Career excellence has no formula and it cannot be achieved overnight. It’s a life-long journey that at times requires patience. 

Good jobs offer assistance and training for their employees to get better. But in situations where no support is offered, an employee is required to have the willingness and strong desire to perform well. This is how to thrive in your career; 

Be truly dedicated

Emile Uwera, an accountant in Kigali, notes that for one to elevate their career, they have to first have interest in their job or at least believe in whatever they are doing. If you are truly dedicated to the job, you are more likely to see your work from a variety of perspectives and bring fresh ideas to the table. 

Willingness to learn

Excellence comes with the willingness to learn. Be able to show interest in being taught and the ability to learn. This is because learning keeps you healthy, helps your mind engaged and body active, increases your adaptability and keeps you relevant, she adds.

Be a problem solver

Uwera carries on, that great employees solve problems. Understanding that positive impact of employee problem-solving increases workplace productivity. Using effective problem-solving techniques on the job keeps problems from reoccurring.

"To be greater problem solvers, employers or managers ought to empower employees rather than directly guide them. Instead of telling them how to complete the job or exactly what they need to do, rather, set a goal for them, and let them figure out the rest,” Uwera states. 

She adds, growth requires the employer’s efforts too, for instance, as a manager, you should encourage creativity, provide ample resources, and facilitate team brainstorming and appreciate new ideas. This keeps workers motivated. 

Understand your employer’s goals

For her, working smart requires an employee to know her boss’ goal. Many people make a mistake of working at their jobs for years without really knowing or understanding their employers or their goals at that. It’s important to consider this and also, bother to know how your role impacts those goals, and what you can do to have more of an impact. 

Be present for your team

"Employee teamwork enables your workforce to split difficult tasks into simpler ones, then work together to complete them faster. Develop specialised skills, so that the best person for each task can do it better and faster, learn what your teammates value so you can share their mind-set and put the team’s priorities first,” Uwera points out. 

Accept other responsibilities 

The accountant stresses that when you are willing to take up additional responsibilities at work, it shows your willingness and desire to help your working department and organisation to grow. This will add your value to the organisation, by helping you reveal your talents and knowledge-which are all key in adding value to the organisation.

Learn your boss’ likes and dislikes

According to LiveCareer, you don’t have to be best friends with your boss. In fact, you don’t even need to like your boss. You should, however, know your boss.

"The better you understand what your boss values, likes and dislikes, the better you can perform your job to their expectations and demands. When you can perform your duties in a way that is pleasing to your boss, the more likely it is that your boss will recognise you for it.”

Expand your knowledge and skills

Career experts say that professional life is different from college and yet, one has to be willing to learn each time. It is important you expand your knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant and critical to your organisation and staying informed by keeping up with the current industry news.