Skills for Career Success: Maximizing Your Potential at Work

by Elaine Biech

Overview

This career development tool kit is for people who want to take charge of their own professional futures.

If you want to have a career that is meaningful and inspires you, you must prepare for it the same way you would a marathon—developing an overall training plan to carry you through to race day and beyond. This is especially important in today's unpredictable work world, where organizations are in a state of constant flux, and many have either eliminated their employee development programs or adopted a generic, one-size-fits-all approach.

Skills for Career Success maps the strategies and skills you will need to take responsibility for your own future. It provides an overview of career development basics, including how to write an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that is practical and useful to you. The core of the book is an easy-to-navigate catalog of fifty-one critical skills, such as communicating clearly, adapting to situations, advocating for yourself, managing time, and selling your ideas. For each skill, there are actions you can take immediately, ongoing practices, and long-term goals. Beyond the skills, there is advice for keeping your career on track, mapping a path beyond your current job, overcoming personal roadblocks, finding your passion at work, and initiating talent conversations with your manager. There are also guidelines for managers who want to bring out the best in their people.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781523091928
Publisher:	Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Publication date:	01/05/2021
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	1,091,551
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Elaine Biech is a consultant, facilitator, and author of the Washington Post #1 bestseller, The Art and Science of Training. With four decades of experience and eighty-five published books, she has been called "one of the titans of the training industry." A dedicated lifelong learner, Biech delights in supporting leaders to execute their vision, building teams to maximize their performance, and guiding those in the talent development and consulting professions.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Get Your Career on Track 1

Part 1 Take Charge of Your Career

Step 1 Establish Your Lifelong-Learning Mindset 9

Step 2 Find the Right Career Path 25

Step 3 Design Your Personal Development Plan 43

Step 4 Stay on Course 59

Part 2 Skills for Career Success

Lifelong Learning 75

Skill 1 Exhibit a Growth Mindset 77

Skill 2 Create a Personal Development Strategy 84

Skill 3 Learn from Experience 90

Skill 4 Accept and Act on Feedback 95

Skill 5 Optimize Formal Learning Opportunities 100

Self-Perception 107

Skill 6 Show Self-Awareness 109

Skill 7 Exhibit Career Ambition 115

Skill 8 Understand Personal Style 121

Skill 9 Improve Weaknesses 129

Skill 10 Display Self-Confidence 135

Skill 11 Practice Resiliency 141

Communication 147

Skill 12 Communicate Clearly 149

Skill 13 Give and Receive Feedback 156

Skill 14 Influence, Persuade, and Negotiate 161

Skill 15 Speak in Public 168

Skill 16 Write Proficiently 174

Interpersonal Savvy 181

Skill 17 Build and Manage Relationships 183

Skill 18 Collaborate with Others 188

Skill 19 Appreciate People and Differences 193

Skill 20 Resolve Conflict 199

Skill 21 Network with Others 205

Self-Management 211

Skill 22 Maintain Composure 213

Skill 23 Exhibit Self-Control 219

Skill 24 Manage Time 224

Skill 25 Stay Organized 229

Skill 26 Balance Life 234

Professional Presence 239

Skill 27 Practice Political Savvy 241

Skill 28 Exhibit a Professional image 247

Skill 29 Advocate for Self 254

Skill 30 Adapt to Situations 261

Skill 31 Model Corporate Expectations 268

Leadership Capability 275

Skill 32 Lead Self 277

Skill 33 Lead Others 284

Skill 34 Lead Ventures 292

Planning and Prioritizing 297

Skill 35 Practice Systems Thinking 299

Skill 36 Plan and Organize Tasks 306

Skill 37 Set Goals 312

Skill 38 Be Resourceful 318

Skill 39 Demonstrate Problem-Solving Ability 324

Achieving Results 331

Skill 40 Manage Projects 335

Skill 41 Attend to Details 341

Skill 42 Make Key Decisions 348

Skill 43 Be Accountable 355

Skill 44 Sell Ideas 361

Organizational Alignment 369

Skill 45 Demonstrate Business Acumen 371

Skill 46 Promote the Organization's Vision and Values 378

Skill 47 Initiate Process Improvement 383

Skill 48 Champion and Manage Change 389

Skill 49 Practice Creativity, Innovation, and Appropriate Risk Taking 396

Skill 50 Market, Sell, and Develop Business 403

Skill 51 Exhibit Technology, Analytics, and Data Knowledge 409

Part 3 Crossing the Finish Line

Challenge 1 Build Character 417

Challenge 2 Don't Allow Your Career to Run Amok 445

Challenge 3 Managers Support Employee Development 463

Part 4 Support for the Race: Tools and Activities

Balancing Career and Life Goals 487

Mind Maps 488

Individual Development Plan 489

My Career Development Plan 493

Resources and References 495

Acknowledgments 499

Index 501

About the Author 513

About ATD 514

Editorial Reviews

Whether you need a new job or better skills, Skills for Career Success is the reference you need. Elaine is as encouraging as a best friend but tough enough to hold you responsible for your own success. This book is a lifeline for people who want to take control of their career.”
—Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The New One Minute Manager and Leading at a Higher Level


“Elaine shows us that career success starts by building a strong foundation of lifelong learning. What’s really unique in this book are challenge exercises for a variety of situations such as wanting to unstick a stalled career. No matter your career level or aspiration, Elaine will provide you with a road map for career success grounded in personal accountability for learning and development.”
—Tony Bingham, President and CEO, ATD


