We're in a recession. Good jobs are hard to come by. For the time being, you may be stuck in a job that's just not right for you. So why not make the most of it?

Look for ways to learn new skills, or to build upon existing ones, that will improve your future career prospects when the economy recovers. The key to achieving this is to be pro-active.

Make it a habit to volunteer for special projects or to take on more responsibility. Look for ways to improve your work processes or environment, and then take action.
Think about how well you have been doing your tasks lately. Maybe you have become disengaged and tend to do the bare minimum while you wait for the clock to tick down to the end of the day. Try this - for 1 week, make a conscious effort to do everything at work just that little bit better. Finish that report ahead of time; be nicer to your customers; tidy your desk. By the end of the week, I guarantee you will be enjoying your job a lot more. Most importantly, you would have started to employ good work habits that are transferable to any career.

In any job, always try to set the example. Be passionate about your work, but don't become over-emotional about inter-personal issues. Try to be the sensible, pragmatic one; the person everyone goes to for advice.

To be effective in any senior or leadership role, you must have self-assurance. This doesn't mean bossing everyone around, it just means you have confidence in your own abilities and
decision-making skills. Often the best leaders are those that make decisions, whether they are right or wrong! Good leaders expect to make mistakes sometimes. But they take responsibility for their mistakes and learn from them.

These days, most senior managers look to their staff to provide feedback about the company and to come up with ideas for improvement. Don't miss out on these opportunities to have your say. Don't whine, but be constructive and present your ideas in a professional way.

Communication skills are a priority in the modern workplace. You need to learn how to listen to others, express yourself clearly and concisely, and be able to work effectively with your peers and managers. If you feel your communication skills could improve, I can think of no better or more cost-effective solution than joining your local Toastmasters club.

Use the time in your current job to lay the foundation for your future career. Cultivate a positive and constructive mindset that will ensure your future success.

If you live in Auckland, and would like to find out about personal coaching, visit www.eclipselifecoaching.com or call Kris on (09) 629 6080.

Copyright Eclipse Life Coaching Ltd 2009. All rights reserved.