- Don’t run on autopilot.
After you have been in a particular position for a long time, it is easy to fall into the trap of doing things on autopilot. Instead of getting by with the skills you already have, why not try to improve? Focusing on personal growth is a great way to move forward in your career. Try to expand your knowledge or learn a new skill on a daily basis. Getting your brain back into the habit of learning can make you much more effective at your job.
- Proactively seek opportunities for advancement.
Getting promoted involves more than just waiting to get noticed by your boss. Instead, take a more proactive approach. Set up a time to talk to your manager about what steps you need to take to advance. Keep in mind that obtaining a promotion may not be an overnight process. The key is to keep working toward your goal in bite-size chunks. Eventually, you will get where you want to go. Top employer Npower share their tips on career advancement in their recent blog.
- Look for ways to help your boss succeed.
If you can take actionable steps toward helping your boss achieve whatever goals they are hoping to accomplish, they will most likely return the favour by helping you advance in the direction of your own goals. The author Larry Myler advises people to figure out what metrics are used to judge your boss’s performance or to determine whether or not she qualifies for a bonus. Once you understand the targets that your boss is aiming for, you can do a better job of helping her reach those goals.
- Focus on high-profile projects.
If you can contribute to one of your company’s major projects in a meaningful way, your boss or manager will most likely sit up and take notice. At the beginning of the year, ask about upcoming projects. If any of them seem like a good fit for your skills, find out how you can contribute.
- Always try to do more.
If you want to get ahead, you need to find a way to make yourself stand out. That means going above and beyond your current job duties. Constantly challenge yourself to expand your responsibilities or to try new things. The more experience you gain, the more likely you are to move ahead in your company. Businesses usually reward enterprising employees who are constantly improving and reaching for more. Brainstorm ways to expand beyond your role. Before implementing your ideas, discuss them with your manager to get the go-ahead.
- Help your boss whenever possible.
Getting on good terms with your boss is essential since they play a key role in the path that your career takes. Morag Barrett, CEO of Skye Team, advises people to figure out what issues your boss struggles with. Once you understand the problems they are facing, you can then do your best to help.
- Build good relationships with your co-workers.
When you work for a company, you are part of a team. Developing strong relationships with your co-workers can go a long way toward helping you do better in your job – particularly if you work on projects with others. One way to get on good terms with your co-workers is by always crediting people for their accomplishments rather than trying to steal the show. You should also consider spending time away from work with your co-workers to develop stronger relationships. The Villanova School of Business Dean, Joyce Russell, recommends learning how to work well with other people since building good relationships with your colleagues can benefit you over time.
