Management Tip of the Day: 3 Tips for Achieving Short-Term Career Goals

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JULY 23, 2010 3 Tips for Achieving Short-Term Career Goals Development efforts often focus on how you can achieve your career goals over the long term. Short-term successes, however, are critical to making your next move and preparing for those long-term aspirations. Here are three immediate ways to build your career options: Play to your strengths. Do more of what you do best. Early in a career, it makes sense to try a bit of everything and push to improve in areas of weakness, but at a certain point, it is better to focus on your strengths. Reinforce your "brand." Choose activities outside work that develop the image you want to convey. For example, volunteer for the school building committee if you're good at managing projects. Gain broader experience and conversational ways to reinforce your capabilities at work. Create the context for success. Surround yourself with people you need to do your work well. People have to recognize common values and goals before they're likely to share what they know, so invest in these relationships. Today's Management Tip was adapted from What's Next, Gen X?: Keeping Up, Moving Ahead, and Getting the Career You Want by Tammy Erickson. Buy the book and learn more about achieving success » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Leadership Run Amok: The Destructive Potential of Overachievers Harvard Business Review Article The desire to achieve is a major source of strength, and it is on the rise. There's a dark side to the trend, however. By relentlessly focusing on tasks and goals, an executive or company can damage performance. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS How to Craft the Job You Want 3 Elements to Include in Your Next Change Campaign 3 Tips for Resolving a Conflict with Your Coworker How to Ask for a Reference Letter 3 Things to Do if You Feel Stuck in Your Job 2 Steps to Changing Your Bad Habits 3 Tips for Strengthening Your Big-Picture Skills 4 Things Your Employees Need From You Know the 3 Ingredients of Important Conversations 3 Tips for Defending without Being Defensive BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)