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The title of this Inc. article caught my eye: “7 Habits of the Ultra Wealthy”. Who isn’t a little curious about what a successful professional does differently than the average person? As I read the tips, I realized it’s not about what they do with their money – it’s how they approach their careers.
Passenger Or Pilot: Which One Are You?
It’s easy to think we are all doing what we can to take control of our careers. However, this article points out a misassumption some people make: Thinking they lack control over certain aspects of their career. Or worse, not even bothering to try to take control.
In our careers, we are either a:
A) Passenger – an employee held hostage by Golden Handcuffs.
B) Pilot – a business-of-one who is in charge of our destiny.
I can see why being a passenger in your career might be attractive. You get to leave the scary, intense work of navigating to the pilot. But, is that what you really want? Currently, I’m seeing a shift in our workforce’s mentality.
More and more people are seeking Professional Emancipation as part of the natural evolution of the employee. (See infographic here.) They are tired of being a passenger and want to learn how to become the pilot of their career. That being said, here are the seven tips from that Inc. article re-tooled for those seeking to become an ultra-successful professional.
1. Realize You’re A Business-Of-One
Your career has equity. Recognize it and start to determine how to use it to your advantage. Inventory your assets as a professional and determine who is willing to pay top-dollar for them. If you don’t have valuable skills sets that are in-demand, start acquiring some.
2. Always Look To Gain An Advantage In Your Business Dealings
You must negotiate with employers. Don’t take what is given to you without a discussion. An employer is a business who is always looking for the best deal. You need to do the same. Learn to effectively negotiate pay, perks, and other benefits so you feel good about the partnership. You don’t work “for” an employer – you work “with” an employer.
3. Do Things Well
Remember that doing things well is more important than doing new things. Get focused on building your expertise and understanding how you are the aspirin to an employer’s pain. You must be great at a few things, rather than okay at a bunch of things.
4. Work With People Who Are Smarter Than You
Look for the smartest people you can work with. Find companies you admire and respect. Not for their pay and perk package, but for the kind of products or services they deliver. You must seek your professional tribe and partner with them to bring up your career game.
5. Get Clear On Your Employer’s Goals, Needs, And Business Intentions
Want to do better in your career? Try not to being so self-centered. It’s not about your needs and wants. Instead, focus on the needs, wants, and business objectives of the people you are partnering with. You’ll be able to offer more value and get more in return if you do. They are your customer. Exceed their expectations and you’ll have them eating out of your hand.
6. Be In A Position To Walk Away When The Situation Isn’t Right
Get yourself in a financial position that enables you to quit a job and survive without income for one year. Every job is temporary. You may lose or a job. You may want to leave a job. In either case, having the security of savings will give you the power to make the best decisions for your business-of-one. Who wants to stay in a bad situation just for the money? Ask anyone who held on to a life-sucking job only to get laid-off how that worked for them. They’ll tell you they wish they could have left at the first sign of trouble.
7. Realize You Need Experiences And Setbacks To Move Forward
There is no real failure. We experience, learn, and grow. Stop playing it safe and start embracing your fear. As the old saying goes, “Life begins where your comfort zone ends.” You will not survive and thrive in your career if you don’t constantly learn new things. Making mistakes teaches us what not to do. That’s a good thing! Stop worrying about what others think and start worrying about what will happen if you don’t take control.
How are you taking ownership of your career? What other tips can you share for becoming an ultra-successful professional?
I’d love to hear your thoughts below.
The P.E.P. Talk
This article is part of our P.E.P. Talk Series. Over the next month, some of the brightest and best authors, business professionals, and coaches are coming together to share their valuable advice for breaking free of “The Golden Handcuff Effect” so you can take full ownership of your careers and experience Professional Emancipation.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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