7 Career Habits of Highly Effective People

If you are interested in seeking further guidance in achieving the career of your dreams then please read this blog.

I am a fan of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Here I attempt to apply these habits somewhat to your career success.

Habit number 1 is to be proactive and this includes with regards to your career. Excuse the crude analogy - have you ever been shopping for an outfit that you really needed only to return home empty handed? Have you ever been shopping and found lots of outfits that you like and suit you that you do  not actually need right now?

When you are not desperate to change you career but you are open to options and opportunities you are much calmer which assists greatly with judgment and decision making. At interview you will likely appear less desperate too.

Today there is no such thing as a job for life so it makes sense to keep your antennae up, your CV up to date and even to undergo some professional career coaching.

Career coaching provided by West of England Coaching and Counselling begins with a diagnostic to arrive at specific options for you based on your work personality, values and skills preferences. This initial stage can help you to decide whether you may want to transition to a new career where you would be happier.

Stephen Covey's habit number 2 is to begin with the end in mind. Here I suggest that you write a letter to yourself (sorry for being maudlin!) on your death bed which tells you what you did in your work life, what you are most proud of or happy about. This will help to guide you through the years in between now and when you pass.

His third habit is to put first things first, to prioritise. The key question that comes to my mind for you to ask yourself what are my priorities when it comes to my career? For example, my top priorities for my own career are - it gives meaning to my time, my own health and wellbeing and self and others learning and development.

The fourth habit that Stephen Covey found in his highly effective people research is to think win win. This makes me think of you plus others. What in your career plan would best serve your clients or customers for example?

The fifth habit is to first seek to understand and then be understood. You could use this habit to have a conversation with people who are important to you who could be impacted by an career decision made by you. You might want to ask them their views before you share yours and before you make any decision. This may be particularly important if your decision involves moving house, a difference in pay or an ethical issue.

The sixth habit is to synergise. Perhaps you could work with others to come up with a career solution that is greater than the sum of the parts involved in helping you to make your decision.

Finally the seventh habit that Covey suggests is to sharpen your sword, to keep at it, to keep improving, day by day by day.

If you would like help and support with your career transition or upskilling in your existing career, please get in touch via enquiries@westofenglandcoachingandcounselling.co.uk or by calling 01761 237400.