How to be Successful at Work – 3 Questions Answered

The most frequently asked question I receive from readers is some version of how to be successful at work or in my career.   Below is the latest question I received in this category.   Ying, a Chinese immigrant working in the US used the Ask Me Anything tool inside the Soft Skills Gym to send me the following questions.   I want to share my response to also help others in similar situations.

What would you like to ask me?
How do I create a good career plan in order to reach my goal of 1) expert in my field, IT Audit and data analysis. 2) Generalist in business operations , so that I will be ready to transfer and lead other business areas when the opportunity came. 3) successfully demonstrate my core competency: multitasking, fast adaptation and learning, good heart of helping people and community around me.

Please tell me some background information around your question?
I am a IT audit Analyst (with 1.5 years’ experience) works in Nationwide Insurance in Columbus Ohio. I have a passion to do better work and contribute to our Chinese community. Hence, I am a treasurer for Chinese Associate Resource Group here in Nationwide. I speak for my community and organize events. I am known to my boss as a “go-getter” and “passion to learn” associate. However, English is not my native language, I honestly cannot show my work and value to a bigger community. I tried to improve my English and got better. I am very thankful that my boss and my VPs pick me to speak & give speech in all associate meetings. I did a good job, which gave myself confidence to speak more and share more in other events. I want to pay back to my boss and people who helped my. I want to be a good representative of our work and make my boss be proud of me.

What do you think you should do? What options have you considered?
I am putting more time to study IT Audit. Gain more certification.
I start office initiatives to help other associates.
I genuinely talk to my boss on my progress and keep her posted.
I am helping Chinese Associate Resource Group to add value and share more information with upper management of Nationwide.
I promote Diversity and Inclusion value to the company.

Your level of work experience
< 3 years

Ying, thanks for sending in your questions.  It sounds like you are already well on your way to being successful in your current role.  Congratulations! I also applaud you for being proactive in asking these questions.  It’s smart to find out early on in your career how to be successful at work.

Before I dive into my specific response to your questions, I want to share this quote I found recently on Facebook.  See the image on the left.   Much of my response will center on this theme.   Success at work and in business is much less about your hard skills, like your IT Audit skills and much more about your soft skills like communication and leadership skills.

Question 1: how to become an expert in my field, IT Audit and data analysis?

Based on what you shared, you seem well on your way to becoming an expert.   There are two parts to answering this question

• Part 1 is about having the knowledge to become an expert in this field.   More certification can help.  I would say find senior audit and data analysis experts that you admire and ask them this question.  They can best guide you on what certifications are critical to success and what else you need to learn to become an expert.
• Part 2 is about building your brand as an expert.  This requires more self promotion skills.   You are already aware that you need to work on this.  The fact you are given opportunity to speak for your work or your team is a great start.   I would also suggest trying these self-promotion ideas and reading these promotion tips.

Question 2: How to be successful as a generalist in business operations, so that I will be ready to transfer and lead other business areas when the opportunity came?

Referring back to the quote, this will require you to focus more on your soft skills.   I would recommend you start by developing these 3 soft skills – communication skills, interpersonal relationship skills, and networking skills.  It is great that you lead or help with initiative at work.  Keep doing that.   Here are three tips I recommend you also do since you came to the US as an adult from another country.

• Learn the American accent –  This is pretty difficult for any foreigner, but it is worth trying.   Work is unfortunately not fair.  There is an unspoken bias against those who don’t speak perfect English. This is especially true in business roles.   It takes more work on your part to gain credibility if you speak with a strong accent.  The best way to learn American accent is watch American TV and have native English speaking friends.   Also, try speaking a little slower, it will minimize the impact of any accent you may have and increase the chance that you will be understood.
• Learn the Western culture – This means learn about sports, politics, Hollywood or pop culture history and read the latest local and national news.    This way you can easily chit chat with others on any topic.   You don’t have to be interested in everything but it’s important to have interests that other people can relate to. Promotion in business is based on relationships and not just merit of your work.  It sounds like you already have great relationships with your boss and senior management.  Good for you!  I think in the long run, it will help you to learn more American culture so that you can build personal relationships more easily.  As you climb the corporate ladder, you will need to build relationships with upper management and cross functional partners. More likely, most of these folks are born and raised in the US.   The more you can relate to them on a personal level, the better.
• Practice your communication skills outside of work – You seem to already have a lot of chances to communicate formally and informally at work.  That’s great.  Branch out and practice your communication skills outside of work.  Practicing outside of work has less consequences.  You can be bold, make mistakes, and it will not impact your work reputation.  It’s a great way to learn.
  • Go to networking events so you can practice telling your story about what you do and what you are interested in
  • Attend neighborhood BBQ and friends events and meet new people, especially native English speakers or people from other cultures.  Learn to get out of your shell and carry an interesting conversation with anyone from any culture and in any situation.
  • Volunteer at a (non-Chinese) non-profit you believe in – You can easily meet and communicate with many native English speakers, have a chance to make a difference, and learn at the same time

Question 3: How to successfully demonstrate my core competency: multitasking, fast adaptation and learning, good heart of helping people and community around me?

I am not sure these are the best qualities to demonstrate as your core competencies.   There is a bit of “I am a nice person and I learn quickly” brand to what you stated.  While that can make you a good worker, it will not help you stand out if you want to progress to leadership roles.

I would recommend honing your core competency to the following

• Reliable in getting the job done – That’s much better branding than multitasking or hard worker.  By the way, multitasking is a myth.  See recent research in the link.  It’s best to avoid using the term as a badge of honor.
• Can-do attitude – flexible and adaptable – this means more than just you are a quick learner but that you are always positive and look forward to challenges
• Respected for your perspective – Since you want to be an expert in your field, it is important to voice your opinion when needed and always make sure that you have a strong basis for your perspective.  It is also the beginning of demonstrating your leadership skills.
• Take initiative – you already do this at your job and in your volunteer activities, so take the credit.   This is not just about helping others but again demonstrating leadership potential.
• Build great relationships – This is not on your list but should be on your radar if you want to be successful in business roles.

What I can tell from your question is you are still “humble to a fault.” My advice – don’t be so humble.   Click on the link to read more about what I mean.  🙂

I hope my perspective helps you on your journey.  Please feel free to ask me more question in the comment section below.   Best wishes and keep me posted on how you are doing.

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