December 12, 2022
HOW TO GET PROMOTED
CEO & Chairman, MaxSys
If your career objective is to climb the corporate ladder, then you need to get recognized as a high-potential employee. While some of it may be who you know, or luck, there are ways to influence how you and your talents are perceived. If you are deliberate and thoughtful about showcasing your strengths and establishing your workplace value, you can, and will, position yourself. Here are seven things you can do right now:
1. Do excellent work
Fulfill your current responsibilities. Don’t just perform well, perform exceptionally well. This is your baseline.
2. Step up
Show initiative and take action. If you see an issue brewing, pre-emptively propose solutions. Demonstrate that you work well on your own and that you can be even more effective as part of a team. When you step up, you stand out.
3. Actively build relationships
Come to terms with this essential fact – it isn’t good enough to have a solid track record in delivering results, it is just as important to build strong relationships with others. Building relationships isn’t about false obsequiousness, but it is taking the time to get to know others. Ask questions of your peers and listen empathetically to their answers. Offer to help when you can. Acknowledge others for their efforts.
4. Speak out
Don’t be afraid to share your knowledge and skills. Showing that you have invested in learning about your organization proves you are passionate about what you deliver. When you help by volunteering, it demonstrates your desire for your company to be successful.
5. Be willing to admit you’re wrong
Just as important as speaking out is also knowing when to bow out. Your way will not always be the best option, and it takes maturity and presence of mind to accept that. So be open to others’ ideas; you may find that they are better than yours.
6. Think ‘big picture’
If you want to rise, you must demonstrate that you have your organization’s best interests at heart. There may be times when you will need to place your own personal interests secondary to what is best for the greater good. Do it
7. Stay positive There is no place for negativity. Realism and pragmatism, yes, but negativity, no. Take a glass half-full perspective – rather than viewing setbacks as obstacles, see them as challenges you can use to demonstrate your worth. You’ll get noticed (in a good way) for taking roadblocks in stride, staying cool and being solution-focused.