Career Challenge

The OfficeTeam Career Challenge series begins with Reduce Clutter.

Some people can't escape it, no matter how hard they try. Despite their best efforts, stacks of papers and other items are ever-present at home and at work. What are the worst clutter culprits you face and how can you keep them under control? With everyone so busy in today's offices, is a little messiness acceptable if you're getting the job done?

• Which types of clutter weigh you down?
• Why controlling clutter is important in today's environment
• The challenge for administrative professionals
• Your challenge: reduce clutter
• Tracking progress and rewarding results

1. Which types of clutter weigh you down?

Some say a messy desk is the sign of a great mind. But even the brightest minds would probably agree that it's hard to be productive when disorganisation prevails. Paper is a huge culprit- and perhaps the most visible one- but it's not the only contributor to clutter. Anything that wastes time, drains productivity or takes away from your key priorities at work also qualifies. Consider the following and how they impact you:

• Disorganised electronic files, including e-mail
• Meetings that are unfocused or last too long
• Colleagues who stop by and interrupt you unnecessarily
• Noise from nearby cubicles and office equipment that distracts you
• Projects that take substantial time and resources, yet don't support the company's main objectives

In addition to these points, think about the materials you used to get your last job or promotion. Outdated CV's and reference lists can be clutter too- unless you put them to good use as the basis for creating new materials.

2. Why controlling clutter is important in today's environment

Consider the reasons:

• Most workplaces operate 'leaner and meaner' compared to just a few years ago. The pace of business continues to increase, and employees face tighter deadlines and more pressure than ever before. Your ability to locate items and act quickly is critical- time spent looking for buried files is time that could be spent on the projects themselves.
• Businesses continue to use project teams to accomplish goals and cross-train employees to handle each other's responsibilities. If you're out of the office - either for a planned or unexpected absence - your files need to be organised so that others can find them and take action in your place.
• Image is important. Sure, your manager's desk may be messier than yours. But you never know who else might be strolling by your work area. Its condition could contribute to someone's first impression of you - and that someone could be your next boss, colleague or direct report.

3. The challenge for administrative professionals

• You are the central point of organisation for the executives or employees you support. As a project coordinator, budget tracker, meeting planner and schedule manager, people look to you as the standard for impeccable organisational - and clutter-control - skills.
• Your abilities to manage clutter enhance your job performance - creating and maintaining an organised workspace means you can be more efficient in your daily responsibilities.

4. Your challenge: reduce clutter

Here are four steps that can help you tame even the most out-of-control clutter:

• Look at your workspace from an outsider's perspective. Pretend you're an executive, a client, a job candidate or someone else seeing your desk for the first time. What's your first impression? If you have trouble being objective, ask a colleague whom you know will give you an honest answer. This will give you an idea of how much work is in front of you.
• Break it in pieces. Taking a full workday to attack an office mess is not only unrealistic for most professionals, it's also an exhausting proposition. Instead, make a list of what needs to be done, prioritise it and carve out 15 minutes a day for your activities. For instance, you may start by cleaning up old e-mail files, then attack your filing cabinet, then your contact lists and so on.
• Take note of the big picture. Once you've organised your work area, don't stop! Look at other areas that could benefit from a thorough spring cleaning. Take a look inside your briefcase (or handbag), your computer desktop, even the trunk of your car. Being organised in several areas will help you in the long run.
• Find your last CV and update it. You may be very happy in your current role or have no intentions of changing jobs in an uncertain market. Still, find and update your CV. At the very least it will help you in your next performance review. And at the most, you'll be prepared if you find yourself in the job market unexpectedly

5. Tracking progress and rewarding results

You'll increase your success in reducing clutter if you set completion dates for the steps above and list the results of your activities. And don't forget recognition. Think carefully about how you'll reward yourself when you complete a goal - this can help motivate you.

Be sure to visit the second segment in our series, Network Smart.

