You don't want to stay in your current position forever...
you want to move up! Here are 20 ways to boost your chances of
getting that nice promotion:
1. Do more than is expected
of you. Prove that you're capable of handing more
responsibility. Volunteer for special assignments.
2.
Take initiative and do what needs to be done, before being
asked.
3. Learn the skills you'll need to advance. Take
advantage of on-the-job training, but don't rely exclusively on
that. Consider taking (and paying for) skill-enhancing courses
on your own.
4. Be loyal to your boss, your team, and
your company. (Yes, you can be loyal without being a "brown-noser.")
5. Be patient and don't expect to be promoted without
demonstrating your abilities over time.
6. View the big
picture and understand your company's mission. Find ways to help
them accomplish it.
7. Save money for your company by
identifying ways to boost revenues, reduce expenses, or
streamline processes.
8. Offer solutions to the problems
you must take to your boss. Show respect to everyone --
superiors, peers, subordinates, and especially customers.
9. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know." If you don't know
something, say so; don't try to fake it. Find the answers you
need.
10. Take responsibility for your actions. If you're
at fault, admit it and take the blame. If you're wrong,
apologize.
11. Never gossip. Gossip can hurt the careers
of two people: the person being talked about, and the person
doing the talking.
12. Never say "That's not my job."
Don't think you are above anything. Pitch in and set a good
example, especially if the job is one that nobody else wants to
do. Your willingness to do so will be noticed and appreciated!
13. Share the credit. People who share credit with others make a
much better impression than those who take all the credit
themselves.
14. Ask for help when you need it. Don't let
a difficult task get out of hand. When you need help, ask for it
-- before things get worse.
15. Keep your dislike to
yourself. If you don't like someone, don't let it show. Never
burn bridges or offend others as you move ahead in your career.
16. Don't hold grudges. Life isn't always fair. If you were
passed over for promotion, didn't get the project you wanted,
etc., let it go. Be gracious and diplomatic, focus on the future
and move on. Harboring grudges won't advance your career.
17. Be humble. When you're right, don't gloat about it. Never
say "I told you so!"
18. Make others feel important.
Compliment others, emphasize their strengths and contributions,
and help them whenever you can. They will enthusiastically help
you in return.
19. Join associations and professional
organizations related to your career. In addition to helping you
learn more about your industry, this can provide invaluable
networking opportunities. (Which might come in handy if your
employer isn't promoting!)
About the Author:
Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular "Job Interview Success
System" and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times."
Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips
at her website:
http://www.best-interview-strategies.com