FEATURE
Stairway to Seven My seven steps for business success
Eamonn McCance has been the Senior Manager for Portadown Technical Recruitment team since 2014. Hays is the leading provider of technical skilled staff in the Mid Ulster and surrounding counties area covering engineering, property, operations, production and logistics. He is responsible for the business development and service delivery strategy for a growing customer and candidate network, addressing specialist recruitment needs.
1. DON’T SHY AWAY FROM RISK
The world of work is inherently risky – you’re constantly dealing with shifting markets, competition and a host of internal factors. It’s easy to feel like leaving your comfort zone is an unnecessary gamble, but when you play it safe there’s only so far you can go. Those who take measured risks are most often the ones who reap the largest rewards.
2. NUTURE YOUR NETWORK
The right relationships help you progress, especially when you work in Northern Ireland where you’ll deal with most people in business more than once in your career. I would advise that you invest time in growing your network of mutually beneficial relationships, not just via social media platforms, but also face to face.
3. BUILD A WINNING TEAM
Whether it was joining a tight knit in my early days or making hiring decisions to build a team I can depend on, I think a key driver of my own success over the years has been the people I’ve surrounded myself with. Today, I look to hire colleagues who have a vision for the future, both in terms of their own career goals as well as for how our business should adapt to win.
4. PLAN YOUR PROGRESSION
Of course, you can’t get to where you want to be without a considered plan in place. Focus on one task at a time and set yourself objectives with a specific timeline so you get it done,
and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from a mentor on how to develop.
5. COMMIT TO CONTINUOUSLY LEARNING
Which areas of your job do you struggle with, and how could you develop? Think about your typical working day, and the tasks which tend to take longer because you find them difficult. How can you improve in this area? Make honest self-reflection and improvement a part of your everyday working life, no matter how far you get in your career.
6. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
Dwelling on a negative, whether it’s a mistake or a lost deal, can be detrimental
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to your progress and productivity. Don’t waste time or let it fester, learn quickly, take the lesson and move on. Trying to find the positive is better for your mind, mood and productivity.
7. MAINTAIN YOUR WORK/LIFE BALANCE
Of course, committing to your career success and following the above advice involves dedication, but don’t make the mistake of being so hell-bent on career success that you forget to take a break. Everybody needs time to relax and unwind, and everybody, no matter how successful, should maintain the right work life balance.