Think of yourself as a candy bar ... on the outside, you may have dynamite packaging, but if you don't taste good, you may get a bite, but you won't make it to market.  When it comes to personal branding, who you are on the inside can make or break the deal. 

In reading this information, allow yourself to be introspective by taking an honest inventory of your internal attributes, and then decide where your weak areas lie and how you can remake your personal brand in order to achieve your personal best. --  If you're a member with some issues in this area, give me a call and let's talk things through.

Brad Smart, Ph.D. and author of Top Grading, writes, “Candidates with the most impressive strengths get the job only if they do not have major flaws.”  On pages 218 – 219 of his book, he states that he believes there are twelve common failings related to needed competencies.  Rather than indicating the shortcomings in these areas, I have chosen to indicate my beliefs about requirements to achieve and maintain A Player status.

Resourcefulness – know the business and industry you are in and create opportunities for the organization and yourself; delegate wisely by building rapport rather than destroying it.

Selecting – know how to choose A Players and surround yourself with them; know how to mentor others who may be potential A Players, and allow yourself to be mentored.  Thinking you have to know it all gets you no where fast.  Network.  Build your connections through LinkedIn, Namz and other professional groups.  Ask questions, seek answers.  As Tim Sanders writes, Love is the Killer App, His message?  Simply, have information to share, and share it!

A former co-worker of mine, Cherie, is a perfect example of this message.  In a company where lay-offs came nearly every thirty-days, she was never on the list.  Why?  Cherie took the time to know everything she could about the company.  From phones, to keys, to pitching in with Client Services, to building relationships with clients, co-workers, vendors and beyond -- she was, and still is the A to Z go-to person at her company.  She made herself indispensable, not by holding onto everything she knew, but by sharing herself in every way possible.

Passion – maintain your drive and if you find you are going through the motions, proactively make corrections, even if this means a career change.  Stay on top of your industry by participating on boards or being an active member of a professional organization.  Read business books when you're on a plan traveling on business.  Share your insights, and what you've been reading or listening to.  Actively participate in your life and your profession. 

Integrity – be honest, trustworthy, and confidential -- and work within the framework of business law.  Remember what your mother told you, “if you can’t say something nice (about someone) don’t say anything at all.”  There is no room for gossip as an A Player.

Ambition – serve the Company, your co-workers and clients.  AND, commit yourself to being effective rather than being right.  Being someone who listens and thinks through the ideas of others verses a quick response can yield great dividends. 

Political Savvy – play fair in the workplace.  Know how to navigate the negative, effectively resolve conflict without taking sides, know your values and let them guide you always.  Call your coach (me) to go through a values exercise, and familiarize yourself with John Wooden, former star-coach of the UCLA Bruins and a true "A" Player.

Adaptability – navigate career promotions carefully by selecting positions you have the right amount of knowledge, skill and experience to perform.  Be challenged, but never get yourself so far in over your head that you set yourself up for failure.

Team Builder – empower others to excel, create an atmosphere of growth and appreciation.  In my experience, individual contributors and managers who hold onto the glory lose the respect of their team members and their staff.  Eventually, this kind of behavior catches up to the individual and believe me, they don't land on their feet.

Team Player – be the above and beyond person, a resource.  Freely give information and invite participation, welcome the opinions and ideas of others and integrate them.

Track Record – take ownership of projects, be known for meeting deadlines and obligations, even if it means working nights and weekends to do what you committed to do; work efficiently and pay attention to your workload  Do not over commit.  Let your yes mean yes, your no mean no, and, your maybe mean no too.

Intelligence – know the level of your ability to serve, and commit to being a life-long learner; read, be involved in think tanks, master-mind groups, listen to others, and again, allow yourself to be mentored.

Likeability – be a person of integrity, treat others with genuine respect, care and kindness, and make sure your values match the values of the organization for which you work.

To your success!

Melissa