Are you driven by focusing on your end goals? Where are you going? You'd never take a trip to California from the East Coast without a MAP, right?

It's obvious that success can be yours when you have career advancement goals written down and you execute important steps according to your roadmap to success.

It's OK not to be a leader. Some employees work well on individual projects rather than with a group. Many jobs lend themselves well in this environment.

However, there will come a time in your progress that does require interaction with a team or group of fellow employees on various projects.

As you begin working within a firm, look around at your fellow employees and commit to a positive attitude about each person.

Yes, someone is going to require more patience from you when situations arise in the future. That's not a bad thing. It will help you learn different types of personalities in the ranks, you'll be more understanding and appreciate the other person for who they are.

You know the old saying, "sugar catches more flys", and your good attitude and work ethic will propel you up the ladder of success in meeting your career advancement goals.

Don't let anyone derail your success when you can defuse the problem. Everyone is receptive to encouragement and praise. Send out positive vives, give an atta-boy whenever you can to your fellow employees.

Even if this does not come naturally within your personality, you can learn and develop it over time. Be the cheerleader in business, at home, church, or wherever you enteract with others.

Keep a journal. Write down the names of associates and record your interactions over the weeks and months to come. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much quality change will follow your personal interactions with the staff, especially those who are under your supervision, as you give positive feedback and accolades to your team.

Never say, "not my job" or "not my problem", however this does not mean you have to accept the "monkey" everytime someone asks you for guidance. Saying "let me do it" or "I'll take care of it" is not helpful when you take over the job.

Some of us love to let someone do our work or take on all our problems, but it's not in your best interest to allow others to drop the ball on your desk.

Listen, ask "what do you think" or "what would you suggest" and then make sure the ball is back in their court, not sitting on your desk while they go drink coffee or eat lunch.

Focus on your goals so your career advancement is not stiffled. It's never easy, but it is possible when your goals are defined as part of your action plan.

Ask yourself - "what's holding you back?Where are other employees with their career plans? Is your team growing independent with good progress? Your leadership must set the pace for others. Career advancement is your end result.