16 Tips to Boost Your Career

Everyone wants to succeed in their job, and we're guessing you do too. We've been around since 2002, and since we've seen thousands of women come and go to and from Dubai in an effort to boost their career. 

It's true, Dubai provides plenty of opportunities for a lot of people that they may not necessarily have in their home country. But to assume you will do well on the basis that the odds are in your favour is naive, and so here's some tips that you should adopt to help boost your career. 

1. Stop worrying about your co-workers

Jane comes in late. Joe slacks off. Jeremy's presentations fall flat... What do all of these things have in common? They're none of your concern. Nor should you be moaning about them at any point. Moaning or being negative about anyone in your office is unprofessional, and may come back to bite you. If Jane being late effects your work and you have to cover, then it is your problem. If it does't affect you, ignore it. You'll be happier and better able to focus on your own work. 

2. Give in to the boss's quirks

Sometimes you may have a boss who seems to be irrational about something. The boss wants everything written in Times New Roman, just go ahead and do it. Your manager hates people wearing jeans, don't wear jeans. Prevent mild annoyances from occuring and just go with the flow. You're more likely to be rewarded for being a good employee, even if it's something as simple as wearing jeans.

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You might also be interested in:

• 5 ways to improve your work relationships
• Tips on staying healthy at your desk
• Organisation tips for the unorganised

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3. Show up on time

If your boss values face time, be on time. Regardless of whether you get results or not in your work and projects. It will help, we promise. If you have a boss who does value your punctuality, and then you're late, every other good deed you have completed in your working day or week will be automatically tossed aside, and you don't want that. It's not fair. So be on time. Be early, if you can in fact!

4. Accepting help is not a sign of weakness

Sitting and moaning about how stressed you are with your workload, and then failing to accept help when its offered is a silly thing to do. They're not personally attacking you, but instead want to assist you. And that's okay. If what you're working on can only be completed by you, then perhaps delegate another task to the colleague willing to help so you have one less thing to worry about.

5. Take a risk or two

Speak up in a meeting, suggest a solution to a problem that isn't your direct responsibility, present a new idea, prepare to be shot down... Just try! You will be admired for your initiative.

6. Look for the positive in everything

If something goes wrong, instead of being defeated, take it as an opportunity to learn something, all the way believing it will make a great story in the future someday. 

7. Ask for feedback

Self-assessment is important, yes, but seeking and having feedback given to you at all time is fantastic. It's important to ask for it all the time; for example, every meeting you hold, lead with "what really worked for you?" and "what would make it even better if..?" You can learn a lot from just these two questions about your work, product and performance.

8. Take a class

Why don't you learn something new? Expand your horizons. Learning a new skill demonstrates that you can keep up with the best of them.

9. Give sincere thanks for criticism

Don't be defensive or embarassed that someone has spotted an error in your work; instead thank them for noticing it and letting you know. And treat your colleagues with the same respect likewise, help them if you spot a mistake that can be easily rectified, we're sure they'll truly appreciate it. 

10. Start exercising and eating right

You want to get ahead in your career? Be and look healthy. Not only will you feel better within yourself, but your performance and motivation will improve, resulting in you being to achieve the best you can.

11. Be transparent about your ambitions

Just sitting there and smiling, hoping for someone to pick you will never work... You have to speak up and let people know how you want your career to go. Explain to your boss the path you wish to take. 

SEE ALSO: How to go green in the office

12. Know how to ask for a pay rise

It's a perfectly fine question to ask, as when it comes to business, it's just business. Prepare yourself and ensure you're ready to demonstrate exactly why you deserve it, explain your points and choose your timing wisely. As the saying goes, you don't know until you ask. 

13. You will always learn something new

You're never too young or too old to learn something new, which could benefit your career. 

14. You don't have to be friends with everyone in the office

It's a working environment, and everyone here knows their responsibilities and targets. Yes be civil, of course, be professional... But you don't have to always know exactly what the guy in IT did at the weekend, or what the sales woman had for breakfast. Save your energy to performing your best and helping your team and projects exceed!

15. Create a support network

While you don't have to be friends with everyone, it's always brilliant to have close colleagues that you can get along with and lean on if ever you need advice, support or help in making a difficult decision. Two or three heads is better than one after all, and it's even better when you truly judge that person's judgement and you'll know they have your best interest at heart. 

16. Networking is key

We're sure this is one piece of advice you have already been told, and there's a reason for that; networking to help enhance your career and yourself never goes out of fashion. Get out there, meet different people, learn about different industries... You never know when you may need a favour!