“I’ve always been interested in what it takes to be successful in any kind of business,” he says. For three-and-a-half years, he indulged this curiosity as he interviewed and researched ordinary men and women who excelled in their professions. He published his findings in Achieving in Times of Change—What It Takes to Become a Super-Achiever, and he shares some of his top insights here.

Understand why organizations hire you.
Employees know that generating revenue is king in the for-profit world, but Lancaster’s research let him in on a secret formula to ensure success. “The interviewees told me of the 2.5 factor,” he explains. “It simply means that if an organization pays you $50,000 a year, you have to generate 2.5 times that amount to pay for your position, which includes your salary, benefits and more.”

That might sound like a tall order, but Lancaster identified many ways to accomplish this. Increasing productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and sales is a good start. You also can implement cost-saving ideas and innovative ways to do things. In addition, he suggests that employees research other organizations in their fields that are considered leaders and determine what makes them so successful.

Move every three to four years.
This doesn’t mean packing up your life and renting a U-Haul truck. Rather, Lancaster advises employees not to remain in the same position for the rest of their careers. “It’s important to get to know your organization inside and out,” he adds. “Move to different departments so you have a birds-eye view of how your organization functions. Then, when opportunities present themselves, you will be in a much better place to retain your position and even catapult up the organization.”

Learn and apply business and social etiquette.
Your mother was right. It is important to mind your manners. “Remember that you represent your organization 24 hours a day,” stresses Lancaster. “People make judgments about you by your behavior, and lacking business and social skills often can ruin future advancement.”

Put your best people on opportunities, not problems.
Keeping a positive perspective is key when facing obstacles, especially when you are leading others in the charge. According to Lancaster, the best employees are the ones with a passion for and a commitment to the organization’s mission and vision. “They love the challenge of something that makes them feel a part of creating something great for the organization,” he adds.

Find a mentor.
Without exception, every successful man and woman Lancaster interviewed had a trusted mentor or partner. Today, it’s easier than ever to find a mentor if one hasn’t found you. Many companies and professional organizations have formal mentoring programs designed to help their employees rise through the ranks. No matter how you find a mentor, just make sure you do. “Remember,” says Lancaster, “no victory was ever won by one individual.”

Network.
Superachievers know how to create—and leverage—networks to help them achieve their goals. And with today’s professional social media tools, such as LinkedIn, it’s easy to expand your network exponentially. According to Lancaster, you’ll be glad you did when the next perplexing challenge comes along. “Simply ask people in your network if they know anyone who can help,” he says, “and you’re bound the find the answers you need.”

Commit to life-long learning.
This idea is familiar to University of Phoenix students and alumni, and Lancaster found it is critical to getting—and staying—successful. His advice on how to do it? “Read, read, read,” he says. “And be sure to read books on a variety of subjects to spur innovation and creativity in the workplace and beyond.”

Lancaster, who considers himself a superachiever because he has learned from his mistakes and persevered, saved his greatest advice for last. “You have to go with your passion no matter what people tell you,” he asserts. “And remember, education is not just about getting your diploma and GPA. It should be about finding your true purpose, passion and natural gifts in life.”