10 tips for career development in process improvement

The people whose careers seem to grow the fastest follow similar patterns of behavior: they understand competition exists, they recognize the steps they need to succeed, and they understand who is responsible. They take charge of their career and accept full responsibility for their growth.

Having lived and worked in different countries, over the years I have often been asked by people about what brought me to a specific country or into a specific job. When I think about my own life and career in process improvement, there are top 10 tips for career development that I found very helpful and I would like to share with you, they include:

• Build your dream.
• Believe in yourself.
• Never stop learning.
• Sharpen your people skills.
• Expand your Network.
• Find a mentor.
• Build your reputation.
• Stop telling start seeing.
• Develop trust.
• Pay back.

1. Build your dream

It is very important to think about your dream and the vision for your own life and career. You need to think of it as a whole. You cannot distinguish between your personal and your professional life. You only have one life and you need to define your goals and ambitions. These may change over time and that is perfectly fine. However, without goals nothing can be achieved.

Put in writing your mission, vision and goals. If you write something down, there is a 100-percent chance that it will get done. Write your personal mission statement, and if necessary, write a "stop-doing" list. Set three goals: the secret to getting on top of time management is setting three goals set three goals for the year, the quarter, the month, the week and the day.

2. Believe in yourself

As your skills increase, you gain more experience and a clearer understanding your significance to your organization. Believing in yourself, your skills, and your ability to succeed are critical success factors for your career development. And never forget the people who have helped you along the way.

3. Never stop learning

A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills. Take specific actions to improve your skills. Look for opportunities for training. Read books. Read blogs. Make an effort to learn new skills and practice them as much as you can in your current job. Always remember these words "If you are not moving forward, you are moving backward."

4. Sharpen your people skills

Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and co-workers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.

5. Expand your network

Strengthen your personal network by attending industry conferences. Also, joining a professional association in your field of choice is a great way to tap into a career network. Meeting people who work in your prospective field can give you valuable insight into what life is like in that career. Gather information by gathering contacts. The more people who are aware of your strengths and abilities, the better your chances of hearing about any new opportunities that might arise.

6. Find a mentor

Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside of your company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company. Mentors are also great sources of information and career guidance. The perfect mentor is someone who works well with you and who has the experience and success you seek.

7. Build your reputation

In business, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. Be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and look the part by dressing professionally. Make a name for yourself by attending conferences, delivering speeches, or writing articles.

8. Stop telling and start selling

Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career.

9. Develop trust

People naturally want to surround themselves with people they trust. Developing trust takes time and consistent effort. Trust goes two ways: you need to behave in such a way that people will trust you will do what you say. And equally important, you need to trust others.

10. Pay back

Think about who you've met and how you can help someone else. Do some volunteer work. Explore possible career tracks and build a strong networking base through volunteer activities. Volunteering teaches you about yourself and your world while preparing you for the future and connecting you to your community.

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