Are you just getting started in your career? Or are you a veteran employee who believes that you should be at a higher position in your organization? Well wherever you are I’d like to share with you one or two things that could make you climb the ladder of success much faster.
It is vital that you know that your work as an employee is your life. Check it out – you probably spend more time at the office than you spend at home with your family. This means that you’ve got to accelerate your career progression efforts because your work is supposed to bring you fulfillment and joy, in addition to paying the bills.
The key step to getting ahead in your career consists of two words – exceeding expectations. Simply put, this means that whatever task, activity or role is committed into your hands, find out what is expected of you and make sure you do more than what is expected and voila, you’ll be promoted and on your way up in no time.
Consider the following statement – You don’t get promoted for doing what you’re supposed to do. For doing that you only deserve a salary and not a raise. For you to deserve a raise you’ve got to do more than just the routine tasks expected of you. You must exceed expectations.
Get into a meeting with your immediate boss. Tell him that you want to discuss a few things with him. The two of you should agree on what his expectations from you are. Once he begins to spell them out, write them down. Immediately after the meeting send him an email, with all the expectations typed. Once he approves, print out 2 copies and let both of you sign and each should keep one. This becomes a binding document between the two of you and should also serve as the basis of your appraisal.
Don’t just stop there. Every morning before you start work consult this document and determine to always do more than what he expects. Every month go back to him and ask him to assess your performance. Which areas have you done well? Which areas do you need to improve upon? Write them down. Earnestly seek feedback from one or two other people in your unit or department who are sincere and commit to acting on their feedback.
Let me tell you what this will do. Your boss will immediately begin to see you as someone with drive and passion for the job. As long as you’re continually working on his feedback he will be pleased that you’re obedient and will always have you in mind when opportunities to be promoted come to his department. Please note that this can only work with sincerity of heart and not by you trying hard to please your boss. So please for all intents and purposes avoid eye service. Do things genuinely.
Another thing you need to do to get ahead is to always volunteer for additional assignments and responsibilities. Go ahead and volunteer. Take up more responsibilities. Push yourself. Don’t pull back when such opportunities come, for it is a time when you could be noticed. Bosses always remember those who always volunteer for such assignments and they will find a way to reward them accordingly.
Lastly, you need to think. What are the new ideas that you think would move your unit, team or department forward? Get a notebook and think through all processes and procedures. Will your ideas simplify operations? Will they reduce costs? Think! You should continually come up with ideas and document them. Discuss with your boss and your colleagues. Research and present your findings. This strategy if deployed can even bring you recognition from your CEO, so don’t miss up on every opportunity to be creative and put on your thinking cap.
In conclusion take every commendation and appreciation seriously. If any of your colleagues wants to commend you tell him or her to put it in writing or send an email. Keep a collection of favorable reports of your performance with a copy sent to your immediate superior. Don’t leave anything to chance. Remember it’s your life and happiness we’re talking about! It’s your move!
