By Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
Most people underestimate the costs of losing a promotion. Research from the Change Anything Labs shows that if a 30-year-old employee earning $60,000 is passed up for a promotion with a 2% raise, he or she will incur a loss of $59,780 over the lifespan of his or her career. And 85% of people admit they have lost out on promotions or pay increases because they didn’t adequately address a boss concerns about their bad behavior. However, employees who cerate a behavior change plan are 10 times likely to improve their performance and secure the promotions they deserve (MIT Sloan Management Review, 2008).
Here are six tips to make you 10 times more successful in your career.
- Flash forward to the future. When you hit a motivational wall while changing your work habits, motivate yourself by visiting your default future, the life you’ll have if you are repeatedly passed up for promotion. Think of the money you’ll lose and the opportunities you’ll miss.
- Invest in professional development. New habits always require new skills. Identify the skills you need to progress in your career. Actively develop those skills by attending programs (such as NYSAE Educational Institutes) and reading books to expand your expertise. Then apply your new skills and seek feedback from an expert.
- Hang with the hard workers. The bad attitudes and habits that keep you back are likely being enabled, tolerated, or encouraged by others. Use positive peer pressure by surrounding yourself with hard-working friends who share your career goals. Distance yourself from the office slackers.
- Find a mentor. Changing habits requires help. Find a trusted mentor to encourage your progression and help you navigate the career development opportunities that exist within the organization.
- Put skin in the game. Reward yourself for reaching short-term goals by placing money at risk. For example, if you reach your goal in your next performance review you can purchase a reward with the money you set aside. However, if you fall short, the money goes to support the political party you oppose.
- Control your workspace. Make your new habits easier by enlisting the power of your surroundings. Remove items that distract you from performing meaningful work. When possible, turn off electronic interruptions that keep you from being as productive as you need to be to move ahead.
This article is from Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success (©2011, Business Plus), also written by the authors.