Are You Blocking Your Own Success?

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Bruce

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You’ll succeed if you get out of your own way?” There are variations of this but many people fall into this category, they stop listening. I used to work with an individual that did this constantly, he wanted to improve, get promoted and the like. He even pretended to listen and go to seminars and workshops paid for by the company of course so that he could get that certificate in his file. The problem is that he never applied any of the solutions learned in the workshops. When confronted about being a team player he would be good for about a week then fall back into his old ways of bullying those around him. It was his way or the highway. I have come across this when consulting clients in the business world. Many people only listen to their own voice and therefore push out information that can change their world. The funny thing about this is that the people who need to listen the most are the ones that listen the least. Think about it, Prime Ministers and Presidents listen to their cabinets, CEOs listen to their board members, yet entrepreneurs won’t listen to many that try to help them. Even in the workplace many that want to climb the ladder to management don’t listen or look at what is required to make that happen. Climbing the corporate ladder is more than just job performance, it is about changing your mindset as well.

So how do you change your way of thinking to create a better roadmap to the future? First open up your mind to others. You may have an opinion and may even be correct in your way of thinking, but you have to listen to others and how they feel on certain processes and operations. Become an information sponge and learn about the industry you are in and what is moving it forward. Learn how to deal with people, this alone could be the single best thing you do for your career. Dealing with people is paramount to success whether as an entrepreneur, supervisor, or CEO. You will always be dealing with people no matter what position you hold so get good at being someone that people enjoy being with. Most of all learn about your position, and the positions you strive toward. Let your peers know you are interested in other positions. If needed go back to school and upgrade yourself on computers, business or any other subjects that interest you. Management positions need people with initiative and learning without being told to do so is a great way of showing you are not afraid to step up to the plate and learn new things. The final piece is to complete your goals personally or on performance appraisals. Completing goals in a timely way is a great way to let people know you are someone that can be counted on. It is up to you to make the opportunities, the luck part is the timing.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is a business and leadership consultant for the transportation industry. More information can be found on his website at www.outridge.ca

Category: LeadershipTags: articles, Bruce Outridge, business, career information, Careers Tips, entrepreneur, Leadership, Outridge Consulting Services, Time Management

One Comment on “Are You Blocking Your Own Success?”

Stephanie Bennis
March 22, 2012

I know several people who could fall into this same category–they had immense talent and potential, but like you said, couldn’t get out of their own way..

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