Career Development: Habits You Build, Risks You Take

BusinessCareer Development: Habits You Build, Risks You TakeByRodney C. Adkins,Forbes Books Author.for Forbes BooksAUTHOR POSTExpertise and opinions of authors published by ForbesBooks. Imprint operated under license. | Paid ProgramJun 16, 2026, 10:08am EDTStrong communication is an essential career development habit.gettyThroughout your career, you will encounter various situations that will contribute to your overall development. Whether you are a rising contributor, an aspiring leader, or a seasoned steward, your success will likely result from the habits you build and the risks you take. The habits you build can come from the many valuable lessons you learn along the way, and these lessons extend beyond just the moment in which they occur. They require constant reinforcement and staying focused on always being at the top of your game. When it comes to risks, the best outcomes often emerge when you are prudent, calculated, and guided by thoughtful analysis of the implications with an understanding of what the opportunity can potentially unlock.Obviously, the habits you establish can be both good and bad. For your career, it is essential to adopt constructive habits, especially now in this age of what I call industrial disruption driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Constructive habits such as leading with curiosity, exercising judgment based on context, truth, and what matters, and engaging in continuous learning to remain relevant and competitive. Additionally, there are three best practices I have found worth committing to: Knowing when to work and when to playMastering situational leadershipLifting as you rise, not when you arriveKnowing when to work and when to play is a key part of work-life integration, because sometimes you must prioritize work demands over a healthy personal life, and vice versa. Often, you must find ways to satisfy both simultaneously. The more successful people practice this, the more it becomes a habit. When and where appropriate, t...