China workplace [cnduty.com] reported: In those days, we bid farewell to ten years of study and started our career journey together at the school gate... After ten years of hard work in the workplace and then returning to the school gate, many people have this realization: everyone's situation is different. Some have become general managers, some are engineers, others are department managers or experts, while some remain ordinary, even feeling embarrassed to exchange business cards.
The ten years after graduation is a major milestone in life. At this point, most people have completed their basic career exploration in their professional journey and begin to sprint towards the peak of their careers. Some break through barriers and stand out, while others cannot find a breakthrough point and remain mediocre. Everyone wants to succeed, so how can one achieve the brilliance and ideal of "ten years of honing a sword"?
Ms. Mi's story: Ten years of honing resulted in a "wooden sword"
Ms. Mi, 33 years old, holds a master's degree in accounting and currently serves as an assistant to the general manager of a foreign enterprise division. Her slightly flushed round face has a pair of large eyes that shine with determination and upward striving spirit, exuding a harmonious demeanor. Over the past ten years of work, she has exhausted her abilities and efforts, striving on the line between her career, studies, and family. Graduating from an accounting major, she has worked for eight companies, serving as a bank accountant, customs officer for a commercial logistics company, sales supervisor, general manager secretary, business department director, and business manager assistant. During this time, she self-funded her overseas study to complete her master's degree and worked abroad for a period. Simultaneously, her family underwent changes and fragmentation during her endeavors...
Currently, Ms. Mi serves as an assistant to the general manager of a foreign enterprise division. Although it sounds prestigious, her salary is lower than other department managers. Her job mainly involves translating, conveying the general manager’s instructions, supervising the business department's completion, and reporting upwards. Over time, she realized that this position was neither high nor low, leaving her stuck in an awkward spot where she receives criticism from both sides. Subordinates don't respect her when tasks aren't completed, yet she still gets criticized alongside them. What concerns her more is the recent addition of a male employee in her department whose foreign language skills match hers. Occasionally, he bypasses her and communicates directly with the general manager, making Ms. Mi feel threatened and worried about losing her position as the general manager's assistant...
Reflecting on her ten years of effort, Ms. Mi feels that she has paid a huge price, including her family life. She never imagined that all her full-hearted struggles would result in what seems like a "wooden sword" — something that can only be hung on the wall for show but is useless when put to real use. With sadness and confusion, she sought guidance at Chaoyang Life Institution.
"The Blacksmith Principle" in the Workplace
Chaoyang Life Career Planner Jian Lika combined his years of experience in HR work and numerous case studies to summarize the "Blacksmith Principle" for "how to hone a sword over ten years in the workplace." Striving in the workplace is like forging a fine sword, requiring top-quality materials, the right temperature, and exceptional craftsmanship:
1. Top-Quality Materials - The Inner Qualities for Workplace Success
1) Knowledge Optimization
The excellence of knowledge is often measured by your academic qualifications, grades, or awards at first. However, in the workplace, employers measure your ability by your output, which determines your raises and promotions. Therefore, you must continuously reinforce and optimize your knowledge structure, learning from work and training to form a solid and optimized knowledge system relevant to your profession. Additionally, develop the ability to convert knowledge into high productivity.
2) Physical and Mental Optimization
To achieve results in your work, you must endure immense work pressure, which tests both your physical and mental well-being. You need a strong physique and excellent stress resistance because serious illness could lead to a "career interruption." You should also cultivate a positive mindset and resilience against setbacks.
3) Image Optimization
Invest in your appearance, behavior, and sincerity in dealing with people to create a positive public image. This helps establish professional credibility, implies self-worth, and boosts confidence.
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