Career Management in a Minute offers proven professional tips and techniques on managing and advancing professional careers.

C4: The Formula For Success

It is not a mystery that in today’s fast paced and highly competitive job market, skill building will be critical to the success of corporate America. Hence, a powerful formula such as C4 – Competence, Confidence, Credibility, and Communication – is just what the doctor ordered to ensure a successful future. Employers are seeking employees who understand the importance of professional growth, who can continually add value to an organization, and who can contribute at high levels. In fact, studies suggest that there is a strong correlation to attaining the executive level and one’s ability to build a foundation of attributes such as C4, early in one’s career. Employers are doing their part by taking aggressive strides to provide and make available to employees key training and development opportunities ranging from formal training and educational workshops to mentoring, shadowing, and on-the-job experiences. However, each employee is primarily responsible for developing his or her own strategies for continual professional growth. Take some time to explore strategies that help you build C4 because to be at the top of your game, all four elements need to be working together like a well-oiled machine. Let’s take a moment to explore the formula in detail:

• Competence: Demonstration of competence is probably one of the most fundamental and important success factors for professionals. Performance is the price of admission for everyone. However, mastery and demonstration of knowledge and expertise will give you the competitive advantage to be viewed as an organizational asset.
• Confidence: Self-confidence is essential for the consummate professional and is definitely a skill worth developing and mastering over time. Self-confidence is primarily about valuing yourself, being comfortable with who you are, and setting realistic expectations. Grounded and balanced self-confidence will be the foundation for your success.
• Credibility: Building and maintaining credibility is one of the single most important qualities professionals must work diligently to attain. The foundation for a successful and long-term career hinges on establishing credibility in the early phases of your professional journey.
• Communication: Communication is the cornerstone of building and maintaining a long-term and successful career. Lack of effective communication skills will invariably impact one’s ability to succeed as a professional and career opportunities may be limited.
La Shawn Samuel is the author of Preparing for Success in Corporate America – College Guide. For questions and other tips on advancing your career, please email her at lashawnsamuel.cox.net. Books may be purchased via www.authorhouse.com and all major on-line bookstores.