We all know professional networking is key to getting ahead, but what are the best ways to approach the task? How can you be a valued member of others' networks if you're short on time? What role does e-mail play in keeping an active circle of contacts? And is it ever appropriate to turn down a request for help?

• It's not just what you know ?
• Why smart networking is critical in today's environment
• The challenge for administrative professionals
• Your challenge: network smart
• Tracking progress and rewarding results

1. It's not just what you know ...

We've all heard about the benefits of professional networking - and anyone who has found a job through word-of-mouth or personal referral will tell you that the key to getting ahead does indeed lie in who you know. But despite its many benefits, networking can be tough for several reasons. Consider the following issues that can put up roadblocks and limit results - which of the following applies most to you?

• You have a big circle of contacts but have trouble maintaining consistent communication
• You find it tough to ask for help
• You're not sure what you can offer others
• You simply don't have time to network
• You think most things that involve networking involve schmoozing - something you're not interested in or comfortable with
• You're in a career transition and face the sizeable task of starting your network from scratch

All of these are valid concerns and can be minimised with the right approach. The good news about networking is that it's never too late to make improvements - it's always a good time to ramp up your efforts and you always have something to offer.

2. Why smart networking is critical in today's environment

Consider the reasons:

• Many companies are being particularly cautious in their hiring efforts, taking extra steps to ensure each new hire is the best fit for the job. As a result, firms are relying more heavily on networks and referrals to locate candidates, often putting other recruitment methods on the back burner. Your circle of contacts could be critical in landing your next position. Even if you're not currently in the market, you could be unexpectedly, so it pays to have a solid network in place.
• Every professional benefits from having sources for education and support. In the past, people could rely heavily on their employers in these areas. Now, employees are shouldering more of the responsibility. Those who have strong contacts can tap a variety of people for ideas and advice.

3. The challenge for administrative professionals

• You are constantly being asked to accomplish more with fewer resources. In many cases, you may be taking on new and increasingly complex responsibilities. Your network can be a critical resource in these instances by helping you streamline your research and activities.
• For instance, if event planning is a new job duty and scheduling the annual sales meeting in London is your first task, you can ask your contacts if they - or anyone they know - have worked with hotels and meeting sites in the area. Getting these referrals can give you a jumpstart in your efforts.
• You may be the "lone wolf." Many administrative professionals support executives who are frequently off-site. Others assist departments with dozens of staff members. Whatever the case, you may be one of just a handful of administrative staff at your firm. To avoid feeling isolated and generate more resources for your efforts, it's beneficial to have a solid network of external contacts.

4. Your challenge: network smart

Here are six tips that can help you step up your networking efforts:

• Pay it forward. Networking is all about give and take. Being the first one to give is a smart move. Select one person in your circle who is in a career transition. Offer your assistance to this person without being asked.
• Avoid the cookie-cutter approach. Most of us know and enjoy being with people who are like us - those who have similar educational backgrounds, career paths, years of experience and outside interests. Seek out one person who doesn't fit that mold and include him or her in your networking circle.
• Pick up the phone. E-mail makes it easy for people to keep in touch, request help and send thanks. But don't forget the personal touch. Call one of your contacts and invite him or her to lunch or an industry event. Networking can be more fun and provide better results when you make face-to-face contact a priority.
• Add dates to your calendar. If it's tough to remember to contact people in your network, schedule it in your calendar. Make a goal to reach out to several people each month, even if it's just to say hello and check in. Remember, birthday and holiday cards are a great way to stay in touch as well.
• Don't neglect the people you know. Even if you're just starting your career or transitioning to a new field, don't feel you need to build a new network from scratch. Your existing contacts - including friends and family - can be great resources.
• Carve out the right amount of time. You may not have a lot of time to offer each person who requests help. But be careful about refusing a request altogether, unless you know you have absolutely no information that fits the request. You may be able to assist with part of a project or provide the name of another contact who may be better suited to help. Always be honest in terms of what you can and can't offer.

