You may not be able to control the probabilities of change occurring in your organization, but you can still control the consequences.  It begins with the courage to be present, proactive and provocative.

Test your reality quotient to see if you are setting yourself up for disaster or triumph. It’s really your answers to the following six categories (or observations), as opposed to the questions themselves, that will impact on your career success.

The reason is fairly straight forward.  Over time, you can unknowingly fall into a trap of outdated thinking, in which your view of the world and how it works, could be ingrained so deeply that the possibility of thinking any other way is unfathomable.

What I am talking about is more than just your brand being outdated. What I am talking about is a kind of chiseled thinking that is likely holding you back without your even realizing it.

As a result, I would invite you to ask yourself if any of the following six points apply to you. Or, to borrow a page from Jeff Foxworthy, you know if your thinking is past the expiration date when . . .

YOU ARE WEARING ROSE-COLORED GLASSES IF . . . 

• You believe that networking is disingenuous
• You believe that you do not have to engage in politics in your company
• You believe that tooting your own horn is distasteful
• You believe that small talk (schmoozing) is time-consuming
• You believe that investing in current accessories such as eyeglasses, narrower ties, updated hairstyles, shoes, bags, etc. is totally superficial

YOU ARE SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE FOOT IF . . . 

• You believe that attending business/social events sponsored by your company are imposing on your personal life
• You believe that avoiding team building events hosted by your boss will not impact on your career
• You believe that dressing business casual in formal customer meetings is your right to self expression
• Your believe that how you dress will not impact on career opportunities
• You believe that mentoring individuals outside of your department is a waste of time and energy
• You believe that business etiquette is necessary only for senior executives

YOU SEE WISHES AS HORSES WHEN . . . 

• You believe that hard work should speak for itself
• You believe that job opportunities are advertised
• You believe that senior leadership knows what you have accomplished
• You believe that your past successes will be remembered
• You believe that announcing you are unable to relocate will not impact on your future

YOU POSSESS AN 8 TRACK MIND WHEN . . . 

• You believe that a LinkedIn profile is optional
• Your photo of two years ago hasn’t been updated
• Your LinkedIn photo was taken when you graduated
• You believe that updating your resume is a waste of time
• You believe that your presentation skills do not need to be refined

YOU CAN’T SEE THE FOREST FOR YOUR HEAD WHEN . . .

• You believe that working overtime should be rewarded
• You believe that doing a great job entitles you to a great bonus
• You believe that your boss is responsible for your success
• You believe that longevity in the company deserves priority treatment
• You believe that exceeding expectations deserves special recognition
• You believe that you are indispensable
• You believe that because your customers love you, you can treat internal staff as you see fit
• You believe that going above your boss to complain will get the results you are looking for

AND . . . THE BIG ONE

• You believe that Executive Presence applies only to executives

For more than 20 years I have seen how the above thinking has derailed even the most promising careers.

If you answered yes to any of the above, take some time and take a step back, to think about where you are today and, if it aligns with your true potential.

If you are not where you want to be or, think you should be, recognizing and addressing these career killers will put you on track to become all that you can be, and all you were meant to be!

Cheers,

Roz