This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Seven Habits Holding You Back from Success ¶
Published on November 20, 2019
Ever wondered why that promotion never seems to land on your table and keeps passing you by? Why you have been stuck at the same job position for over five years and those who have come after you end up being your boss?
According to various industry experts, there are several habits that can prevent you from progressing in your career. We spoke to several individuals in the corporate world and small business owners to find out what traits are holding people back.
One of the key habits that can prevent you from progressing is a lack of self-motivation and work ethic. Nancie Amunga, founder of Dana Courier Services and Errands, emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and solving problems without being asked. 'You might have all the papers, but so long as you are not self-motivated and take initiative to solve problems that teeth every now and then without being asked, then you are at risk of remaining in the position that you are as others are moving up the ladder.'
Another habit that can hold you back is a lack of independence and resourcefulness. Betty Kathungu-Furet, owner and founder of Furet Films, notes that employees who need constant supervision will not progress in the workplace. 'I do not like employees who need to be micro-managed every step of the way. In the film industry, you need employees who can think on their feet.'
Speaking up about your achievements is also crucial for career progression. Lina Dyhr, founder of linaconnect.com and head of marketing for a mobile phone-based payment platform, TIBA, emphasizes the importance of articulating your desires for growth to relevant leadership. 'A lot of people choose to be quiet and work hard in the shadows, but they do not realise that we live in a world where if you do not speak up for yourself, no one will.'
Other habits that can hold you back include doing the bare minimum, lacking passion and self-drive, being unprofessional, and lacking emotional intelligence. Ramesh Gorasia, a multi-business owner in construction, real estate, and agriculture, notes that attitude is the foundation of everything and that employees who do not come to work with an open mind will find it difficult to progress.
Francis Mulekya, managing director at Prestige Industrial Services Limited, emphasizes the importance of passion and self-drive in career progression. 'If as an employee you do not have passion for their current position, you are bound to find yourself lacking energy and self-drive.'
Suzie Wokabi, founder and chief creative officer of Suzie Beauty, notes that being unprofessional in the workplace is a major turn-off. 'Being unprofessional is big one for me. Sadly, I see a lot of it at all levels of recruitment, and even after employment.'
Derek Bbanga, a communications and emotional intelligence facilitator, emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in career progression. 'Lack of emotional intelligence can hold you back from success.'
