2006's Career Dos and Don'ts

People in the public eye made big professional strides and damaging missteps during 2006, and we can all learn from their examples. Think of Katie Couric inspiring others with her ascension to the anchor chair at CBS News, or Mel Gibson offending fans and associates with his anti-Semitic comments.

Some other high-profile incidents from 2006, highlighted below, offer simple insights and reminders of what to do and not do on the job.

DO: Push yourself to advanced skill levels. Before 2006, France's Amelie Mauresmo was known as the world's best pro female tennis player who never won a major tournament. That changed when she won this year's Australian Open and Wimbledon, crushing public doubts about her ability to win under pressure.

"Success in this world, especially in really difficult professions like sports and the arts, is based on two things: talent and persistence. Without the latter, the former won't do you any good," says Alexandra Levit, a career consultant and author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College." "If you have a dream, always keep it in your mind's eye, and outline mini-goals to achieve that dream one step at a time."