5. Tracking progress and rewarding results

You'll increase your networking success if you set completion dates for the steps above and list the results of your activities. And don't forget recognition. Think carefully about how you'll reward yourself when you complete a goal - this can help motivate you.

The skills you learn and enhance throughout your career can open doors to new opportunities, but what are the best ways to approach skill-building activities? How much of a role can your employer play in the process? And which skills require expertise, versus just proficiency?

• From the ground up
• Why skill-building is critical in today's environment
• The challenge for administrative professionals
• Your challenge: build the right skills
• Tracking progress and rewarding results

1. From the ground up

Your technical and interpersonal skills may have played a major role in landing your current job. But your interest and activity in expanding your skill set will position you well for your next achievement - a promotion, a new position in another company or perhaps a higher salary in your current role. Despite all of the benefits that can result from growing your skill base, it's a challenging prospect for many. Which one of the following obstacles has the most impact on you?

• You don't have the opportunity to learn on the job
• You find it tough to prioritise your efforts and separate what you need to learn from what would be nice to learn
• You don't have adequate time or financial resources to devote to the process

2. Why skill building is critical in today's environment

Consider the reasons:

• We already know the positive impact consistent skill-building can have on your professional prospects. What's different in today's environment is the balance in responsibility between employer and employee. In previous years, companies set specific paths for advancement and guided staff development. Today, the responsibility rests more heavily with you. In many cases, employers will look to you to set your own path, decide which skills are most important and gain support from the company in pursuing this path.
• Jobs will change several times in the course of your professional life, sometimes unexpectedly. The same goes for careers. Your skill base sets the foundation for these changes and enables you to make smooth transitions. You may leave a company, but the skills you gained there remain with you wherever you go.

3. The challenge for administrative professionals

• You are at the forefront of change. Whether it's a new technical tool or office procedure, you are often the first to learn, help others adapt and provide feedback to key decision makers. Because of these job responsibilities, a willingness to constantly learn is essential.
• Your approach to skill-building efforts can have a direct impact on your ability to advance in the organisation. What new roles do you want to take on? To make room for these, how will you delegate and train junior staff to assume some of your existing responsibilities? Having a transition plan is critical to growth.

4. Your challenge: build the right skills

Here are several steps that can help you enhance your skills:

• Look close ly at your current job. When was the last time you learned a new skill? When was the last time you asked for the opportunity? If you don't have the chance to spread your wings in your current role, now may be the time to look for new responsibilities.
• Involve your manager. Before you look for opportunities outside the company, talk with your boss and make it known that you want to take on new duties - most managers appreciate initiative and willingness to learn. Skill-building efforts that directly support business needs are more likely to be considered favorably.
• Pick one opportunity outside of work. Not all of your learning should take place at the office. Think about what you do with your own time. Coaching a children's team teaches you motivation and management (not to mention patience). Planning a charitable fundraiser builds organisational skills. You get the picture. Find one extracurricular activity and connect it with a necessary work skill.
• Enlist support from a mentor. Skills enhancement can be tough to build into a busy schedule, but it's not impossible. Tap a mentor for help in keeping you focused on your objectives.
• Do some homework. Research articles, websites and professional associations to find out which skills are most in demand for your position and industry. Your network is also a great resource to tap for this information.
• Make the connection. Don't stop once you've done your homework. How do your research findings relate to your professional situation?
  For instance, your research may reveal that administrative professionals are using desktop publishing software more frequently, and you make the connection to your current role (your company is now producing newsletters internally). After evaluating your current situation and talking with your manager, you take on the responsibility for editing these newsletters. Learning the basics of the software program will enable you to make the necessary changes.
• Decide between proficiency and expertise. Doing your homework and making the connection will help you decide which skills need basic proficiency versus expertise

5. Tracking progress and rewarding results

You'll increase your success in building the right skills if you set completion dates for the steps above and list the results of your activities. And don't forget recognition. Think carefully about how you'll reward yourself when you complete a goal - this can help motivate you.

