Open your eyes and your mind. If you see that a colleague is doing some great work, ask them questions. find out how they are doing things they do and why. Flatter them with your sincere interest. And learn.

Your is rarely only way, and almost never best.

Let's be really cynical here, how can you hope to be better than next person if you don't know what next person is doing?

4. Honest self assessment

This is one of hardest tools to learn, but one of most powerful. Learn to recognize your faults and your successes.

Then build on them.

For example, if you come to realize that logical thinking and organization is a failing for you, make it a priority in your life to improve. Buy some books, attend courses and address problem.

Don't do this passively, because it will not work. Instead, write yourself an action plan. Detail stages you have to go through, objectives you have set for yourself and ultimate goals. Then continually monitor problem until there is no longer a problem.

The same thing goes for your strengths. Unless you can identify them, you can't start to build on them. Be proud of them, but not complacent. Todays top skill can be tomorrows millstone.

5. Continual education.

The world is a wonderful university. There is knowledge all around just for taking. But therein lies another problem: how to absorb all information that you need to?

The problem is generally solved by a degree of selectivity. Today's executives are forced to become specialists in narrower and narrower fields.

There are many excellent courses available on speed reading, mega speed reading, photo reading and other methods. Pick one and learn to read - and absorb information faster. It will be best new skill you can acquire. Even if you 'only' double your reading and comprehending speed, imagine how much extra information that could represent!

The key point in this 'education' tool is absolute necessity to invest in yourself. Buy books and courses. Attend seminars. Learn from everyone you can.

If your company has a training program, all better. Your self assessment skill will enable you to quickly identify areas that you need to work on. Tell your boss, or your human resources people. But don't do it idly. 'I think it would be nice' is a killer. Instead, write a memo or email detailing exactly what training you would like, why you want it, and what benefit company will get from sending you. If they are serious about training staff, they will be glad of your positive input.

The world of business isn't going to change in a hurry. It is up to you to adapt yourself to this hard-edged environment or find yourself on endangered list.

If you think that you are as good as you can be - think again! You just haven't thought big enough yet.

•Holding your feet to fire…too hot? In process of revitalizing your career, there’s plenty of research to be done: research into yourself – who you are now and what you want – and research into marketplace. A therapist would accompany you in researching yourself but would only indirectly participate in your market research. Homework and accountability are generally built into coaching, designed by you and your coach. Whether you find accountability motivating and focusing, or unwelcome pressure, should help inform your decision.

•Do you want an expert or a companion? A therapist will invite you to go deeply into issues that may be blocking or confusing you, and may draw on his or her expertise to challenge your definition of problem. A coach will invite you to co-create goals and design of coaching, and your stated agenda will be focus unless you decide to change it. Both therapist and coach will help you see what you can’t see, but you remain more explicitly in charge of coaching than you would of therapy.

If you come to conclusion that you want to look into psychotherapy, it’s advisable to look for word-of-mouth recommendations whenever possible. Another possibility is to consult your local Mental Health Association. Many people find it empowering to ask for sample visits with at least two therapists before making their decision. If you decide on coaching, be sure to inquire about training, in addition to experience, as you’re looking for a coach. The International Coaching Federation maintains a credential that assures client of a high level of both training and experience. And remember, nothing precludes doing therapy and coaching simultaneously. Some people find it very useful. Good luck on your quest! Nina Ham is an ICF-certified business and career coach and a licensed psychotherapist. Her company, Success from Inside Out, offers teleclasses and individual coaching for people who want to grow themselves as they grow their business or career. Visit her website at www.SuccessfromtheInsideOut.com or subscribe to her E-Letter: Nina@womenssuccesscoach.com