Part I:

I'm fed up with being bombarded daily on the Internet and via snail mail with get-rich-quick schemes about career success. How about you?

These schemes are based on myths that there are secrets, waiting to be discovered that will propel you along a successful career path with little or no effort. Does that pass the test of common sense? I think not.

Not long ago I received a mailing assuring me that I could "learn the secrets of how to radiate magnetic charm and command the balance of power in every situation through 'the magic' touch with everyone". All I had to do, I was assured, was to listen to a few DVDs at night and put these powerful techniques and methods into action the very next day! All this for three easy payments of $50.00 each.

A few days later I saw an Internet posting hawking a book titled How To Be An Expert Persuader...in 20 Days or less. The blurb went on to declare that tens of thousands of people have been helped in winning more friends, captivating the opposite sex, instantly get liked and trusted, enjoying unlimited wealth and persuading others to give them anything they wanted.

Baloney, I say!

There Are No Secrets For Career Success

Common sense tells me there are no secrets, no short cuts on the career path to success. The gold rings go to those who know what to do and how to get it done. Career rewards are not easy to garner. Anyone who promises otherwise is a liar. Career success depends on a positive attitude, focus and hard work.

Save your time, energy and money looking for the Eureka secrets of success. You won't find them because they don't exist.

When the rubber meets the road, career success goes to those who master the skills and knowledge that their jobs require; to those who employ these assets with common sense; and to those who work hard to gain the rewards they crave.

Part II:

A myth that seems to be growing in popularity holds that everyone is entitled to the rewards of success. The world of work doesn't work that way. Work for organizations that provide opportunities and recognize effort and results if you want to earn the rewards of career success.

There's another myth that flies in the face of reality: The workplace is a democracy. Not so. Organizations cannot be successfully run by committees of equals where the majority rules. Organizations that survive and prosper operate with a chain of command at the top of which sits someone who is empowered to collect facts and opinions and make final decisions.

Successful organizations are meritocracies, systems in which winners emerge and are moved ahead on the basis of their achievements. You must prove your merits if you want solid gold career success,

(I know, I know, this may not appear to be true at any given moment, but over time the truth of this law takes hold.)

One of the cruelest myths of all is that organizations are warm and cozy places that provide security. If you believe that myth you are exposing yourself to disappointment. Security occurs only when you have prepared, planned and worked hard so you can have confidence in your ability. Security comes when your employer needs you more than you need him. Security comes when you have options.

A companion myth is that your boss is your friend. Your boss is your boss. You cannot rely on friendships for lasting, fulfilling success. The way to maintain a positive relationship with your boss and enhance your opportunities is to excel at your job, make him look good.

Don't believe the myth that your accomplishments speak for themselves and that you will be rewarded accordingly. The recipe for success is simple: achieve results that pay off for your employer; make sure your employer knows what you have accomplished that contributes to his bottom line. Only then will you be rewarded for your true worth.

Lasting success comes to those who prepare themselves and are willing to work hard to take a career path to achiever career goals.