Not long ago, we participated in a speed networking session at an international conference.  Run similar to speed dating, the room was set up with a long row of tables – college students and recent grads on one side, and senior professionals on the other.  We “old folks” remained comfortably seated for a half-hour at a time, while the young folks moved down the line chair-to-chair every three minutes.

It was all pleasant enough, though not especially memorable until one recent grad asked a most compelling question: “What can I do to ensure I have a successful career?”  After reflecting a moment, it became clear that a successful professional career can be reasonably predicted by following three simple rules:

1)  Use common sense.

2)  Do more than the minimum. 

3)  Don’t be unpleasant to be around. 

“Use common sense” seems like obvious advice, but it isn’t quite as straightforward as it sounds.  Most of us think we understand how the world should work, wondering how anyone could see things differently.  After all, collective life experience is where the “common” in common sense comes from.  Yet we each have a unique set of biases and perspectives, derived from our own life experiences.  That’s where our personal wisdom comes from, but it can also cloud our judgment – especially in times of stress and uncertainty.  And the truth is that we are all, to varying degrees, blind to our own limitations.  We’ve all had run-ins with people who “lack common sense,” whose words or actions appeared to be wrongheaded, silly, naive, or otherwise unsound …or maybe we just don’t share that person’s values or vision.  Some common sense may be in the eye of the beholder; then again, thoughtful application of common sense – as demonstrated through wise decision-making – is typically recognized and rewarded. 

“Do more than the minimum” has lots of real-world applications.  If the boss says: “Show me three scenarios by close of business tomorrow,” the minimum has been clearly established.  Dropping a three-paragraph report on the boss’s desk at 4:55 PM the next day might comply, but that sort of “mailing it in” won’t impress (at least not in a positive sense).  How about presenting four scenarios?  Or delivering three before tomorrow noon?  Or providing three, along with a comparative analysis?  In choosing how best to go above and beyond, one might seek to understand the boss’s preferences, priorities and constraints – which in itself is an example of doing more than the minimum.  Other examples:  actively participating in a professional society, earning an advanced degree or specialty certification, becoming an active volunteer in the community.  Good comes from doing good work and doing good works.  Some call it commitment; some call it karma; whatever it’s called, it almost always requires some extra effort.  

“Don’t be unpleasant to be around” is a double negative for a reason.  Simply being pleasant to be around may generate a wide circle of friends, but it won’t earn much respect in the workplace.  On the other hand, whining and complaining, bullying and rudeness, gossiping and opportunism are sure-fire ways to become the office pariah.  Some situations call for taking a firm stand, for calling out foolishness, or for protecting one’s self-interest.  But as in all things, moderation is a virtue.  The key is in recognizing and minding some important distinctions – assertiveness vs aggressiveness, being cooperative vs being a pushover, watching one’s own back vs stabbing a co-worker’s.  We all have our good days and not-so-good days, and sometimes we might just prefer to be left alone.  But in a dynamic and competitive world, people working in harmony – as a loyal team seeking common goals – is essential to corporate performance.  So each member’s personal success reflects the team’s collective achievements, tempered by the other members’ perceptions of who contributed most (and least) to the those results.   

Of course, we can all cite an exception – perhaps someone whose career success came despite outrageous boorishness, or an apparent underachiever who seems to have faithfully played by these rules.  So, sure, luck and other influences play a part, but the principles underlying these three simple rules have well served many in our circle of friends and colleagues. 

What advice would you have offered to that recent graduate?  We’d love to hear from you!   

 

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