How would you rate your current level of job satisfaction? More importantly, which one area could you focus on to help enhance it? You may be very happy in your current role or content just to be employed in this uncertain market. On the other hand, you may be miserable and unsure how - or if - the situation can be improved. No matter what your situation, you can benefit from taking a careful approach to identifying the missing link.

• The missing link - more questions before you get answers
• Identifying the link - why it's critical in today's environment
• The challenge for administrative professionals
• Your challenge: find the missing link
• Tracking progress and rewarding results

1. The missing link - more questions before you get answers

In addition to asking yourself about your current level of job satisfaction and what you can do to make it better, also consider the following:

• How comfortable and secure am I in my current role?
  If you have a solid sense of job security and have mastered all of your job duties, that's good. But keep in mind that being too comfortable can make it difficult to make changes: You may be less motivated to advance in the other challenge areas - like extending your skills and building your network. And you may be reluctant to find your missing link if it means rocking the boat or stepping outside your comfort zone.

Think specifically about your missing link. What is the single thing that would bring you the most satisfaction in your job? The answer is different for each person, but here are some potential areas to consider:

• Greater scheduling flexibility
• Increased autonomy in making decisions
• Additional collaboration with colleagues at work
• More variety in projects
• Greater recognition from your boss and colleagues

2. Identifying the link - why it's critical in today's environment

Consider the reasons:

• Uncertainty remains in terms of when the employment market will show significant signs of improvement. It's taking longer for people to find jobs and make transitions. As a result, it's not feasible to postpone your job satisfaction until you get a new one. You may be weeks or months away from finding your dream job - and that's too long to put your professional happiness on hold.
• You are in the best position to identify the missing link and make the necessary changes. While others may assist you in the process, no one else can handle it for you.

3. The challenge for administrative professionals

• You are accustomed to accommodating new responsibilities, unexpected requests, more people to support, and so on. With so much fluctuation in your job, it may be difficult to take time to evaluate your level of happiness and how you can make positive changes.
• Many administrative professionals are the central resource for executives, staff, telecommuters, project workers and others. As such, support staff may not have as much scheduling flexibility or opportunities to collaborate. However, it's not that options don't exist or that doors are automatically closed. Instead, opportunities may be tougher to find and require more creativity to implement.

4. Your challenge: find the missing link

Here are several steps that can help you identify what's keeping you from greater job satisfaction:

• Consider the current market. Firms continue to watch expenses and resources carefully, but talent and initiative are in demand in any economic environment. Be mindful of budget constraints impacting your department and be open to considering a variety of options to create change.
• Target one area. You may think of 100 ways to improve your satisfaction level at work. But be picky: Focusing on too many areas can cause you to lose sight of what's most important.
• Involve your network. Ask people you respect how they've managed to turn around a tough situation and find greater satisfaction. You'll be surprised at what you hear. Don't limit yourself to one contact - the more people you tap for advice, the more ideas you'll get. And more ideas you get, the more motivated you'll become.
• Look at other challenge areas. In addition to your network, consider other areas we've explored in this series, Build the Right Skills and Reduce Clutter. They may provide additional ideas and input to help you in the process of finding your missing link.

5. Tracking progress and rewarding results

You'll increase your success in finding the missing link if you set completion dates for the steps above and list the results of your activities. And don't forget recognition. Think carefully about how you'll reward yourself when you complete a goal - this can help motivate you.

Do you feel challenged?

Given the demands in today's businesses, most people would answer this question with a resounding "yes". But think about what - and how - you're being tested. Is your main challenge at work just to make it through the day, or to carve out a satisfying career path?

Consider the reasons why taking a career challenge is critical to your success:

• It helps you track your current activity and perspectives - in a hectic work environment, it's even more important to see what you're doing and how you're thinking.
• In the current business climate, budgets, resources and time are all stretched to their limits. Companies and bosses don't have the tools to create a career track for you and monitor your success - the onus is on you to do so. Challenging yourself is essential to continued professional development.

