Silent Career Killers That Nobody Tells You About

Acadia Communications just completed a 3-month survey of 75+ managers and recruiters. We learned how to make our clients successful in the 2006 job market.nnWe also learned that there are a handful of “silent career killers”. These are the things that nobody comes right out and tells you. And if you don’t address them, they will absolutely prevent you from advancing in your career.nnCareer Killer #1 - ExecutionnAt the end of the day, it’s all about getting the job done. Our survey respondents told us that most candidates and employees look like they’ve been aimlessly floating around corporate America and through life. Are you one of those people? Be honest with yourself.nnBecome very focused on results. Ask yourself every day “What meaningful things am I going to accomplish today?” Stop doing busy work and chatting with your colleagues. In a matter of months, you will build an impressive track record and you will become unstoppable.nnCareer Killer #2 - Communication SkillsnThe way you write and the way you talk determines how the world judges you. How smart you are is actually secondary, believe it or not. Think very, very carefully before you speak, even in casual conversation. Look over every email and memo before you send it out.nnPeople are listening to you and watching you. They are forming an impression that will last for a long, long time. They are putting you “on the list’ or crossing you “off the list”. And they are telling others what they think about you. You have no idea what’s happening to your career behind the scenes. Now you know.nnThe unfortunate thing is that most people think they are just fine in this area but they aren’t. Our survey confirmed that.nnThis is such an important career skill that I will be writing more articles on additional strategies for becoming a top-notch communicator. Visit us at www.acadiacommunications.com for additional information on this important topic.nnCareer Killer #3 - MannersnIt seems that nobody says “please”, “thank you”, and “excuse me” anymore. When you use good manners towards someone, you make them feel respected. People like that and they will like being around you. Good manners also give you an air of sophistication and good upbringing. Since so few people employ good manners – if you do, you will easily and quickly stand out as a capable and trustworthy person. Capable and trustworthy people always get ahead.nnThe following silent career-killers are ones that are going to make you stop and think. They will force you to be honest with yourself and make some choices. Know that everyone who has made the conscious decision to rise in their careers has struggled with these issues.nnCareer Killer #4 - Your Daily BehaviornAre you really serious about your career? Most people say they are. But they don’t behave that way. Employers watch behavior on a daily basis. You may think that all you get is an annual performance evaluation. Let me tell you, you are getting a daily evaluation.nnYou have to look sharp and be sharp at all times. Yes, it’s hard work. But if you form good habits, it’ll be easier than you ever thought. Make 2006 the year that you form one or two excellent daily work habits. Just one or two, that’s all. Your career will have dramatic results if you do.nnCareer Killer #5 - Who You Associate WithnIf you hang with people who aren’t well respected, you won’t be respected. I’m not telling you to dump your friends and colleagues and hang out in the executive dining room. And this is not about becoming a phony and brown nosing people.nnWhat I am telling you is that you’ll never get any better unless you associate with people who also want to do better. This is what we call your “reference group”. Studies have shown that people can get the finest educations and have all the best advantages in the world. But ultimately, the quality of their “reference group” determines their success.nnYou will find people in your “reference group” who don’t want you to get ahead. They will give you a hard time, they will tell you can’t do it, they may sabotage you. Some of these people will even be family members.nnRemember who is putting food on the table – you are. Gently and gradually disassociate yourself from them. It will set you free.nnCareer Killer #6 - Your ImagenOK, here’s the career-killer that nobody will ever talk about in public. So I will. People care about appearance. They like to be associated with well put together and pleasant-looking people. Your appearance drives people’s perception of your intelligence, competence, and your attention to detail. It may not be fair, but that’s the way it is. So it means you have to pay attention to this aspect.nnI’m not talking about looking like Miss America or getting plastic surgery. I’m talking about being fit, having clear skin, getting a good haircut, and having an overall pleasant appearance. And while you’re at it, get rid of the body piercings, the visible tattoos, and the outlandish wardrobe. Be conservative. And put a smile on your face. That alone will do wonders for you.nnCareer Killer #7 - Emotional ControlnWork is not the place to let your emotions run rampant. If you have a personal situation, you should see your manager immediately and have a plan to address it. Employers completely understand life issues such as divorce, problems with your children, depression…etc. But they do expect it to be temporary and that you will take care of it.nnDon’t raise your voice, don’t get into quarrels with people, and don’t have public disagreements. If the other person wants to “take you on”, absolutely refuse to engage. Take a deep breath, excuse yourself, and walk away.nnWhatever you do, don’t get a reputation for being “emotional”. It implies that you are unstable, unreliable, and can’t handle more responsibility (which is what promotions and more money bring). You’d be surprised at how many people get ahead in their careers mostly because they get along with everyone and are perceived as being very “even tempered”.n