Why should you have to choose between putting yourself or
your company first? Studies have shown
that the two actually work hand in hand.
Employees who acquire the skills they need to advance in their own career
actually helps the individual themselves as well as their employer.
A lot of people contemplate on how they can add value to
their companies, when one of the best things they can do is invest in
themselves. If you focus instead on
getting the most out of your own job experience, you will inevitably perform
better at your job--making you a top-employee.
If you can incorporate your own needs into business objectives then both
you and your company are winners.
One of the easiest things to do is to make a five year
plan. By putting goals down on paper,
you are developing vague ideas into concrete mandates you can commit to. By focusing on your client relationships,
business development, and profile building, you are creating a stellar
reputation not only for yourself but also for your company. Too often people get side-tracked on working
on singular work that needs immediate attention, rather than keeping this
larger picture and network in mind.
At the end of the day, don’t sell yourself short. By investing in yourself, you are making
others want to invest in your company.
Don’t feel as if you and your company have to be totally separate
entities, but a type of symbiotic relationship where each member is dependent
upon the other.
Well said! I have had numerous conversations with colleagues who drone on about being stuck in ruts and how they would like to try new things, but never have time. What they don't realize is that if they set aside some time and work on expanding themselves and their knowledge-base, not only would they be happier, but the office as a whole would benefit and maybe learn something new too!
ReplyDeleteI worked in the same job for 3 years with no advancements. I was beginning to get very discouraged, but I developed both a 5 year and a 10 year plan for myself and have greatly benefitted from it. I am in year 2 of my plan, have enrolled in ecourses and have gotten a raise. Having something concrete written down for me to stick to forced me into action.
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