1. Be certain you want what you strive for. Success has a price. Define what success looks like to you and go after what
you want personally.
2. Be passionate about your work. You need to be doing work that you enjoy. It is extremely difficult to be successful in something you are not passionate about. Having passion for what you're doing spreads to those around you. Have fun - you're going to be working a long time.
3. Know the
business you're in. Keep the business goals as primary focus, and know your technology well.
Understand your customer environment. Understand the issues, focus on their resolution. Look for win/win.
4. Develop mentors. Formal ones are great but find people you "click with" and quiz them often on how to handle situations, what it takes to be successful, what they thought of something that happened, etc.
5. Surround yourself with optimism. Stay positive. It's contagious and it makes work more enjoyable.
6. Work hard and get results. Always exceed the core expectations of the job. Be willing to accept the most difficult assignments. Challenge the status quo. Take chances. Don't fear failure. Don't be afraid of conflict Give more than 100%.
7. Respect, but don't be intimidated by senior managers. Senior managers don't have all the answers. They want fresh ideas, perspective. Be bold and effectively communicate your ideas.
8. Lift as you climb. Serve. Mentor. Give back what others have given to you. Care about others.
9. Give 150%, do what's necessary. Be a team player. Work together.
10.Never stop learning. Be willing to stretch into new business/skill areas and learn and contribute in each.
11. Be assertive (not aggressive). Say what you think and what you want. You are solely responsible for your success. Don't expect your manager to take care of you. If you want a particular job, promotion, assignment - ask for it.
12. Ask questions. Build good relationships with your peers and use them. If you don't understand how to do something, ask.
13. Develop excellent written and verbal communication skills. Be an excellent communicator. Especially important is learning to listen. Be a good listener. Understand what people aren't saying.
14. Work smart. There will always be a million things to do. Pick the most important and do them well. Delegate effectively. Make your boss look good.
15. Don't burn bridges. Odds are you will work with or for this person again.
16. Get tough. Don't take everything personally. You are dealing with issues not people. Remember there will be some bad days.
17. Be flexible. Know when to give. Businesses and organizations today are undergoing constant change. Don't fight it. Embrace and lead change. Change is a part of life. Adjust your style appropriately for different cultures and customers without going against your personal values. Help others with their priorities.
18. Don't be limited by your "role description". Act the part of where you want to get. Be prepared to take on responsibilities at the next level before getting the promotion/title.
19. Operate consistently from a set of principles. Stand up for what you believe in - listen/honor your intuition and convictions. Choose your battles. Practice integrity and trust. Be honest to yourself and others, but you don't have to tell the whole truth. Watch talking about others (two-faced).
20. Have strong advocacy. These are managers that will go to bat for you when you need it.
21. Have a vision, but be practical. Learn to say 'No'.
22. Know your strengths (develop these) and development needs (work on these). Be hoons and surround yourself with people that have strengths other than your own. Acknowledge the great work people are doing around you frequently - it builds loyalty that pays dividends.
23. Build a network across functions/business areas. Show integrity and build credibility.
24. Pay attention to who your manager will be in addition to what your assignment is. Pick a good boss - mentoring, development.
25. Be "famous" for something; develop expertise in a specific technology, business area, etc. Others should know what you are really good at!
26. Be energetic and passionate. Don't deny the emotional side. Use it positively to convey passion.
27. Get to know people you work with/for at some personal level. This helps to build more effective work relationships. Care up.
28. Have a life outside of work! Strive for work/life balance. Have some non-job priorities that you approach with the same passion as your work. Have a balance. Have fun. Work should be fun.
29. Be yourself. Focus on possibilities, not limitations - dream.