Fit Into the Organization 6: Fit in Professionally

This continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Dan worked for a corporation with several divisions and profit centers. He continually tried to improve his skills based on what he perceived the organization needed most. He also spent time staying connected with people in the organization. He served on a committee of the local Chamber of Commerce which allowed him to extend the reputation and prestige of his company. As a result of his efforts and successes, he received 3 promotions in six years.

Define Your Professional Identity

Do you know who you are in the world of work? Find your professional identity to define the direction you want to pursue and fit into the organization. You may define your identity by the industry you work in “I’m a retail worker”, job title “I’m an accountant”, or skills you love to use “I help the company identify and solve problems to increase profits”. Define your professional contribution.

 

Increase Your Professional Value

You increase your value to the company when you improve your skills and knowledge. Updating a skill keeps you current in the workplace. Select a skill that you need to do your job better, or that you will need on your next assignment. Several methods exist: seminars by vendors, on-line courses, community education programs, reading journals and articles online. Search on the Internet for the “skill online training”.

Professional associations offer additional training within your field. Most professional associations provide libraries of articles and books you can use to learn more. In addition, they offer monthly or quarterly luncheons or meetings with speakers related to your profession. Take advantage of both to improve your skills and knowledge.

 

Improve Others Professionally

Find a way to help someone in your group perform better on the job. Teach them a skill you possess. Introduce them to members of your network. Help them improve their productivity or ability to fit in professionally. Mentor them to be more professional employees.

Monday we discuss how to fit in socially with co-workers, supervisors, and future supervisors

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