Achieving one’s career goals takes far more than faith; it takes keen insight. Success in the workplace does not
happen on a wing and a prayer, but rather by knowing what specific job promotion pitfalls to avoid in working toward
that heavenly pot of career gold.
1. Pride. Far too many who experience "workplace wins" take full credit for these achievements, regardless
of any support or assistance received in the process. What often goes unrecognized is that people around, and especially
below, the serially solo-successful resent the ego-centricity, and may actually begin to actively undermine that
person’s efforts in the future. While one’s pride wants all due recognition, a team philosophy can garner the
grassroots support that can fast-track a career. Indeed, a dose of acknowledgment of and appreciation for one’s peers
and subordinates, so they may share in some of the glory, can go a long way to foster one’s long-term success.
2. Envy. While it’s okay to recognize other individuals or organizations as they achieve, lamenting what
"should have been yours" can be destructive and can adversely impact your own ability to focus on the job tasks at
hand. Allowing yourself to be overly envious of others in the workplace can sabotage your self esteem, which is one
vital characteristic every successful business person shares. Rather than being envious, let the accomplishments of
others become motivational fuel for your fire in working toward your own successes.
3. Anger. Begetting nothing but disagreement, dispute, tension or conflict, anger provides no benefit in the
workplace. There is simply nothing productive about anger, which impairs one’s objectivity, poise and self
control. Don’t let a bout of righteousness damage your reputation and image in the workplace. It’s fine to feel
passionately about your job or a project at hand and to disagree with others, but learn how to channel those emotions
into actions that will work to your benefit in the eyes of others, especially your superiors - rather than against
it. Those prone to angry outbursts rarely get promoted; they are seen as being poor leaders who cannot inspire or
motivate others.
4. Greed. One’s selfish desire for "more, sooner" is what motivates many in the Western culture to achieve
their career goals. However, taking this notion to the extreme can and will be self defeating as core values become
misguided and life becomes unbalanced in the process. The road to success requires a long term approach in all aspects
of one’s job duties. Those laser-focused on quick, short-term gains may do well in the moment, but will be
ill-prepared to take things to the next level.
5. Sloth. Simply put, complacency and laziness have no place whatsoever in the workplace, especially for
those with high aspirations. Expecting one’s past achievements and successes to carry them forward in their long-term
career is imprudent, as today’s uber-competitive global marketplace nothing short of ensures that only those who
continue to grow, evolve and make fresh contributions of value will succeed. In a global environment where outsourcing
is becoming a norm, everyone at all levels of the employment "food chain" is now replaceable. So, treat every work day
and every project as if your job, and your future at large, depend on it. It very well may.
6. Gluttony. Many individuals move up the corporate ladder so fast that they actually end up failing as a
consequence. More isn’t always better, especially if you’re not ready for the challenge at hand. It is important to
ensure that you are not only professionally ready to take on a new and bigger challenge, for which expectations are
equally bigger, but also that your personal life is ready for the new demands and strains to be placed upon it.
Achieving career success also includes maintaining a life balance, and a misplaced professional desire can create
a backlash both at home as well as amid peers for your perceived obsessiveness. Those who are "truly" successful in
all aspects of life recognize that they perform better with a personal action plan, which details goals and
aspirations relative to their work, personal, and financial lives. Too much focus on only one facet of this holy
"life success trinity" is a recipe for failure in all.
7. Lust. An overly intense desire for what others have achieved at work, or being chronically dissatisfied
with one’s own status, is a sure-fire career killer. Spending an inordinate amount of time fixated on what you do not
have rather than what you do will foster a bad attitude and negative overall demeanor. One’s overall presence in the
office plays a big part in who gets promoted and who doesn’t. No matter how ambitious, it’s prudent to be present and
make the most out of your current position at this moment in time. Organizations recognize and reward those with a
good attitude who make the most of a situation. Winners recognize other’s success with sportsmanlike conduct, while
at the same time exhibiting an air of confidence that they, and their team, will realize their own great achievements.