A career challenge doesn't need to happen overnight. Furthermore, people who try to do too much in too little time often set themselves up for failure. Most of the steps outlined here can be incorporated into your existing schedule.

Make one selection for each question below.
Consider each question before you answer, then check your response with the comments that follow.

Clutter

01. Do you know who or what are the worst culprits in terms of wasting your time at work?

AYes - people who stop by and interrupt me unnecessarily
BYes - noise from neighboring cubicles and office equipment that lessens my ability to concentrate
CYes - meetings that are unfocused and last too long
DYes - all of the above
ENo - I haven't thought about it

Your answer
A B C D Good job. You know who or what impacts you the most. Everyone faces time wasters at work- the most important thing is identifying what they are and how you will deal with them.
E Give this area some careful thought. You can't limit time wasters or confront them effectively unless you know exactly what they are.

02. What's your best approach for dealing with time wasters?

AI politely get to the point and ask people what they need. If it's not urgent, I tell them I'm on deadline for a project, and will catch up with them as soon as I'm able.
BI try not to be a time waster myself- If I don't interrupt people, create lots of noise, or contribute to long meetings, others may follow suit.
CI work on more mundane activities, like filing or responding to e-mail, when I know I can't avoid a time waster.
DI haven't developed a best approach yet

Your answer
A B Great. You're taking a proactive approach to limit these interruptions. As long as you're courteous and follow up with people when you say you will, you're taking the right approach.
C Careful. While it's a good idea to "downshift" when you can't avoid time wasters, you may end up spending most of your time on mundane activities and not enough on big picture projects.
D Give consideration to how you will address time wasters moving forward. Having a game plan is essential.

03. How much time do you feel you spend on projects that don't contribute to the bottom line at your company?

AA small amount
BA medium amount
CA large amount
DUnsure

Your answer
A Good. No one likes to spend time on "grunt work," but it's inherent in most every job.
B C You're headed down a tough path. If a special project is taking you out of your traditional job duties, that's one thing, but if you're gradually being consumed by projects that don't impact the bottom line, watch out. Sit down with your manager and clarify your priorities.
D Yikes! Make it a point to review the "big picture" goals of the department and company with your manager. If you don't know what they are, you could be spending the bulk of your time on all the wrong projects.

04. How would you rate the cleanliness of your desk?

AImpeccably clean- not a paper out of place
BReasonably clean- there's clutter, but it's manageable
CIn need of a light clearing
DIn need of a bulldozer

Your answer
A B Great. Limiting clutter is not just important for your own sanity. Think of your boss and colleagues- make sure that critical files and information are easy to find, in the event that you are out of the office.
C OK. Take 10 minutes at the end of each workday to clear a pile. You'll be in the A or B category in no time. D Danger! A messy desk may be a sign of a great mind hard at work, but too much clutter can impact your productivity and that of your fellow coworkers (see answer to A or B, above). Make sure your head and shoulders stay above the stacks (otherwise, people may not know you're there)!

Network

05. How willing are you to help others with their job search/career management tasks?

AVery willing- I might learn something in the process
BSomewhat willing- Depends on who's doing the asking
CNot willing- Who has the time?
DUnsure

Your answer
A Terrific. This outlook will help you provide great advice and build the value you offer your network.
B OK. True, you need to make sure you have the time before committing to help someone, but be careful. You may need to tap this person in the weeks or months ahead with a request, so do your best to help in some way.
C Not quite. Most people don't have loads of free time to offer. Instead of saying no, offer your help for a quick project with a set time frame. For instance, carve out 10 minutes to critique a resume or role-play interview questions with someone.
D Careful. This is a great network-building opportunity, so don't close the door. You don't need to have lots of professional experience or be in a position to hire to be of help- most times, just having a second set of eyes or ears is what the job seeker needs most.

