What do the most successful people out there- the ones who get promotions, raises and opportunities seemingly handed to them- know that everyone else doesn’t?
Turns out, quite a bit.
Some of the top career experts shared several of their tips on how the best of the best, approach their work lives. The good news? Every one of these habits is something that you can start doing – today.
They Think About the Skills They Need for the Next Job
Most of us try to be awesome at the skills in our job descriptions, but the most successful people also focus on what they’ll need to know to succeed in their next jobs. Always be learning new things.
They Speak Up in Meetings
Especially, if you’re in a large meeting, intimidated by the C- Level and above manager, you don’t think you can contribute, don’t know much about what’s going on, it’s easy to sit tight and listen. But the people who get ahead don’t wait for permission or an invitation to speak; they make sure everyone in the room knows they have something to contribute.
Even if you don’t have a suggestion, speaking up to advocate for a co- worker’s point of view or asking a well thought out question can go just as far.
They Dress for the Job They Want
You’ve heard it a thousand times but it consistently holds true. People who get ahead at work look to those above them and emulate not only the clothes they wear, but the ways in which they present themselves in the office, interact with others and wear clothes that fit their role and office culture.
They Get to Know the Higher-Ups
It’s pretty hard to get promoted if your boss’s boss doesn’t know who you are – so make it a point to get to know the higher- ups in your department. Say hello when walking down the hall or in the break room.
They Know How to Communicate With all levels of Management
If you’ve ever been in an executive- level meeting, you know that c-suiters communicate a bit differently than the rest of us. So, if you want to make it there someday, it’s key to learn how to talk the talk… Be observant!
They Take Charge
When faced with a workplace challenge, a project roadblock or low team morale, most people shrug and say, “Well, there’s not much I can do about it.”
The most successful people, on the other hand, take action. Be a change maker.
They Look for Leadership Opportunities
Whether it’s offering to lead a project team, volunteering to mentor a junior employee, or taking it upon themselves to train the new interns, people who want to get promoted don’t wait for leadership opportunities to come from them- they look around, see where a leader is needed, and jump in.
They Make allies Across the Organization
Most people work hard to impress their bosses. The most successful people work hard to impress everyone from the mail room clerk and receptionist to their peers and superiors because they know they’re nothing without a team of people on their side.
Are you a good Listener?
Listening is one of the top skills employers seek in potential and current employees, and it’s correlated with perceived ability to lead. Giving everyone undivided attention, helping them feel motivated and energized, and showing them that you care about their thoughts and opinions is more powerful than you know.
They Stay Professional
Would you want a manager who misses deadlines, forgets to answer emails, and gossips about other employees? Of course, not! So if you want to get ahead, you shouldn’t be displaying those behaviors either.
They Think Like managers, Not Employees
Employees wait to be told what to do- managers think strategically about what needs to be done, and then they do it. Employees do their own job well – managers are committed to the team doing well – so they mentor other employees, pitch in when they’re needed, and go that extra mile if it means the work’s going to be done better. People who get promoted think like managers.
They Focus on Results, Not Just Activities
Just like you would on a resume, don’t just talk about the to-dos you’ve knocked off your list- talk about the quantitative results of your work. Think: “In last week’s vendor meeting, I was able to negotiate a 10% discount, which will save us $20,000 next year, “versus,” Last week’s vendor meeting went great!”
They Don’t Compare Themselves to Others
Of course, it’s easy to think that just because Tim got a raise after being at the company for a year, you should, too. You’ll make a much better case for advancing within your company by focusing on what you’ve accomplished- and what you can continue to do in your new role rather than whining about how you stack up to your colleagues.
They Pitch In
At most companies, there’ll be opportunities to join committees or take on responsibilities that aren’t necessarily part of your job description: Your company is overhauling its social media procedures and needs a representative from every department to sit on the project team, or your office is putting on a major fundraiser and needs someone to coordinate with the event planning company. The most successful people pitch in- so they’re always right there where the action is.
They Listen to Feedback
Feedback can be tough to take. But top employees have figured out how to take it seriously without taking it personally- and more importantly, how to put it into action.
Anyone can drop a complaint into the suggestion box, but the marker of a truly brilliant employee is coming up with solutions to those problems
Becoming a problem solver shows that you care not only about your own career, but about the long-term health of the business as well.
They’re Not Afraid to Ask to Help
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength “No one got to where they are today without help along the way,” Try out new opportunities, and do some salary comparisons. You make smarter career decisions when you have real data.
They Actually Like Their Jobs
Because, otherwise, what’s the point?
I am at a manager level, and I feel I’m more or less ready for the challenge. What can I do to get there?
The top 4 tips I would coach you to do would be:
- Always be learning
- Be a good listener
- Be open to feedback
- Communicate at all levels
Let’s set up an introductory call to schedule a time to put these successful tips in place so you can be a successful employee and get promoted.
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