When It Comes to Your Career, Playing It Safe Is Risky

With the current state of the economy, the trend in the workplace is to “play it safe.” Some employees feel that if they hide in the shadows and continue to do their job without getting noticed, they’ll have a safe and secure career.

In my experience I’ve constantly seen people just do enough to keep a job. These are the same people who never see a promotion and are the first to go when the company downsizes.

Organizations look for leaders—those who innovate, think outside the box, and improve the company’s bottom line. In today’s economic culture, playing it safe just doesn’t cut it. If you can stand out, create influential relationships, and do more than what is asked of you, you’ll gain both job security and success.

Playing it safe can be detrimental to your career.

Take a risk.

If you’re looking for career and job advancement, harness the courage to step out of your comfort zone and take a calculated risk. Don’t be afraid to fail, and don’t let the recession hold you back. You don’t know what you can achieve until you try.

Maintain focus.

When you’re ready to take a risk, don’t get sidetracked. Make your goal your priority; drive toward it each day. Stay energized by envisioning what success will look like.

Get noticed.

Make sure your work stands out, so you get the recognition you deserve. How? By communicating what you’ve accomplished.

For tips and real-life examples on how to get noticed, head over to a blog post I wrote, “3 Ways Remarkable Leaders Get Noticed.” That should give you the confidence to take your own risks and leap ahead.

Are you ready to get ahead in your career? Read my new book, Getting Ahead: Three Steps to Take Your Career to the Next Level.