Climbing the corporate ladder has been the desire of many professionals as they embark on their respective careers. And while the corporate ladder today has noticeably been reduced by several rungs, there are still ways that you can illuminate your reputation and status. With the right awareness and action, you can excel in your company and gain visibility in your industry. Regardless of the economic ups and downs, doors of opportunity will open, providing career mobility, advancement and satisfaction. In short, here is how to provide your own job security:
CHOOSE TO WORK FOR AN ORGANIZATION WHOSE CORPORATE VALUES ALIGN WITH YOUR OWN. When values are not aligned, the stage is set for low morale, low productivity and low career satisfaction. Ultimately, if you continue to work in these unacceptable circumstances, you may find that they translate to emotional, spiritual and /or physical health challenges down the road. Work will become not a source of creativity and joy, but rather a daily obligation that must be met to maintain a regular paycheck and benefits.
BE GOAL AND OUTCOME-FOCUSED. It is easy to slip into the day to day mode of reacting to the myriad of challenges with which we are faced. Together with your manager, outline your monthly, quarterly and annual goals. Creating this big picture will help you to get back on track when daily circumstances might tend to otherwise distract you. Remember to prioritize your day to make room for the “important” activities when the “urgent” ones, such as voice mails and emails are nagging at you.
TAKE INITIATIVE WHEN YOU SEE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO. Average performers do what they are told, or perform their job description without wavering off that path. Those who excel and move ahead are those that have the capacity to see improvements and also to act on them. Taking initiative is what distinguishes the level A from the level B players. You can never afford to allow yourself to have the mindset of “It’s not my job.”
THINK PROFIT AND LOSS (P&L) EVEN IF NOT DEFINED IN YOUR JOB. Every business needs to focus on its bottom line, now more than ever. And there are two ways to enhance the bottom line: add to revenue or reduce expenses. Every position in every organization has the potential to add to the bottom line by one, the other, or both in some way. The key is developing awareness as well as a desire to want to help the organization to be as cost-effective and profitable as it can be.
ADMIT TO YOUR MISTAKES, AND USE THEM AS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. Organizations have long created cultures where admitting mistakes was a sign of weakness – or worse, incompetency. This has set the stage for blaming others in order to deflect from, hide or deny our own errors. As human beings, we are all subject to making occasional mistakes, poor judgment, or decisions. When these occur, have the courage to admit them. At the same time, it is imperative to reflect on the situation and see what can be learned from the situation – for yourself, and for others.
ENLIST THE HELP AND COOPERATION OF OTHERS. If something can be accomplished more quickly or effectively with the assistance of others, then reach out, collaborate and make it happen. Put aside your own ego, and forget the fact that someone else might share the “credit” for the outcome. The far greater reward will be the extraordinary results that come from the synergy of effective teamwork.
MAKE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS VISIBLE TO THOSE WHO CAN INFLUENCE YOUR CAREER. Today there is much focus on accountability, and the “all talk-no results” people are slowly on their way out. Conversely, there are many people who are working to add value to the organization, but their contributions are not readily evident. In the art of self-promotion it is important to make your accomplishments visible – by email or traditional memo, or by mentioning it to the right people. There is nothing wrong with highlighting and promoting your abilities and activities to those who can help to keep your career in motion.
