In today’s workplace the old adage, “It’s lonely at the top” can now be replaced with the question, “How do I stay on top?” Gone are the days when ascension to top roles was easily mapped into a vertical career path. Today, lateral moves, demotions, role eliminations along with infrequent promotions have prompted a new order for career progression.

So how do you stay on top, even with all of the uncertainly and inevitable detours?

Here are some points to consider:

Provide quality over quantity: “Do it right the first time” was a popular mantra several years ago and is even more relevant today. Attention to detail and delivery of quality work results in increased efficiency and less rework. Invest in the upfront time required to perfect your craft and corresponding processes. Repetition is often painful but leads to flawless results.

Eliminate distractions: Identify when you’re most productive and create that work environment for yourself. Do you perform best in early morning? If so, get to work early and start the day before the office is abuzz with staff. Identify your distractions and clear your way to improved performance. Simple changes may impact your performance. One worker recently stated that she works best when her work space is sparkling clean and well organized; therefore she arrives a few minutes early each day to prepare her workspace so that she can provide an outstanding customer experience. Focus on what you need in order to perform and deliver.

Set yourself up for greatness: Bring your “A” game to work each and every day. Individuals who achieve greatness usually perform some task or activity with a level of intensity that many have never seen. Malcom Gladwell, author of the book “Outliers,” proposes what he calls the “Ten Thousand Hour Rule.” Gladwell hypothesizes that it takes 10,000 hours of work to become a great achiever. Ten thousand hours is roughly five years of time at work. Work hard and apply your skills and talent daily. Today’s efforts are but a stepping stone to success and greatness.

Sharpen your skills: Just as a dull knife needs sharpening to have the perfect edge, sharpen your skills to maintain a competitive advantage. Technology advancements, combined with streamlined processes, afford employers an option to select employees with broad skill sets. Single employees now have responsibilities once spread among several people. Establish a personal network of knowledgeable experts in your field. Then meet frequently with your network to identify industry trends, new technologies, tools and the skills required to prepare you for future growth. Create a “Professional Development Plan” with specific goals and measurable outcomes. Always, always work your plan.

Achieving success through vertical ascension is often quick and direct. However, a circular career path with constant improvement ensures continuous movement, and ultimately you remain at The Top of Your Game.
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Della B. Cauley is president of Best Innovative Consulting Inc. of Charlotte, which provides coaching and management consulting services.

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