According to new research from the authors of the book Change Anything, 97 percent of employees report they have some Career Limiting Habit (CLH) that keeps them from achieving their potential at work. These habits cost employees raises and promotions they might have otherwise received.
Take Rick, for example. His boss—who also happens to be the CEO—describes him as both brilliant and a tyrant. He recently told Rick he is not on the succession plan for the CEO position because the board believes his bad temper would destroy the company. That comment from Rick’s boss underscores the other key findings in the study. The study shows the vast majority of bosses are pessimistic their employees will ever change their CLH. In fact, bosses report that only 10 to 20 percent of their employees actually make profound and lasting changes to their CLH.
The top 5 Career-Limiting Habits:
1. Unreliability
2. “It’s not my job”
3. Procrastination
4. Resistance to change
5. Negative attitude
Other CLHs that limit employees’ progression include: disrespect, short-term focus, selfishness, passive aggressiveness, and risk aversion.
Can you truly succeed without changing your CLH? According to managers, the answer is a resounding, “No.” Nearly half of bosses report that addressing employees’ glaring bad habit is three times more important than increasing their technical skills. (However, most managers struggle giving the necessary feedback to their employees that could really help their employees change.)
An online poll of 972 people, 493 of which were managers, found there are predictable paths to success for employees who want to reverse their CLH. Author of Change Anything, Joseph Grenny, offers examples of the kinds of tactics people use to successfully shape better habits for career success:
1. Create a personal motivation statement. When you hit a motivational wall while changing your work habits, motivate yourself by visiting your “default future”—the career you’ll have if you are repeatedly passed up for promotion. Specifically, our research shows if a 30-year-old employee earning $60,000 is passed up for a promotion with a 2 percent raise, he or she will incur a loss of $59,780 over his or her career.
2. Invest in professional development. New habits always require new skills. Top performers hone their craft. Actively develop the skills you need to be viewed as a top performer through training, workshops, or books—but make sure this is only one part of the change strategy - you can't just attend, you have to use what you've learned.
3. Hang with the hard workers The Career Limiting Habits that keep you back are likely enabled, tolerated, or encouraged by others. Use positive peer pressure by surrounding yourself with hardworking friends who share your career goals. Tell the people that work with and around you what your goals are and what you want to do. Have them help to hold you accountable for making positive changes. Distance yourself from the office slackers.
4. Find a mentor. Changing habits requires help. Find a trusted mentor to encourage your progression and help you navigate the career development opportunities that exist within the organization.
5. Put skin in the game. Reward yourself for reaching short-term goals by placing money at risk. Check out this website - it's based on this premise: http://www.stickk.com/. They've found that if people have a commitment contract and $$ on the line, they are more likely to achieve their goals. For example, if you reach your goal in your next performance review you can purchase a reward with the money you set aside. However, if you fall short, the money goes to support the political party you oppose.
6. Control your workspace and time. Make your new habits easier by enlisting the power of your surroundings. If you’d benefit from close association with another team, ask to move offices. When possible, turn off electronic interruptions that keep you from being as productive as you need to be to move ahead. Ensure that you are allotting your time toward your organization's and department's WIG (Wildly Important Goals). The more you help the organization and your department be successful, the more successful you'll be.
SHINE ON!
