“There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” ~ Anonymous
The journey to success in any profession involves various elements that can determine whether you “tank,” “get by,” or “stretch beyond your boundaries.” These elements are interconnected and consistently at play, regardless of where you are, career-wise. If one or more of them are absent or underdeveloped, your overall performance and growth may suffer.
So, what are these elements? You might ask. They are basically technical, soft, and people skills. To begin with, technical skills are needed in today’s highly competitive business landscape, but they only account for 15% of the impact. The rest stems from refined soft and people skills, as noted in a study conducted by Harvard University, Standard Research Center, and the Carnegie Foundation.
Before we unveil these must-have skills, let’s address a few concepts.
What Does Professional Success Mean?
The term “success” generally implies a favorable or positive outcome. When used in the context of profession, it refers to achieving your career goals or working productively toward a desirable occupational goal. We usually measure this type of success using specific indicators like improved job performance, higher earnings, and career advancement.
But do these indicators completely capture professional success? Absolutely not. Just because you are making thousands of dollars each month doesn’t automatically equal happiness or fulfillment at work—both of which are vital to sustainable growth. Your daily grind might feel monotonous, stressful, and even downright frustrating, reinforcing the idea that “money doesn’t buy happiness.”
And indeed, it doesn’t define success as well.
Why Is Professional Success Important?
It is a highly competitive world out there, and standing out is key to getting attention. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that most people are willing to push past their limits to succeed personally and professionally. They do this:
To Create Financial Stability
Let’s face it, no one wants to live paycheck to paycheck. Money makes the world go round. Simply put, it creates the freedom you need to fulfill your dreams, whether it is buying a new car, taking your family on a luxury vacation, or investing in real estate. To many, this is a strong motivator to get ahead in their careers.
To Establish Growth and Learning
Successful professionals push themselves to reach higher levels of accomplishment. Every new milestone they reach sets them up for more opportunities in the future. This, in turn, stimulates growth and learning, enabling them to acquire new skills, expand their knowledge, and build on their achievements.
To Leave a Legacy
We all want to have something to look back on and be proud of, whether it is being known for our amazing contributions to our specific industries, the lives we have touched, or the companies we have built. Such tangible results are testimonies that we lived up to our potential and made a positive impact on the world around us.
What Do You Need to Be Professionally Successful?
There is a shared set of traits among professionals who thrive in their careers. These characteristics are what allow them to adapt to the changing workplace and business environment, and what set them apart from the competition. They include:
Ambition
This trait is often misconstrued as being selfish and self-serving. However, when used in the right manner, it can be a powerful driver for success. Ambitious individuals typically focus on the big picture, set lofty goals, and work toward achieving them. To them, success isn’t a passive activity, but a deliberate choice that requires consistent effort.
Dedication
Success comes with a strong commitment to being the best you can be in your profession at all times. This translates to consistent productivity, discipline, and improvement. When you are driven to pursue a particular goal, you are more likely to follow it through to the end. This will help you gain more confidence and credibility, which can positively impact your work life.
Communication Skills
Talking is one thing, knowing how to communicate effectively is another. This is highly critical to implement in a business environment, as you will be dealing with colleagues, supervisors, clients, and partners, among others. It requires you to listen actively, speak clearly and confidently, read body language, and practice non-judgment in your interactions with others.
Effective communication builds stronger relationships, leading to more synergy and collaboration within your organization.
Decision-Making Skills
Making the right decisions is another area where professional success can be seen. This can be in the form of choosing the right career path, finding the right people to work with, or choosing the best investment opportunities for your business. All these choices affect how you grow and how successful you become.
Integrity
Integrity is a highly desirable quality in the workplace. It is what helps you make ethical decisions that serve the best interests of the business, without fear of repercussions—even when no one is watching. It also helps you earn the trust of others, which is crucial in building good relationships with people.
Leadership Skills
Leadership skills are valuable in any industry. Whether you are overseeing a team or contributing individually, being a good leader can enhance your success. You don’t have to be in a management role to exhibit leadership qualities; you can showcase them in various aspects of your work, like projects or volunteer groups.
If you are in a key position, having strong leadership becomes even more essential, especially when it comes to successfully building and managing a diverse workforce. In such cases, hiring a staffing agency, many of whom are available on Leadar, can ease the burden of finding the right people for your team. This way, you can concentrate on your primary responsibilities and ensure a smoother workflow.
Conclusion
Whether you are just starting your career or you are already a seasoned professional, understanding what it takes to be successful can help you set realistic expectations and create an action plan to help you reach your goals. This guide has outlined some key aspects to focus on to kickstart your journey. By implementing them, you are likely to excel in your profession.