How to Be Successful at Your Job

David Bach has a list of what it takes to be great at your job that I really like. He says it's a list of how to be sure your job is secure, but I look at it as a list of how to be successful at your job (I guess it's no surprise that the two lists would be the same.) Anyway, here's what he has to say:

I suggest you start by asking yourself the following six questions. If you can answer each with a "yes," you're on the right track to job security:

1. Would you hire you?
2. Are you focused?
3. Do you have a positive, can-do attitude?
4. Are you indispensable?
5. Are you visible?
6. Are you a leader?

I've said this before, but here's my take on job success:

1. Focus on performance. Those who deliver results (sales, cost savings, new customers, etc.) will be the first promoted and the last to go.

2. Have a good attitude. Strong performers with bad attitudes are fired before strong performers with good attitudes.

For more thoughts on making the most out of your career, check out these:

• How to Get a Job Beyond Your Experience

• Make More Money by Getting Plastic Surgery

• How to Hunt for a Job Without Letting Your Current Employer Know You're Doing So

Comments

[Ann-Marie Murphy]

Another thing I'd add to this is the familiar adage, "Make yourself the obvious choice." Whether it's the obvious choice to keep your job, get a raise, secure a promotion, be the obvious choice. If you always keep this in mind, you'll work hard and go far.