What would you rather have on your mantelpiece - a Grammy or an England cap? I'll take the tassled headwear to go alongside my ropey DVDs and dust. Whatever your preference, both are symbols of being at the top of your game.

Soulful singer Sam Smith and rising footie star Harry Kane may seem like chalk and cheese, but they're both top talents in their chosen fields. So what makes them tick? And are there things about them that we could all apply to help us tune up our careers and hit our goals?

I had a look through a few interviews with these two and found some useful and inspiring advice. 

Sam Smith

The British soul singer has had a string of big hits apparently, but I only know Money on my Mind and Not the Only One. Anyway, they've certainly propelled him into pop music's premier league. Kylie, Bastille and Leicester City are sadly in the relegation zone. 

One thing that strikes me about Smith is his innocence and vulnerability. I love that. It serves him well and it heartens me to think that while slick salesman certainly succeed, less glossy individuals can also be number one.

Being open about who you are and not trying to fit into a stereotype - just being yourself - is a great thing to take from Smith. 

He also has an unshakeable belief in his talent: “Deep down in me there was never a question (that I’d make it). I don't want to sound big-headed or horrible, but from day one I had a quiet confidence that everything would be OK,” he said in a recent Guardian interview.

Self-belief is the onion of success - the ingredient you really can't do without. The only way to have that, of course, is to work out what you’re best at and then pursue a career in that field. So follow your dream, but make sure it's something you're good at.

The final thing that makes Smith interesting to me is how clearly he visualises the future.

In the same Guardian interview, he said: "Even right now I have the title in my head to my second album. I know what it's going to sound like. I have the idea in my head for the artwork and I also have the idea for the artwork for my third album.”

Visualising the future gives you firm direction, whatever your trade. 

Smith’s focus, hard work, integrity and vision are keys to his success. Applying these principles to just about any job is sure to bring you a hit or two. Although you still may not get to meet Rihanna.

Harry Kane

The young Tottenham Hotspur star looks to have an exciting future ahead. It pains me to say it, but he destroyed Arsenal in his first North London derby and he's on the brink of an England call-up. I'm not saying he's the next Cristiano Ronaldo - which is a good thing - but it would seem he has the world at his feet. 

The first thing you notice is that he's responded well to having a manager who believes in him. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is a manager who believes in giving a chance to young players with potential. It doesn't always come off, but it undoubtedly has with Kane.

Kane said: “He (Pochettino) has faith in me, and just tells me to go out there and play the way I can."

That can be transferred to the workplace. If you have a supplier you like and trust, put your faith in them, don't interfere too much and let them get on with what they're good at. 

Most of us thrive best when we know that the people we work for believe in us. I spent several years woking in a national newspaper newsroom, where perfect work was expected and you were rarely thanked or encouraged. It created a tense and toxic atmosphere. I think you build better relationships if you encourage people and say 'well done' now and again. It bolsters confidence and keeps people positive.

Another thing Kane does is model himself on his idol, former Spurs goal legend Teddy Sheringham. “I loved the way Teddy Sheringham played, especially his movement, and I really try to base my game on his,” Kane said.

Having an idol and striving to be more like them may sound a bit stalky, but it's a smart way to keep moving forward, improve your skills and stay motivated.

Kane waited patiently for his chance and when it came he made sure he didn't waste it. So stay grounded, practice your art and take your chances when they come along. 

I'm going to try to apply some of Kane's focus and youthful energy to my work in the coming weeks. I'm afraid it means I won't get out of bed for less than £50,000 a week though. And I'll need a private helicopter for my next client meeting.

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