Gears For Careers

Beware self-sabotage (1)

There are many ways we sabotage ourselves without realising it. In this first part, I share some of the ways people undermine their own progress and what to do about it. Here are some of the ways we shoot ourselves in the foot.

  • Lacking self-awareness: When you are not self-aware, you are unable to play to your strengths, make up for your weak areas or show your best side. Worse, you might be oblivious to the negative impact you may be having on other people. Self-awareness points you in the right direction and helps you avoid making the same mistakes. People who know who they are are better able to manage interactions and professional relationships more effectively
  • Not keeping your skills current: When was the last time you read a book or a professional magazine? What new knowledge have you gathered since your school days? Self-learning is a quick, smart way to grow; don’t leave your personal and professional development to your employer.

Be prepared to fund training you know will help you. To advance yourself, don’t only depend on the learning that happens ‘organically’. Read good material, shadow someone with the skills you need, volunteer to work on a project that will give you new experiences; that’s fast-track learning at minimum cost.

  • Ignoring mentoring moments: Everybody, regardless of their status, can learn something new. When you are not open to being mentored, you lose a first rate opportunity to develop some practical skills. Learn from whoever and wherever you can.

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