Everyone who rises within an organization does things to please people with power.
Getting ahead within organizations always includes making someone happy.
4 ways to get ahead within organizations:
#1. Seek and listen to input, but don’t be needy.
- Don’t ask, “How am I doing?”
- Seek input that delivers results, not that makes you feel good about yourself.
- Learn new skills, “What do I need to know to get this done?”
- Ask, “How can we make this better?”
- Don’t make excuses when criticized.
#2. Try new things without needing constant affirmation. (See #1.)
- Take charge; stay open.
- Solve problems without making everyone’s life miserable.
- Include people who know more than you. Lone Rangers aren’t leaders.
- Deliver results that matter to others. All results aren’t equal.
- Connect all activities with organizational mission. Working hard to do the “wrong” thing is dumb.
#3. Be an energy giver, not an energy drain.
- Ask yourself, “Am I bringing people down?”
- Avoid behaviors that drain people. Giving energy includes not draining it.
- Celebrate effort, progress, and completion. Don’t wait until the end to celebrate.
- Never gossip, whine, point fingers, or minimize challenges.
- Notice people’s strengths, talents, and success.
#4. Build relationships that deliver results across the organization.
- Don’t just make friends. Help others get things done.
- Receive help when it makes others look good.
- Let others win.
- Connect with rising stars.
- Disagree with power-people in private.
5 “Get ahead” tips:
- Don’t try to get ahead too much. Just do a great job.
- Follow the example of people who are successfully climbing the corporate ladder.
- Move-on when you get passed over. I know some leaders who have gutted it out and succeeded. In general, just move on.
- Make lateral moves that expand capacity and experience.
- Make life easier for people who control advancement.
Do these ideas trouble you? Why?
What could you do today to enhance your career?