Excel in Your Career: How to Become a Top Performer

How much development and training did you get when you first started your current job? Did you have enough time, days or weeks, to learn the systems, processes, and technology utilized at your company? Or were you given a little information and told to “figure out the rest?” A lack of development and training is one of the most common reasons professionals indicate dissatisfaction. At times, this leads people to believe that they are being set up for failure.

This can be highly frustrating as an executive or professional because, training and a clear structure can help you maximize performance in your role moving forward. You must know specifics regarding any processes or technology your organization uses, internal workflows, have a clear indication of the goals associated with your position, and how all of this relates to the organization and customers. If you aren’t adequately trained, it isn’t easy to achieve successful outcomes. Here’s how to excel in your career and become a top performer, even when you didn’t get enough training!

Ask for More Development and Training

Your first step should be to query your supervisor for additional development, support, and training. However, many people choose not to do so and continue to fall further and further behind where they’d like to be. Some executives and professionals are nervous to ask their manager for training because they think it might make them look like they do not know what they’re doing. Instead, not voicing your concerns can be more detrimental if you can’t produce the results required for your role. Waiting until you are considered as “failing” can lead others to believe that you aren’t equipped to handle the position.

Observe What the Other Successful Workers Do

It’s wise to watch what other effective performers are doing. Do they seem to know a software, methodology, or specific skill that you don’t? Make a list of any areas you think you are behind or were not taught. These areas could be factors that you never even thought of when you first spoke to your supervisor. If you feel comfortable with your team members, you may want to ask them for tips or secrets to ensure things move more efficiently and faster. It is possible that you may be able to start incorporating some suggestions or changes into your position right away.

Research Your Field, Industry, and Position.

At this point, you probably have an idea of what could improve your performance and make your job easier. Taking things a bit further by researching your industry, position, and field puts you in a better position to reach your objectives. Most executives and professionals are limited by what they experience and see daily. Learning what others are doing outside of your company can be extremely helpful in expanding your frame of reference. You can find out what additional training and certifications other executives and professionals pursue from professional development associations and industry organizations.

Create Your Training and Development Plan

If your manager hasn’t offered any additional training opportunities for you, it’s time to create your development and training plan. What is sensible for you to commit to in addition to completing your assigned role duties? Could you ask to shadow another team member who is a top performer? Can you take an online course to learn more about a specific technology platform or skill? Another possibility is to focus your development entirely outside your company by joining societies or associations for your field. If you’re feeling stuck on how to apply your training plan, talk to a mentor or career coach.

You might feel powerless if the company didn’t train you thoroughly to do your job. Asking your supervisor for more development and training as soon as possible should be your first step. Observing what other successful team members do can help you see more areas you need to focus on. Doing some research online and connecting with others in your field to learn what training and courses they’ve taken can also be beneficial. If your manager doesn’t seem to be coordinating additional support for you, create your own development and training plan. What skills could you learn to excel in your career and become a top performer?

Still find yourself looking for ways to boost career growth? Fly High Coaching is always here to help. We offer expert professional resume services and career coaching to help professionals excel or change the path they are on. Contact us today to get started on your new career journey or check out our FREE Kick Start Your Success course for more ideas to reach your goals!