A long-term goal is helpful in career advancement but don’t forget that small actions can make a big impact too.Here are some of the small actions that can help you on your way up the corporate ladder.
Build relationships.
No, I don’t mean romantic relationships. What I mean is meaningful relationships with your colleagues, your boss and even the boss of your boss, if you have the chance to do so. See, in order for anyone to recognize your value at work, they need to get to know you on a more personal level. So, try to be as supportive as you can and try to seek out mentors to help with your development while you’re at it.
Show initiative.
“But my boss already gives me so many things to do!” Girl, your boss can give you a week’s worth of work in a day and you can do it all, but that won’t help you advance in your career. You have to show your boss that you can think on your own and that you have your own ideas. I assure you this is a very effective way to get on your boss’s good side and make him or her like you even more. No one likes a suck-up, but a subtle one is okay.
Ask for more responsibility.
You see that intern? Approach your boss and ask if you can help out with their training. If you know you’re good at something and you feel like you’re ready to mentor someone at it, then go ahead! Not only will this give you brownie points with your boss; it might also help you convince your boss to give you a promotion later on down the line.
Admit your mistakes.
Never, ever blame anyone else for your wrongdoings. Why? Because doing so will show off a weakness of character. On the other hand, if you accept and admit your mistakes full-on, you can prove that you can deal with the cut-throat industry of your choice.
Never give up on a task that you have accepted.
Don’t admit defeat. We all encounter hardships at some point in time, but these are all just bumps on the road on the way up the corporate ladder. If you try hard enough, you can find various ways to finish any task. Never ever rush through things, either, though, and avoid doing things at the last minute at all costs. Rushed and half-assed work will show in the end – believe me.
Be positive at all times.
Bring hope and inspiration to the table, not discouragement. Besides, no one likes a Debbie Downer.
Dress well.
It will be hard to earn respect at the office if you always come in looking like you just got out of bed. Take a couple of minutes in the morning (or evening) to make sure you look your best. This might sound superficial, but when you look good, you will earn the respect that you deserve.
Never forget where you came from.
This is one of the most important things I learned from my own beloved boss. Never forget the people who helped you on your journey to success and never ever forget who believed in you when no one else did, either.
Step out of your comfort zone once in a while.
One thing I learned is that you need to learn to be open to new opportunities that come your way because only a few successful careers have a straight path.
Update your resume when needed.
Working on a new project? Great! Once you’ve completed the said project, don’t forget to include it in your resume. Remember: the more experience you have under your sleeve, the better the chances of you advancing your career down the line.