The Power of Choice

1The Requirements for Career Success

AS INDIVIDUALS CONTEMPLATE their potential for success, they often wonder what's required. Individuals understandably want to know which skills will best advance their careers and earn just rewards for the effort. Women and others who are underrepresented in their organizations' leadership sometimes have additional concerns: Do I have to work twice as hard because of my race, gender, or background in order to be recognized and rewarded? Do some folks get better opportunities because of who they know rather than the skills they've developed?

At Korn Ferry, we've researched different kinds of organizations and the nuances of their cultures, and we've found there is a consistent pattern to the career trajectory of professionals whose skills are most developed and who are most respected. Regardless of their background or experience, and whether they've worked in large or small organizations, in for‐profits or nonprofits, or in traditional or cutting‐edge industries, successful professionals have all built their credibility and value by developing in three areas:

• Technical Skills. Technical proficiency is having the operational and analytical skills required to do a job. It refers to a person's capability to do a job accurately, reliably, and efficiently, whether it's a highly process‐driven set of responsibilities, such as issuing invoices, or a highly creative one, such as designing a new ad campaign. Individuals who are technically proficient ...