How To Be Career Confident!

Want to wow the pants off your boss, or kick-start a business idea you’ve had for ages? Here are 5 tips for achieving success in your career - now, go get 'em!

1. Set goals and create a plan
You can’t achieve anything without first aspiring to anything, so get your pen and notebook out and write down what you want to achieve in your career and personal life. Be specific and ensure you nominate a date to achieve that goal by. One you have listed all your goals, then set about developing a plan of action to achieve them. If you’re not sure how to pull the pieces together, find a qualified career coach (Steps can help you here!) who can spend some time with you on a one-on-one basis to support you build some structure. Just remember, you can certainly achieve everything you want … you just mightn’t have enough hours in the day to get everything you want at all the one time. So remember to be kind to yourself and seat reasonable timeframes: Starting an executive role, finishing an MBA, having three children and a volunteering in India may be difficult to juggle all at once!

2. Find a mentor
It’s never too early or too late to learn from someone who has paved the way before you. Mentoring can mean different things to different people, but what is important to remember is that mentoring is a two-way street. Mentors often remark how much they learn from their ‘mentees’, so don’t be shy in approaching someone you admire. What’s also critical is to define the mentoring relationship, so be clear about what you hope you gain from the relationship, what you hope to contribute, how often you would like to see your mentor, and how long you think the mentoring relationship should last. Run these ideas past your potential mentor, factor in their feedback or advice, and you will hopefully have a match!

3. Build a network
You need to surround yourself with people whose values you share and have skills and qualities you respect. Make this network your business advisory group, and harness their experiences to broaden your knowledge base. Move out of your comfort zone a little and make a point of attending an upcoming industry or association event. You never know who you’ll meet!

4. Leave a bad business relationship
Unfortunately bad relationships exist, and they are not just confined to the home. One of the most crippling experiences any woman can face is staying in an organisation that is toxic. If you have done everything you consider reasonable to try and change the situation but there’s no improvement in sight, then it’s time to go. Ensure you plan your next move well: Consider your values, what environment you thrive in, the type of manager you work best with, and do your homework on all potential employers. Actively put your resume out there, and tell your network to help find you a job!

5. Believe in yourself!
Ah, that old chestnut. But it’s true: At the end of the day, people will rally behind you if you rally for yourself. You can discover the champion within by visualising yourself at that gold medal moment – whatever that means to you. With determination and dedication, you will succeed. Sure, there may be some failures and disappointments along the way, but it’s what we learn from those failures that’s important. Apply those learnings to tweak your strategy or approach, and celebrate that gold medal moment when it arrives!