Spring Forward in Your Career

With the arrival of spring and new growth all around us, it seems a good time to reflect on ways we can grow and spring forward in the workplace. Here are some quick tips to help you climb the corporate ladder:

• Clearly define your career ambitions.
• Ask yourself if you are ready and willing to accept the responsibilities that go with the position you hope to attain.
• Learn all you can about what it takes to advance in your company.
• Emulate the people in the position you would like to attain.
• Find a mentor in the type of position you desire.
• Develop a plan of action that will lead you to the position you desire.
• Know the criteria your supervisor uses to evaluate your performance.
• Master the tasks you are given and look for ways to do them more efficiently.
• Follow through on all tasks and keep your word.
• Keep a record of your accomplishments.
• Learn something new each week.
• Practice excellent time management, organization, and customer relations skills.
• Dress and act like a professional.

Be the Best Professional You Can Be

When dealing with customers, coworkers, and supervisors, keep these points in mind:

· First impressions are lasting. Both satisfied and dissatisfied people will spread the word about you.
· Make people feel good by giving them your complete attention when dealing with them.
· Form professional relationships. Learn your coworkers’ work habits and your customers’ needs and wants.
· Be trustworthy. People like dealing with those they trust.
· Keep your promises—always. Don’t make promises you PLAN to keep—only those you WILL keep.
· Become an expert in your field.
· Act on problems and deal with complaints immediately.
· Remember the competition. If you do cannot help the customer, some other company will. If you cannot do the job, someone else will.
· Customers, coworkers, and supervisors contribute to your success.
· Do something extraordinary to make your customers, coworkers, and supervisors believe in you.