Super-Strategies for Workplace Success

Work is like a chess game. But what type of strategies does one need to ensure success at workplace?

by Molly Luffy

You know something? I’m constantly amazed at how many people I see plodding through their daily routine at work with barely a thought to their career happiness, growth potential and future. You've seen them - they're the ones who play the victims in life. They think everything just happens to them as if they have no part in their lot in life.

Another thing I've noticed about these corporate zombies is that they like to vocalize their workplace despair. They complain and carry on about all the bad things about their job and their company as if they have no control over their own circumstances and satisfaction. It’s unbelievable!

But not you, fair readers. You certainly don’t fit into the category of corporate zombie, do you? No, you understand that you do have control over your work life. You understand that you can make your day more productive and happier. So the Wiz is here to help with a quick list of super-strategies for workplace success!

First of all, if you want to be super-successful and happy at work, you need to make a commitment to your own workplace happiness. Some people will never be happy because they don’t understand that the need to work is a fact of life for most of us. If you've not reconciled yourself to this fact, it’s a good thing to do. Once you have that issue behind you, you will be in a better position to objectively look at your current job, job satisfaction and future potential. It’s a matter of the proverbial glass being half full or half empty. As yourself “What would I do, or where would I be without this job?” It could give you quite a different perspective and change in attitude.

Finding happiness at work

Make finding happiness at work a priority and an initiative in your life. So maybe you don’t love your job. So what? Is that a reason to be miserable? Find the things that you do like about your job and focus on them. Remember, you can choose your attitude just as easily as any other decision you make in your life, so why not choose to be happy and focus on the positive things?

To continue on your path to workplace success, set out on a course of becoming the absolute best at what you do. Why not become the departmental expert in your particular field? No matter what you do ˆ you can always aim for improvement. And becoming the departmental expert is a great goal to shoot for. Not only is becoming the expert a great way for you to solidify your current position in the age of corporate downsizing, but it helps you stand out as a star. Think about it…who are the people that seem to get picked for promotion? The best of the best, right? And who better qualifies as the best of the best than the departmental expert?

A good way to start becoming the expert is by joining your local professional association. These associations have lots of resources and information on the emerging trends in your profession. You can network with other people, attend workshops and gain a wealth of information.

And after you've joined your local professional organization, get involved. Join a committee and help make your association the best that it can be. It’s a wonderful way to meet and get close to other committed professionals. Your exposure to those emerging trends is even closer since you'll be in on all kinds of interesting discussions during your committee meetings.

After you’ve served your association well, shoot for becoming a Board member. This is a killer enhancer for the old resume and most bosses consider this a major sign of professionalism, leadership ability and commitment so it helps you look good at your current job too!

Becoming involved in a professional association not only provides you with valuable information, but helps you become recognized in your professional community as an expert. And along with that comes future opportunities!

These are just some of the ways that you can aim for workplace success. A positive attitude and professional enrichment offer a number of benefits that will have a positive and lasting effect on your personal satisfaction and your ability to climb those corporate ranks.

Now go out there and be a STAR!