A Recipe for Success
Why do some people excel in the corporate world while others falter? According to ACT research, having the correct personal skills might play a bigger role in an individual’s success than talent or intelligence.
Do you possess the 11 personality traits necessary for success?
Circumspection: When you have the ability to think and plan before acting (or reacting), it limits mistakes and it keeps you on task. Two things any boss can get behind.
Cooperation: Works well with others is a prerequisite for almost any job. No matter where your career takes you, you can bet you will have to work with a people from all walks of life. An open mind and willingness to collaborate are excellent traits in work and in life.
Creativity: Often people think we can leave the ingenuity to those creative types—the writers, designers, artists—but being successful in business demands imagination. So, channel that inner child, tap into your right brain and start thinking outside the box.
Discipline: I’m just going to say it; sometimes work is a drag. We all have responsibilities that don’t really challenge us or days we’d rather be gardening, skiing or watching T.V, but staying focused when work is less than riveting is what separates the wheat form the chaff.
Good attitude: Having a positive attitude isn’t usually on the job description, but pay attention. Because the optimistic people are usually the ones getting assigned better projects, key accounts and getting ahead. If you can stay upbeat, handle stress and rally the troops, people will take notice.
Kindness: You be nice! Again, not usually required by employers, but a general goodwill toward co-workers will help you succeed. People will be more inclined to help you out if you have proven yourself to be trustworthy and benevolent.
Leadership: All groups need leaders. Having the ability to articulately speak your mind to effect change is invaluable to any employer.
Organization: Whether everything has its place or your desk is a disaster area, if you have a sense or organization, it will help you do your job more efficiently. And what employer wouldn’t like to increase productivity.
Social Savvy: This one is a bit a nebulous, but basically it’s an ability to read people and situations and use the information to guide your actions. Everyone complains about office politics, but they are a reality. If you can stay out of the drama, but remain social and still get things done, you are an asset to any company.
Stability: We all know they guy who flips his lid every time something goes awry. Don’t be ‘that guy.’ Staying calm under pressure, managing your stress and finding ways to solve issues rather than creating them demonstrates stability…and maturity.
Energy: No, they don’t want you so hopped up on caffeine you’re bouncing off the walls, but a consistent vigor is appreciated by employers. A person who can keep busy, come up with new projects and doesn’t burn out quickly has a key ingredient in the recipe for success.
Comments
I owe my Stability to my first job at Mc Donalds (during the first beanie baby promo) Talk about maintaining your cool lol
Posted by: Aaron Wallrich | December 7, 2007 12:55 PM
That's great! I love reminiscing about the part-time jobs of my youth. I think my stability comes from working at Gibbs Butcher Block during the summer before my senior year of high school. It would get packed with customers, lines out the door of this tiny rustic building, and our boss refused to put on the air conditioner. During our breaks we'd sit in the walk-in freezer and eat ice cream.
Posted by: maribeth | December 7, 2007 01:01 PM