Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 18 Planning Your Career Goals
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Be Open to Opportunities
Be receptive to changes and opportunities. Gabriella was lucky to
get an offer in the news department, where she wanted to go. What if
she had been offered the video supervisor job in a different department?
She would have been wise to take it. Opportunities don’t always come
exactly where or when you want them. When there is an opportunity
for you to be promoted into a job that will help you grow and learn new
skills, don’t be afraid to take a chance. Look for opportunities to prove
your ability.
Show Your Ambition
Let people around you see your desire to succeed. You do not have
to be pushy or brag. Just show others by your actions that you have
ambition. If your goal is a management position, prepare now. Take
courses in management and employee relations. Dress like a manager.
Volunteer to lead projects. Offer to head a committee to solve a problem
or develop a new procedure. Be willing to take the jobs that no one else
wants. Become involved in your company’s charitable efforts and special
events. You may learn the most from the difficult projects.
Keep Your Attitude Positive
As you achieve your goals, do not leave your positive attitude
behind. Good human relations skills are important no matter how high
you go in an organization. Often, the higher you go, the more important
relationships become.
Conduct yourself so that when your promotion is announced, others
will be happy for you. Don’t ever indulge in putting others down to get
ahead. This type of behavior will damage your reputation. If you feel it
is necessary to behave this way, perhaps it is time to think again about
your goals.
When you are promoted, do all you can to make the transition
smooth. Leave your work in order. Volunteer to train the person who
will be taking over your present job. If that is not possible, write a memo
to your replacement to provide information about the job. Include your
new phone number, and let your replacement and supervisor know that
you will be happy to answer any questions they have.