Ask the expert: Reaching potential

Despite more than 50% of financial services staff describing themselves as professionally fulfilled, almost half say they are yet to reach their full potential and have more to give at work. As Britain's economy recovers, insurance workers are ambitious not only to keep their jobs, but also to reach their full potential and be the best that they can be. This is great news for the future, but also begs the question: how can you reach your full potential? 

So what are the key steps to a fulfilled workforce? Both employer and employee play an important role in the professional success of an individual. Randstad recently surveyed 2000 UK workers to examine the personality traits of those who are professionally fulfilled at work. The research found the three most important characteristics for personal success are: first, determination; second, a strong work ethic; and third, the ability to identify and understand one's strengths and weaknesses.

While your own characteristics are important to your professional fulfilment, the employer's role is also key. Nearly one-third of insurance workers surveyed felt that training, development, good leadership and culture are all key factors in professional fulfilment. It's clear that employees who work in an encouraging environment are far more likely to achieve their potential than those who do not.

Now that we've examined what can help you reach your potential at work, it is also important to consider what factors may be holding you back. The majority of the UK workforce see their employers as being the biggest roadblock to their success. But, by contrast, Britain's most fulfilled staff believe individual characteristics are the biggest hurdles in the way of achieving one's potential.

It's clear people need to examine their own personal character traits and determine whether they are being used to their best advantage or whether they could be holding us back. The ability to be adaptable and mindful of our strengths and weaknesses is paramount to a successful career. And, in the insurance industry, so is the desire to work hard.

If you don't think you've reached your full potential and believe you still have more to give, get in touch with a recruiter to discuss your ambitions. They can give you support and advice.

Rob Blackman
Senior manager, insurance division, Randstad Financial & Professional

This article was published in the 5 December 2013 issue of Post magazine