I remember it well, my first job. I walked in all fired up to get to work and then it happened. I just got stuck in a rut. I did not feel like I was moving forward and I did not feel like I was part of the team.

It was at this point I realized I had a problem. I was not going to be able to move forward unless I learned some new skills. A wise man grabbed me and taught me the 4 secret skill sets to career advancement and not losing my job.

I realized that as I used these 4 secrets that not only did I advance in my career but they took me to my dreams. Without further ado, the 4 secrets!

1 Proper attitude.

One of the most important things we do in life is having a proper attitude. I cannot stress that this is the number 1 secret. You must approach life with the “can do” attitude. You have to believe in yourself and you have to believe in being positive. This alone will separate you from the herd.

If you are one of those worried about who Brad Pitt is dating, or worried about someone else in another department, then you do not have the proper attitude. The proper attitude is one of focusing on the job at hand, giving it your fullest attention and doing your best.

That is it, at work you need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. This attitude also includes honesty. It is honesty with yourself, your employer, your partner, spouse, or significant other. If you work hard and give your best with a positive attitude, you have just become the dream employee.

How do you get this attitude? That leads to secret number #2.

2. Personal Development .

You must be doing personal development. This is a key to you moving forward. One of the first questions I would ask a prospective employee was: what books are you reading? That alone would give an indication of what the person thought was important.

I ask you now. What books are you reading?

In today’s world to maintain a proper attitude we need to keep putting good stuff in our minds. Remember the old computer saying, “garbage in, garbage out.” It is the same for our intellect. You need to get some material to help you get through the negatives.

Secret number 2, 30 minutes of personal development everyday.

I will suggest one tool that is free. Every morning http://www.morningcoach.com gives 15 minutes of free coaching. It is a great way to get your personal development.

3 Listening skills

This is a critical secret; you need to learn how to listen. Nothing will make you move up faster then if you take a legitimate interest in what your employer and fellow employees are saying.

Learn to quiet what you want to say and absorb what they want you to hear. Most of us say something, and then stop listening and get ready to say something else. I know not you! Well stop talking and start listening!

This will help you with your relationships at home, and at work.

4. Organization

The 4th and final secret is to get organized! There are a few basics that you need to organize:

1. Your contacts make sure you have a place to store all the valuable information about your contacts. This includes fellow employees, employers, friends, etc.

2. Keep necessary tools close. We lose so much time looking for paperclips, scissors, CD’s. Manage your works space.

3. Use some form of planner to manage your personal projects and goals. Do the Plan Do Act format.

4. Create a daily action plan, or have a daily to do list, or checklist.

5. Keep a work journal, where you can store your thoughts and be creative with ideas. It is also great to take notes at meetings.

6. Use a calendar for appointments and future projects.

The most important thing with organization is find the tools you are going to use and stick with them. Do not change just because a new toy came out. Get good at your system. It does not have to be fancy it just needs to work!

If you take these 4 secrets and apply them you will be ahead of 95% of the workforce today. You will become invaluable to you employer and you will advance faster then you can imagine.

Is it easy? No way. I never said it was going to be. The key is the constant development everyday and doing so with the proper attitude. You can make a difference in your own life and it can start today.

Get organized, get positive, hone your listening skills, and work on you. That is the real secret to moving up in your career!

Go do it!

James (J.B.) Glossinger, MBA, Phd

www.morningcoach.com