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Up, Up and Away
by Karin Call
December 25, 2000
Moving higher on the company ladder
When the clock strikes midnight, and the confetti is flying, will your New Year’s Resolution involve a secret plan to bolt ahead in your career? Rising to the top requires a bit of strategizing. This is where to begin.
Start by determining your goal: a new job description, a fancy title (Vice President in charge of Techie Peons), a corner office with a view of the server closet, a virtual assistant, or, a perennial favorite - more currency. Once you’re clear on where you want to go, use these tips for dashing up the ranks faster than Santa can shimmy up a chimney.
Nothing but talk
Communicate your goals to your boss, optimally during a performance review, and find out if they are realistic. What? You don’t get regular reviews? You’re not alone in that case. You may have to ask for one
If you prove to be a touch defensive when the conversation turns to your faults and failings, remember, there is no need to be. A boss that only sings your praises isn’t giving you critical feedback. How else are you going to know what you need to do to improve (and be promoted) if he doesn’t tell you?
It may not be in your best interest to waltz into work at 11 in the morning with a cup of coffee in hand and doughnut crumbs on your face — not realizing the late hour and slovenly appearance really annoys the big guy. He wants you at his disposal at 9 a.m. sharp, being the morning person that he is. Embrace the negative.
If you really don’t know what it takes to get promoted around your workplace, ask your boss. Do you know of a better way to find out? Osmosis maybe?
Not likely. .
Steer clear of the complainers, commiserating around the water cooler. They won’t be helping you up, they’ll be dragging you down. Your success is dependent upon thinking in a positive light, developing strong relationships and forward thinking. All without the use of hard drugs.
Digital snapshots
Show your professional style. We’re not talking fashion here--no need to purchase a new wardrobe identical to the model on the cover of this month’s GQ or Vogue. Business casual will do nicely. Professional style means exhibiting strong values. Let your own ethics and morals, commitment to the job, and critical area knowledge show through.
And control your emotions. This is not the same as being void of emotion. For example, appearing at work each day without a smile or giving presentations in a monotone voice is not recommended.
It’s about refraining from spewing forth a string of swear words just because the boss is headed for your office … and the computer system is down again. Try showing a little decorum when you are spared a pink slip, though the company has just layed off 65 employees. This may not be a fitting time to chant, “I’m bad, I’m bad” and break into your touchdown dance. Know when it’s appropriate to celebrate success.
Powerful performances
Be consistent. When your boss knows she can count on you for quality work, and on time no less, you will likely boost your career prospects. Also, consistency builds your reputation as someone who can be pulled in during a company crisis. Your boss isn’t in the mood for taking more risks during an emergency situation — luckily you’re a sure thing. She knows what she’ll get already, and it isn’t a lazy, good for nothing complainer.
Help your boss’ career - if you want to gain an ally and supporter, that is. You’re boss’ accomplishments are your achievements. This doesn’t mean playing the doormat: picking up the dominators dry cleaning, fetching Starbucks coffee (she’ll pay you back tomorrow—yeah right), or pet sitting her noisy myna bird. But be available to pitch in to help make your boss’ work place projects successful. She’ll remember you for it.
Rudolph and other old boys
The current ‘old boys network’ has evolved into modern day mentoring practices (that’s not to say old boys networks aren’t still in effect in some businesses — let’s be realistic). If you are a contemporary ‘mentee,’ then you are lucky enough to have a wise and trusted business colleague take an interest in your career, as well as share his or her professional knowledge and experience. Similar to when your dad taught you to ride a bike. He held on to the back end, yelled instructions, and let go when he thought you were ready to solo. Then he told mom (the CEO) how great you did.
Having a mentor or mentors will further your career by helping you: define your career path, help you deal with everyday work concerns, and advocate for you. Some companies have formal mentoring programs; a smart move since mentoring helps businesses improve their employee retention numbers. After all, you’re more likely to want to stay when you know someone wants to keep you.
Where do I get me one of these? You’ll be looking for someone at least two levels above you, close enough to your area of experience to guide you up the ranks. And hopefully they’ll have some pull at the top, too. (You may want to bypass someone who is brainy enough to ask you how to print out his voice mail, though.) And you may want to steer clear of formally popping the question, “Will you be my mentor?” You’ll look desperate and forced. If someone takes an interest in you and is willing to share their skills and knowledge, they are informally speaking, acting as your mentor.
Go for several mentors. You’ve heard that saying, haven’t you? You can never be too skinny, too rich, or have too many mentors.
Last of all, have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Realistically map out your own definition of success and aim right at it. Communicate with your superior, and find a mentor or two. Eventually, your company will recognize your invaluable efforts and you’ll be happily smiling down at us, from the top of the heap. Last of all, have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Realistically map out your own definition of success and aim right at it. Communicate with your superior, and find a mentor or two. Eventually, your company will recognize your invaluable efforts and you’ll be happily smiling down at us, from the top of the heap.
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
-Henry David Thoreau
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