06. How many times have others contacted you for help within the last month?

AFive or more times
BBetween one and five times
CHave not been contacted
DUnsure

Your answer
A Super. You've established yourself as a trusted resource among your circle. You've got plenty of contacts who would be happy to help you as well.
B Great. You're helping people reach their goals.
C Hmmm. You'd probably be a great resource for people. Why not call or e-mail an out-of-work colleague. Offer to be a reference or invite him to a networking event.
D Danger. You may be doing a ton of work in this area or none at all. Whatever the situation, it's critical to keep track of your networking activity.

07. What's the best way to ask a favour of your network?

ASend out a blanket e-mail- the more people involved, the better
BCall or e-mail requests to individual people- the more targeted you are, the more likely you are to get a response
CThank people in advance and offer to return the favor

Your answer
A Rethink your approach. If a recipient of your e-mail sees you've asked dozens of other people for the same thing, he or she may feel someone else will address your need, and disregard the request.
B Excellent. Targeting your outreach and being specific in your requests will encourage a response.
C Yes. This should be included in every request. As with B, you will encourage a response if you are courteous and willing to return the favour.

Skills

08. How much can you rely on your current employer for skills enhancement opportunities?

ACompletely- the more I build my skills, the more I benefit the company
BPartially- I can help the company, but I'm also building my overall professional marketability
CNot at all- In this market, every person should rely on him or herself- companies just don't have the time or money to invest in people like they once did
DUnsure

Your answer
A Watch out. In this employment market, firms' training budgets may be stretched thin. For most positions, it's unrealistic to expect the company to take full training and skill-building responsibility.
B Great. Remember that while your positions and companies may change over time, you have full ownership of the skills you've learned along the way. In evaluating job candidates, hiring mangers look favorably upon people who have taken a proactive approach to skills enhancement.
C Careful. A proactive approach is essential. But if the skills you seek to gain directly benefit the firm, your boss may be able to help in some way. Perhaps tuition assistance isn't feasible, but time off to take a class is.
D Time out. Ask your manager or your HR department about current policies. It's important to know what the parameters are as you proceed with your plan.

09. What's the best way to get an employer's support for your skill-building efforts?

AAsk politely- no one can turn down a courteous request
BProvide a business reason- show how this will impact the firm or department
CProvide a training reason- offer to train others on what you learn
DProvide a personal reason- you can't afford to take the class on your own and need the money from your boss to meet your goal

Your answer
A Not quite. Courtesy can work wonders in the workplace, but an investment of time or resources will need much more than a "please" and "thank you."
B Right. Tie your request to the needs of the business. If you can't think of a benefit to the business, it's probably best not to make the request.
C Right also. If your boss can send one person to a course but have it benefit 10 people, he or she will likely consider the request carefully.
D No. Follow the same guidelines in discussing starting salaries, raises and bonuses. Base your request on the business and resulting benefits, not hardship or personal issues.

10. Who's the best source for information on how to build your skills?

AYour boss
BYour coworkers
CYour IT and HR departments
DFriends and former colleagues in your network
EAll of the above

Your answer
A B C D Any of these are good choices to tap for knowledge and assistance.
E Great. Cast a wide net in gathering information to help point you in the right direction. Each of these groups will have different perspectives, experiences and details that can help you with your plan.

Missing Link

11. Which one of the following would serve to most increase your job satisfaction?

Would you like more ?
AFlexibility
BAutonomy/Independence
CCollaboration with others
DVariety in work projects
ERecognition from your boss and colleagues
FDon't know

Your answer
A B C D E Great. You have a good idea of what you want. The trick is to go about asking for it.
F Time out. Think about this carefully. Even if you're happy in your current position, there's usually one area that can be improved upon. Knowing what that area is will be key to making the enhancements.

Ready for a challenge?

Now that you've taken the quiz, challenge yourself to target your approach in four areas - clutter control, network building, skills enhancement and identifying the missing link. Consider the following points below. You'll increase your success rate if you set completion dates and list the results from your activity. And don't forget rewards. How will you reward yourself when you complete your goal? Remember that a pat on the back can be a huge motivator.

