Last week I looked at how you could make your working life more enjoyable. This week I’m going to move on a step and look at how you can improve your chances of success in the workplace by analysing your strengths and your weaknesses – then trying to build on the strengths and overcome the weaknesses.
But you’re going to have to be absolutely honest with yourself when you write ‘yes’ or ‘no’ next to the items on the following list. If you don’t think you can be honest and objective then you could always ask a friend if they would tell you whether or not you have the personal qualities and skills listed.
So, here we go….
Are you:
Good at communicating – both verbally and in writing
Resilient and persistent
Self-disciplined and self-motivated – capable of meeting deadlines
Able to take criticism
Observant and perceptive
Confident – in your own abilities and your knowledge of your job
Enthusiastic and passionate about what you do
Hard working and reliable
Focused, with a clear sense of direction
Able to work alone, unsupervised
Good with technology and keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in your industry
Flexible and adaptable
Able to work as part of a team – building up a rapport with colleagues and managers
Supportive and helpful to other workers
Able to present both yourself and your work in a professional manner.
I hope you’ll have more ticks than crosses. But, if you’re being absolutely honest with yourself I’m sure there won’t be 15 ticks! So what happens next? Look at the areas where you feel you are weakest and start working on them. Don’t try to do everything at once – you’ll just get discouraged.
And if you continue with this exercise over the next 12 months, plus you consider upgrading your skills set, then I’m sure you’ll have improved your standing in the workplace and your chances of promotion considerably by the time 2016 arrives.
Author: Diana Nadin
