We often look at leaders and top performers and wonder, "How did they get there?" While technical skills are important, long-term career success is rarely a result of luck or raw talent alone. It is the result of intentional habits and personal development.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to break through to the executive level, specific behaviors can accelerate your trajectory. Based on expert insights into personal development, here are the 10 habits of highly successful careers that can help you avoid "career derailment" and achieve your professional vision.
Successful professionals never stop being students. To advance, you must continually acquire information, experiences, and knowledge. This isn't just about reading industry news; it is about understanding your specific environment.
To master this habit:
You cannot succeed entirely on your own. Building and supporting a team is hard work, but it is essential for leadership.
True leaders act as role models and actively look for opportunities to transfer their knowledge to others. You should aim to "stretch" your people—allowing them to take ownership and even allowing for occasional failure if it turns into a learning opportunity.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development. Successful people take the obligation of mentoring seriously.
To be an effective mentor:
Networking is not just about handing out business cards; it is about building genuine relationships both internally and externally.
Take a look at your current network. Is it balanced among influencers, decision-makers, and advocates?. To expand your reach, try to go to lunch with new people at least twice a month and attend industry events to establish contacts outside your immediate circle.
Most people listen only to reply. Successful leaders "listen generously". This means listening to new ideas, listening for others' perspectives, and hearing what is important to them.
You must learn to hear what people are really saying, not just the words they are using. Ask yourself: "Am I really listening to the other person's agenda, or am I waiting to interject?".
There is a distinct difference between a mentor and a champion. A mentor gives advice; a champion advocates for you. You may have a great relationship with a manager, but they may not be a champion for you.
Champions are key influencers who can provide intervention or influence during promotions. To attract a champion, you must determine your value to the organization. Create a "scorecard" that demonstrates your contributions toward the firm's goals and present it to key stakeholders.
Burnout is the enemy of a long career. You must align your career aspirations with other aspects of your life.
If you want results, you have to make them happen. Take responsibility for your own trajectory rather than assuming the firm or your manager is looking out for you.
This involves clearly identifying the specific actions you need to achieve your goals and periodically assessing your progress. Furthermore, don't be afraid to ask for help or delegate—taking responsibility doesn't mean doing everything yourself.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is often what separates "stars" from mediocre performers. The first half of EI is focused on the Self:
Ask yourself if you remain calm when interacting with others or if you tend to withdraw or get angry when stressed.
The second half of EI focuses on Others:
To improve here, try to understand the "informal structure" of your team and identify the unspoken rules of your organization.
Career derailment often happens when we lose sight of these fundamental habits. By actively building your network, securing a champion, balancing your life, and sharpening your emotional intelligence, you take ownership of your professional destiny.
Ready to take the next step? Choose one of these habits today—perhaps scheduling a lunch with a new contact or creating a "value scorecard"—and start investing in your future.