Are you a junior professional looking to fast-track your career growth? The 80/20 rule can be your game-changer: focus on the 20% of actions that drive 80% of results.
The concepts below apply to transitioning from a junior developer/worker/entrepreneur to a senior one. They also apply to most, if not all, jobs and careers.
The strategies we will cover are no shortcuts or “fake it till you make it” advice. They are things I have learned and experienced throughout my career.
Let’s dive into the 20% that can make all the difference in your career growth:
1. Approach People Radiating Positive Energy and Emotion
A study at the Kellogg School of Management found that sitting next to a high performer can improve your performance by 15%.
Find individuals who inspire you, are better than you, are high performers, and possess the qualities you want to embody. These individuals radiate positive energy and motivation. They make you feel good about yourself when you’re around them, or when you hear them speak, or people you respect talk highly about them. They can be peers or managers and bosses.
Then, seek ways to build relationships with them. Most high performers are happy to share their knowledge and help others grow. Sit near them, have lunch together, join their book clubs, join their teams or volunteer for their projects.
In return, find ways to add value to them. If you’re not as skilled yet, you can bring enthusiasm, hard work, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.
No one can help with your career growth more than the people who has been there!
2. Avoid People with Negative Energy and Emotion
The same Kellogg study showed that sitting within 25 feet of a toxic person can decrease your performance by 30%.
Toxic people often complain, blame others and “the company,” and lack a growth mindset, sense of agency, and responsibility. They play the victim card constantly.
While it is important to inspire and uplift others when possible, avoid spending most of your time with people who constantly radiate negativity.
This doesn’t mean cutting such people out of your life entirely—especially if they’re family or close colleagues—but manage your time and emotional investment wisely. You can offer help without allowing their negativity to weigh you down.
They will hinder your career growth because they are not focusing on their own careers.
3. Humanity & AI
The age of AI is here, and everyone—whether a coder or not—needs to embrace it.
First, develop proficiency in AI tools and applications. These are no longer optional skills.
Second, Emotional Intelligence! Sharpen your communication, empathy, and people skills. You can find ways to improve those skills, whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert (a person with features of both an introvert and extrovert).
In the age of AI, humanity becomes your differentiator, not your technical skills:
- Your warmth and approachability.
- Your ability to inspire collaboration and shared goals.
- Your passion and positive energy.
- Controlling your emotions in challenging situations to stay focused and composed.
- How you don’t take things personally.
- Navigating conflicts calmly, listening effectively, and communicating constructively.
Daniel Goleman emphasizes in his book that EQ is a skill you can develop through intentional effort. For example, by actively practicing better listening habits, you can build stronger relationships and improve your overall EQ.
Technical skills are becoming more accessible to everyone with access to AI, but your humanity is irreplaceable.
Conclusion
Career growth isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about focusing on the small, intentional actions that yield the biggest results.
By surrounding yourself with positive influences, managing negativity wisely, and mastering both AI tools and human skills, you’ll set yourself apart in a rapidly evolving workplace.
The future belongs to those who combine technical proficiency with the ability to connect, lead, and inspire.
You can lead and inspire at every level!
Reflect on these strategies, choose one to start today, and watch how small changes lead to big results in your career.
Thank you so much for reading!