Team Taskmaster

9 Traits to Rocket You Through the Ranks

Posted in:

Employment
Leadership
Strategy
Success
Tips

If you're looking to get ahead in your career, you already know you need to bring solid skills and savvy to the table. But what really separates the go-getters from the complacent are the so-called soft skills: traits and qualities that make good people great. Amit Gupta, writing on Dumb Little Man, came up with a list of nine soft skills that can rock your career. Among them:

Take ownership. When no one is willing to step up as a leader, it's time for you to step in. A process with a good leader, input from others, and true direction has a much better chance of success than a project with multiple stakeholders.
Have a solution-seeking mindset. It's easy to complain or point out problems, but much harder to suggest solutions. Don't take the easy way out. A positive mindset can garner you good attention, especially if you offer ideas to solve issues and put out fires.
Be willing to help. Yes, you're busy, but the business world works on a give-and-take system. Be ready to offer or provide help to others when asked -- and they're more likely to return the favor when you need it.

For the other half-dozen traits, read Gupta's full post. And tell me if there are other qualities that can help make you a workplace superstar.

posted by CC Holland
September 30, 2009 @ 6:02 am

Previous Post: 4 Scientific Rules for Improving Your PowerPoint
Next Post: Are the French More Productive Than Us?

Last 10 posts:

So long, farewell, and happy trails to all of you! (10-16)
How to Make Your Meetings Better (10-14)
The Best Ways to Kick Procrastination's Butt (10-13)
Hack Your Resume, Play Hard-to-Get, and Other Career Advice (10-12)
Powermat: Efficiency Booster, or Useless Gizmo? (10-08)
Why We're Wired for Procrastination (10-06)
9 Ways to Hack Your Brown-Bag Lunch (10-05)
Downward Dog, Upward Productivity (10-02)
Are the French More Productive Than Us? (10-01)
9 Traits to Rocket You Through the Ranks (09-30)