If you want to rise through the ranks of an organisation quickly, you need to take a strategic approach. Doing a great job is vital - but just as important is making sure your achievements are visible. We asked the career experts for the top tips that will fast track your promotion.
1. Know thyself
Some people plug away in the same role for years, while others advance through an organisation and land senior roles with seeming ease. The difference isn't "who you know" but "knowing yourself", according to David Shindler, performance coach and author of Learning To Leap.
'Without self awareness of what you can offer, you will struggle to persuade others that you're ready for the next step. Identify what you have going for you that is unique and ask how you can bring that to the company in a way that meets both your needs.'
If this is something you struggle with, David suggests seeking out a mentor in the company or hiring a career coach. 'We all have ideas about ourselves and how we come across but these don't always align with others' perceptions. A new perspective and some well-judged insight could be all that stands between you and success.'
2. Stay ahead of the game
To rise up the ranks quickly, you need to adopt a strategic approach and that means thinking well ahead of the game.
'Think about your career two or threes roles ahead and then identify what you can do to develop in your current position to get there,' suggests David. 'That might mean developing new skills or taking a role outside of the company - career progression is often not a linear process'.
David suggests reaching out to people in the role you want - to see how they got there and what skills and qualities you'll need to succeed in the same position.
'If you can identify the pressures that concern people at a higher level you can use those insights to demonstrate you have the skills, knowledge and attitude to succeed at a similar level.'
3. Make your boss love you
Of course, having a good relationship with your immediate line manager will make it that much easier to get promoted.
'Establish a strong relationship with your boss where you are clear about their expectations of you and they know your expectations of them,' says Peter Fennah, a Chartered Psychologist and accredited executive career coach at careersynergy.com.
It can be a good idea to support your boss - by taking on tasks they find difficult or dislike, for example - but you don't want to become irreplaceable. A manager who leans on you is less likely to back your promotion if it means undermining their own position.
4. Make your achievements visible
If you want to get promoted to the same level as your boss, and even leapfrog them in a few years, you need to appear on the radar of senior management.
David suggests putting yourself forward for projects and being part of initiatives outside of your immediate role, as this will 'get you noticed for your can-do attitude'.
'Managers often focus on their department. If you want to progress, you need to get a good overall view of the business. Spend time getting to know managers and senior people in other departments to understand how the whole company works.'
To ensure your achievements are visible, Peter suggests choosing your projects with care. After all, there's no sense in working hard on a project that only your boss knows about.
'You can build trust fast by delivering value to the business but don't be overly busy - instead seek out the strategic contribution that will make the biggest difference.'
If your manager doesn't give you credit for your work, cc senior managers on emails with important project updates and put your name on every document.
5. Advance your network
Visibility isn't just about being highly regarded in your own company. People who are seen as valued professionals in their industry will find it easier to move up the career ladder.
'Get on the front foot with your personal brand and professional identity. Your network = your net worth,' says David.
'Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and highlights your achievements. Attend industry networking events, join online groups and discussions and submit papers or features to industry-related journals and sites.
'Raise your profile in the industry and headhunters are more likely to notice you - even if you want to stay put, having an offer from elsewhere is a good bit of bargaining power.'
6. Be aware of politics
You can be highly skilled at your job and get results, but if people don't like or trust you, you're unlikely to be promoted.
'Be alert to the politics and alliances already in place and secure a mentor who will champion you in addition to your line manager,' suggests Peter.
David agrees adding: 'It goes back to knowing yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from others on how you come across. A strong mentor or career coach can help you see what you need to do more, or less of, in order to secure that next promotion.'
Sourced from MSN News.
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