Your clutter challenge

• Step #1
  Look at your desk from an outsider's perspective.
  You don't have to be the "queen of clean," but remember that the state of your desk can speak volumes about your professionalism and organisational abilities. You never know when senior executives orpotential clients may pass by - their first impression of you may be based primarily on the clutter they see (or don't). Take a hard look and make a plan for gradual clearing.

• Step #2
  Help someone else clear clutter.
  Once you attack your own workspace, you'll be in great shape to assist someone else. Helping a boss or colleague reorganise files or manage electronic documents more effectively has multiple benefits - you'll boost someone else's productivity and build your visibility at the same time.

• Step #3
  Evaluate your career clutter.
  Old cv's and reference lists are clutter, too. But don't toss them yet - use them as the basis in drafting new, fresh materials. In today's business climate, it pays to be prepared for your next job search. Don't be caught off guard - have these materials ready for your next opportunity.
  Completion Date:
  Results:
  Rewards:

Your networking challenge

• Step #1
  Pay it forward
  Don't think of what your network can do for you. It's all about give and take. Be the first one to take action - select one person in your network who is in transition. Offer your help to this person without being asked.

• Step #2
  Add one new contact.
  Most of us know lots of people who are mirror images of ourselves - those who have the same education, years of experience, background, etc. Seek out one person who doesn't fit your mold and involve him or her in professional development activities.

• Step #3
  Pick up the phone.
  E-mail makes it very easy for people to keep in touch, request favors and send our thanks. But don't forget the personal touch. Call one of your contacts and invite him or her to lunch or a networking event - face-to-face meetings can do a lot to build your future efforts.
  Completion Date:
  Results:
  Rewards:

Your skills challenge

• Step #1
  Look closely at your current job
  When's the last time you learned a new skill? When's the last time you asked for the opportunity? How important is this to your professional satisfaction? If you find that you don't have any chances to spread your wings in your current role - and want to - now may be the time to start looking for a new position, either in the same company or outside.

• Step #2
  Pick one opportunity outside of work
  Not all your learning needs to take place within traditional office hours. Coaching a youth football team teaches organisation and management skills (not to mention patience). Planning a charitable fundraiser builds organisational abilities. You get the picture. Take one extra-curricular activity and connect what you do with a needed work skill.

• Step #3
  Tap a network contact
  Skills enhancement is a tricky business - with all the other demands on your time, it's easy to let this fall by the wayside. Tap one of your contacts for help in keeping you focused on your objectives - and offer to do the same in return.
  Completion Date:
  Results:
  Rewards:

Your missing link challenge

• Step #1
  Consider the current market and prioritize
  Is your missing link a 20 percent salary raise? Massages every Tuesday at noon? The chance to accompany the boss on big trips? Sound out-of-reach? In this market, yes. Firms continue to watch expenses and resources carefully, but that doesn't mean all doors are closed. Be selective in your requests, and have back-up ideas to offer in case your first choices are turned down.

• Step #2
  Target one link
  You may think of 100 ways you want to improve your satisfaction level at work. But be picky - focusing on too many areas may make you lose focus of what's really most important.

• Step #3
  Involve your network
  Ask people- at any career stage- how they've managed to turn a tough situation around and find greater satisfaction in their work. You'll be surprised at what you hear. Don't limit yourself to one contact- the more people you tap for advice, the more ideas you get. The more ideas you get, the more motivated you'll become.
  Completion Date:
  Results:
  Rewards:

OfficeTeam is committed to helping you meet your career challenges, now and in the future. Our recruitment consultants place thousands of administrative professionals in rewarding jobs, and work with leading companies in all industries. We assist job seekers and client firms at every stage of the job search and hiring process. Contact the office nearest you or search for a new and rewarding job opportunity through OfficeTeam.