Flattery will get you nowhere with someone at work. If you want to get into this official's good graces, you'll have to work hard. That means adopting a serious attitude, at least when they are within earshot. In the past, people have mistaken your irreverence for ineptitude. They don't realise a dedicated worker can have an offbeat sense of humour. The best way to advance your own interests is to play the part of an industrious labourer who never cracks a smile.

Holding tightly to conservative attitudes is holding you back. Be willing to acquire cutting edge skills. Learning from someone who is much younger will feel uncomfortable. There's no reason to be embarrassed for getting additional training. Your colleagues will admire your ability to expand your knowledge for the sake of getting ahead. If you play your cards right, you'll be able to pick up some freelance work as a result of your advanced training. It pays to keep abreast of the latest trends.

Skimming the surface will get you in trouble. When asked to learn something new, read carefully and test yourself often. Demonstrating in depth knowledge will set you apart from the crowd. You'll catch the attention of an executive who is looking to build a team of people who can work independently. Being able to escape the gimlet gaze of a micromanager will be music to your ears. That's why it pays to read instructions at least three times, even if it means skipping a party.

The prospect of speaking before a crowd makes you tongue tied. Taking a public speaking course will help you overcome this significant handicap. The sooner you're able to present ideas in a compelling way, the easier it will be to land moneymaking opportunities. Work alongside someone with a reputation for friendly leadership. By listening carefully to them, following their example and adopting some of their coping mechanisms, you'll see an immediate improvement.

Speaking loudly and forcefully will drive people away. If you want support, you must be more diplomatic. Follow the example of someone you have always admired. Issuing orders is a real turn off. You'll be far more effective by appealing to the intelligence of your audience. Trust them to understand what is best for them. Outline all the positive aspects of your plan and acknowledge its weaknesses. When people feel they're being treated respectfully, they'll repay the compliment.

It can be difficult talking with you. A tendency to drift in and out of conversations is off putting. You can't fight the desire to daydream. Instead of attending an important meeting, reschedule. You're better off focusing on a creative project that has been nibbling away at your subconscious. Instead of creating a detailed 'To Do' list, follow your intuition. In the past, you had a tendency to overthink your work. This is your chance to operate on instinct. You will be thrilled with the results.

Your ideas are ahead of their time. That's why it's difficult to be taken seriously. People assume you are joking when you propose to overhaul the social order for the sake of a bold scheme. It hurts you when your suggestions are dismissed. Instead of internalising this pain, find an outlet for it. Working with an offbeat partner will be inspiring. This rebel has a thick skin. They won't think twice about pushing a plan that seems to defy logic. Stick with them and you'll see something surprising.

Trying to anticipate the future is an exercise in futility. No matter how well prepared you are, there will still be some surprises with which to cope. Take them in your stride. An ability to think on your feet will help you snatch a project from the jaws of defeat. It may be necessary to fix a broken tool with household items. Although the solution isn't ideal, it's better than letting the entire operation crumble. Be willing to take suggestions from people who are new to the organisation.

Keep a close eye on how much you're socialising. Talking with others is undermining your progress. By setting a series of deadlines throughout the day, you will stay on track. It's hard to work when you're surrounded by so many interesting people. If you don't do your fair share, you may find yourself looking for a new job. By pushing yourself harder than usual, you'll attract an opportunity to do business overseas. Thinking of this trip will keep you motivated.

Suppress the urge to be sarcastic with someone who just does not understand the point. If you seem cruel or unfair, you will lose the respect of others. The best way to communicate your expectations is by issuing clear instructions. Have a detail orientated friend review these directions before you issue them. Everyone has different learning styles. Be opening to adjust the way you teach. You'll be impressed by how much better everyone performs after changing your tone.

Toeing the party line is contrary to your nature. In this instance, it would be best to follow the rules. Someone is monitoring your ability to function as a team player. If you continue to defy the rules, you'll create resentment among people who have no other options. Once your colleagues see you don't hold yourself above them, they'll be more cooperative. At that point, the entire group will come together and produce some very impressive work. Stop being so stubborn.

Clinging too tightly to standards of perfection will be disastrous. It's better to meet a tight deadline than delay an important project. Errors can be changed later. The important thing is to demonstrate you are able to work in a timely manner. Be gracious about admitting your mistakes and move quickly to correct them. Someone who appreciates your ability to turn things around fast will give you a bigger and better assignment and as you get more experienced things will get easier and easier.