition into your new role.

1. Create a Learning Plan

Within the first 90 days, collaborate with your manager to create a learning plan.

This plan should include:

• A list of individuals your manager wants you to connect with over the next three months (including the senior manager)
• Training programs you should attend
• Discussions on cultural norms and company jargon
• Expectations for the job
• Scheduled time for 1-1 meetings with your boss to learn him/her and to provide you with coaching and feedback.

Making this investment early will place you on track for effective assimilation into the company and understanding your role better.

2. Self Management

Throughout your career, you will interact with many individuals. You will leave an impression on every person you meet. First impressions are not always the 'correct' impressions, however, they are lasting. It is important to be honest, but self-disclosure should be done with care. As you create initial impressions, be aware that negative information carries three times the weight of positive information that you disclose. Share information that positions you in a positive light. Focus on safe topics such as the dynamics of your new role, your past work experience, your university memories or a fun vacation. You may want to share more in-depth information about yourself after you have established trust with key individuals.

3. Networking

Corporate America is essentially a network of 'people' connected by technology, industries, personal interest and past experiences. No matter what profession you choose, you will mostly likely depend on others for resources. Knowing the right people at the right time can provide you with significant advantages including faster access to information, people and resources. These connections should be a combination of individuals from inside and outside of your organization.

As you start your new role, be sure to learn who the formal leaders are in your department. These are the most senior employees. They usually have two or three letters attached to their name. Once identified, early in your tenure, make a connection with them. Ensure that they know who you are and that you are thrilled to be there.

Also, become friends with the informal leaders. These individuals may or may not have senior titles; however, they do have high influence in the company.

They are long-term employees with great company history. They have a pulse on the organizational culture and can update you on the most recent happenings in the office. They can also assist you in understanding the cultural norms of the department.

Early in your tenure, attend as many company events as you can. You will be exposed to more individuals across the organization and broaden your network. To develop your external network, join a professional organization to interact with others in your industry. You will gain greater perspective from others and have a forum to exchange ideas. This is also a way to learn competition.

4. Learn Your Boss

It's well known that most people don't leave organizations; they leave managers. That's why this is the most import secret to career success. Knowing your boss well can make your career life less stressful and more effective. Take the time to learn your boss' preferences. Is your manager a detailed or high level strategic person? When is the best time to share information with your boss – early am, mid day or late afternoon? Does your boss want to review all documents before they are submitted to others? Ask your boss, "What's important for me to know about you to increase my chances of being successful?" Find out what success looks like in your role. Be intentional about learning what topics, people and projects are important to your boss as well. The better your relationship is with your boss, the easier it will be for you to navigate through the organization successfully.

5. Learn Your Craft

You should be able to execute on this career secret with ease. Similar to a college course where you researched the most current information on your class subject, you will need to do the same for your profession. Invest time in learning your profession. Learn the theory behind your industry and what's a typical day in the life of someone who practices your line of work. Seek out the latest 'thought leadership' for your profession. Consistently read literature that further explains your business nationally and globally. Connect with others inside and outside of your organization for new ideas and best practices. Keep your manger and peers updated on industry trends as well. This is guaranteed career enhancer!

6. Synergize with Others

You completed most of your college work independently. However, most projects in Corporate America are achieved through collaboration. Synergizing involves sharing your ideas for a solution, learning about other's recommendations and collectively creating an outcome greater than anyone could have created on their own. Look for opportunities to partner with others on key projects. Synergizing will develop your communication, conflict management and influence skills. It will also position you as a team player committed to delivering the best possible product.

7. Find a Mentor

After you have been on the job for a few months, seek out a mentor. A mentor can provide focus and clarity to your professional life. This is your personal confidant to test your ideas, learn the organizational culture, increase your industry knowledge and broaden your network. Identify someone who posses skills that you admire and desire to cultivate. Ideally, you should respect their intellect as well since they will frequently give you advice. This individual should also be either a formal or an informal leader. Utilize this relationship to accelerate your assimilation into your new role and the organization.

8. Be Flexible

The business world is multifaceted. Leaders look for individuals who can demonstrate multiple skills in a variety of environments. Your journey might start in one area of the organization where you have great interest. However, if the opportunity presents itself, be open to considering a position in different area of the organization. Perhaps your next role will be located in another state. The more flexibility you have, the greater your chances are of developing world class skills that can position you well for future advancement and differentiate you from your competition.

9. Be Coachable

No matter how well you excelled in college or how much you believe you know about a particular topic or process, there is always room for improvement. Being coachable opens the pathways for your manager and others to provide you with timely feedback on how well you are performing or perhaps a few key areas you might want to improve. Consider feedback as a gift. You can either keep it or return it to the store. Either way, show appreciation for your gift by saying thank you often. After receiving feedback, reflect on what's valid and make the appropriate changes as necessary. Develop an attitude of continuous improvement where you consistently request and expect feedback from others. Check in with your manager often to validate that you are on the right track.

10. Practice Balance

Having a successful career can result in high personal satisfaction and a great sense of accomplishment. However, if you are not careful, you can find yourself overwhelmed in work overload. It's important to invest time to participate in activities that promote wellness (exercise and nutrition), building and maintaining important relationships (friends, family), higher learning (reading literature, attending learning events), extracurricular behavior (your hobbies) and spiritual growth. If you are not intentional about taking care of yourself first, you will achieve burnout. Make a big deal about investing in your most valuable asset – YOU!

You are now prepared to join Corporate America armed with the 'inside track' on how to successfully navigate through any organization and position yourself victoriously. Go confidently into the direction of your dreams!

Tiffany Dotson is a Leadership Advisor in the Chicago land area committed to developing emerging and high potential leaders. She can be reached at ms_dotson@msn.com.