What You’re Doing That May Be Preventing Your Career Advancement

DON’T wait to be asked

Previously, we discussed the importance of a good work ethic and it’s impact on your potential career advancement. But what if you’ve tried everything and you’re still not being considered for that internal promotion you want so badly.

You know what you have to do, but maybe there are things you need to make sure you’re not doing. Take these DON’TS for example.

DON’T be envious

Are you constantly comparing yourself to others at work? It’s not a bad idea to know your competition and enact a competitive spirit, but if you find yourself wondering things like “what do I have that he doesn’t?” or “well I do that too, why do they pay attention to her and not me?” you could actually be setting yourself up for failure. Creating pressure to be someone you’re not simply will not help. You have your own skills and personality, your own strengths and weaknesses. Trying to match someone else’s won’t get you anywhere.

DON’T fall victim to stress

The more you feel you aren’t getting ahead, the more frustrated you may become. It could make you irritable or impatient and maybe even rude with customers, coworkers or employers. You could start to feel like you can’t do anything right or you’ll never be good enough. It’s important that you not take it personally, difficult as it may be. Everyone faces challenges when trying to reach their goals, don’t let the stress change your relationship with the job you already have.

DON’T wait to be asked

All of your hopes and dreams are riding on someone asking you to take an opportunity, but perhaps you need to prove yourself instead. If the job you want requires certain skills, acquire them and show them off. If the job you want requires certain ideas, come up with them and share a few. Surely you’re familiar with the quote “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” Take that idea and apply it to your work. Still be sure to get your job done but put in the extra effort so they can’t say no.

Feeling stuck in a job that no longer challenges or motivates you can be underwhelming and trigger a whole domino effect of bad emotions and behaviors. At some point you’ll have to make a decision, maybe this internal promotion isn’t for you after all. But you won’t know until you try so put your best effort forward and keep moving forward.

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Do you need help increasing job visibility or improving your relationship with your boss? My executive coaching services can help you hone your communication skills and clearly define your goals and objectives.