“Looking for a way to kick your career up a notch? Skills for Career Success provides the road map you need to follow, the fifty-one critical skills you need to master, and six hundred activities you can use to build those skills. We’re not talking amateur here. We’re talking Olympic-level performer. Whether you want to coach others or coach yourself, this is the guidebook you need to have handy when you first set foot on the track . . . and when you return to it every day to stay in shape for the challenging days ahead.”
—Jim Kouzes, coauthor of The Leadership Challenge and Fellow, Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Rice University


“Elaine Biech has performed an extraordinary feat: delivering a book of bite-size, just-in-time insights that are grounded in timeless wisdom about career and personal development. This is a must-have resource for young people beginning their careers—and the equivalent of a booster shot for professionals who are decades into their careers and still hungry to improve. Open this book to any page, and you’ll learn something you can put to use right away.”
—John R. Ryan, President and CEO, Center for Creative Leadership


“In these uncertain times when the nature of work is dramatically changing, it’s critical to focus on reevaluating skills and to be more intentional and deliberate about our career choices. Wherever you are in your career journey, this timely resource with an abundance of ideas, tips, and guidelines will get you to the finish line.”
—Rita Bailey, founder and President, Up To Something, LLC, and former Director, University for People, Southwest Airlines 


“Disruptions in our society, in our organizations, and yes, in our careers require powerful approaches to building and rebuilding the skills and readiness of our workforce. Elaine Biech brings a lifetime of experience in the world of learning, development, and careers to this must-read book.”
—Elliott Masie, Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM


“Wherever you are in your career—starting out, hitting the reset button, or gaining forward momentum for that next career step—you’ll find practical advice in this book. You can go ‘all in’ on your personal development plan or simply try her fast daily tips.”  
—Tacy M. Byham, PhD, CEO, DDI, and coauthor of Your First Leadership Job


“Elaine has done a masterful job of presenting the most important parts of developing your career: identifying what you want, creating a successful plan, developing the skills and character you need for success, and ensuring that you stay on track! Make this book your go-to guide for a successful career.”
—Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and bestselling author of Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There


“Elaine Biech goes way beyond just career—this is a book about success in life itself. All professionals in the human capital area should absolutely know the contents of this book. This just could be all you need to deliver to your organization.”
—Dr. Bev Kaye, CEO, Bev Kaye & Company, and coauthor of Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go and Up Is Not the Only Way


“Elaine leads the way as people remake themselves to keep pace with the evolving workplace of virtual work, shifting technology, and working outside the normal forty-hour week. Her diversification strategy will make you more marketable in this agile environment.”
—Rear Adm. (ret.) Gib Godwin, President, BriteWerx Inc.


“This book is an essential and practical guide for achieving career success. Whether early in your career, seeking a career change, or striving for excellence on your current path, there is something for everyone.”
—Marcia J. Avedon, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources, Communications, and Marketing Officer, Trane Technologies


“There’s only one way to get the job you want: learn. It doesn’t matter if you’re a grocery clerk who wants to be the next assistant manager or a marketing director who wants to start your own firm. Elaine Biech shows you how to think differently about your professional development so you can learn your way to the career you deserve.”
—JD Dillon, Chief Learning Architect, Axonify, and founder and Principal, LearnGeek


“It’s the most useful resource I’ve seen in years—the table of contents alone is worth the price of the book. It has all the essential topics to set priorities and build your skills to become a driver of your own success. The chapters about your personal style and knowing and improving upon your weaknesses are critical.”
—Mindy C. Meads, Board Chair, Sun Valley Culinary Institute; former CEO, Lands’ End; and former co-CEO, Aeropostale


“This is the perfect guide to coach others or to coach yourself for career success. Elaine shows you how to lay out a plan, gain experience, and tackle the skills necessary with a practical easy-to-implement design.”
—D. Kimo Kippen, founder of Aloha Learning Advisors, LLC, and former Chief Learning Officer and Vice President, Hilton


“Now more than ever, employees need a guide to help them figure out their careers. Elaine Biech has written that guide. It will take them from ‘What do I want to be when I grow up?’ to ‘I’m on the right track!’”
—Jenny Dearborn, founder of Actionable Analytics Group and former Senior Vice President and Chief Learning Officer, SAP


“A comprehensive reference to help anyone serious about personal and professional growth. Every chapter is chock-full of important considerations and questions with practical and real-life suggestions for the present along with strategies for the long run.”
—Pamela Schmidt, Executive Director, ISA—The Association of Learning Providers


“This book is packed with the fifty-one skills you need for career success and more than six hundred ways to improve the skills to enhance your career. Add the bonus chapters at the end to double the value: building character, avoiding career derailment, and how managers develop employees. It’s all here.”
—Jenn Labin, Chief Talent and Diversity Officer, Mentorcliq


“Elaine is really in sync with her learners; she wants you to succeed. Figuring out who you are professionally and how to develop your career are vital to your success. Elaine will help you do that.”
—Rich Douglas, PhD, PCC, Principal, Rich Douglas Consulting, LLC


“Elaine practices what she teaches and is an inspiration for integrity, service, and excellence. I was the beneficiary of her tireless efforts to help make others successful. This book is the next best thing to working with her in person. Her easy-to-read style provides a practical path for both personal and professional success.”
—William J. Shirey, PhD, President, ISE Consulting


“Searching for ways to acquire the skills you need for a successful career? Look no further. Elaine provides tips for people in a hurry, practice sprints, strategies for the long run, and additional reading for the final stretch.”
—David M. R. Covey, bestselling coauthor of Trap Tales

From the Publisher