SMP Solutions Guide to Moving up the Career Ladder - Part 2
Moving up the ladder within your existing organisation
Most managers and staff find being promoted up the career ladder extremely stressful and one of the toughest challenges that they have had to overcome and second only to dealing with divorce a CPID survey has shown!
Also, don't expect your company to champion your career progression, unless you are extremely lucky, as the survey results showed that most people have little or no support from within.
Nearly 50% of senior-level leaders said that external advisers or coaches played the most significant role in successful career transitions.
What are the best strategies to adopt for your desired promotion?
Some of the strategies are similar to those highlighted in part 1 but they will be in a different internal context, others are significantly different.
Mentoring
If you can find yourself a good mentor from within the organisation then you will get a head start on the rest of the pack. Some companies have formal mentoring programs, but even if your company doesn't, there are still ways you can build relationships with people in higher positions in the company.
Mentoring should be your top strategy but if this is not possible then find yourself an internal coach you respect that you feel can help move you forward or invest in an external Career Coach to really help unlock your potential and help you overcome any limiting beliefs.
Job Shadowing & Acting Up
An excellent strategy, if you can find a suitable opportunity. If you know someone has the job you aspire to and is happy to share their knowledge and experience, even for a day, then go for it! They may see this as a positive activity for the longer term good of the organisation and a key part of your development or they may be looking at moving into a different role themselves, You may then be automatically given the opportunity to 'act up' into the role on a trial basis, when they do move on.
Acting up is always a useful option, whilst the organisation may be deciding what the best course of action is for the future. If you do a good job then the likelihood is that you will have created the role for yourself!
Self Promotion
It is an unfortunate fact of life that if your boss or company does not champion your successes or your value to the organisation, then you have to do this yourself. Modesty and British reserve make it difficult for many people to 'blow their own trumpet' but if you don't then no one else will!
A good strategy is to keep detailed records of your successes and key contribution to the department and organisation, especially if it impacts on profitability or some other key performance indicator for the organisation. In theory, those who get results should get ahead.
Be opportunistic and when you know that there are likely to be bigger and better roles created, make sure that you are ready and waiting to put yourself in the frame.
Learn to 'Manage' Your Boss
Your boss can be your best supporter, if you help them become more effective in their role and make their life easier for them and show them real commitment! You should feel confident to have an informal chat about your own career aspirations and subtlety remind them of how your efforts have helped them perform even better, so us all opportunities to make your boss a key supporter of your promotion. It should not be all about the annual appraisal!
Acquire New Knowledge and Transferable Skills
There are several transferable skills such as all aspects of written and verbal communication, team working, problem-solving, negotiating, influencing, planning and organisational skills, that can be used from trainee right up to CEO level. Hone these skills and gain relevant new knowledge and skills that will benefit your organisation and this can help your self promotion efforts and also and impress your boss!
Study for a Qualification
If not having a key qualification is holding you back, then ask your boss if they will be prepared to help fund you for some thing that will be of benefit to you and the company. Alternatively, you may wish to consider evening courses, the Open University or distance learning.
Build Your Network
In this case we are looking at primarily within the organisation. Who are the key people who can influence your future? The more people who know you, know your strengths and abilities and your value to the organisation, also your ambitions, the more likely you are to get your name in the frame when opportunities arise.
Find out about events happening in your industry. Exhibitions, conferences and seminars where you can spend time talking with new people, asking questions, listening and learning. Inspiring Industry leaders will usually share their knowledge and experience at seminars and you can learn much from them. These industry events can provide you with ideas, insight into future trends and are a great place to network. Ask your boss if you can attend and get the company to pay!
Take on Additional ResponsibilitiesVolunteer for jobs outside your allocated role. Not only will this impress your boss but the new skills you develop can be highlighted when you want to move up the career ladder.
Asking for more work shows your interest and commitment to help your company to succeed.
Professional Approach
Earn a reputation for being professional at all times. Dress professionally even on business casual days. Stand out from the crowd, act and look the part and ensure that you have a positive outlook, especially when the going gets tough!
Deliver Solutions not Problems!
Your boss won't thank you for constantly burdening them with your problems. If a difficult situation arises, be sure to come up with at least one solution before seeking your boss's agreement for dealing with the situation. Problem solvers get promoted, so make sure you stand out from the pack!
Copyright SMP Solutions (2007) Career & Personal Development Consultancy
'helping you unlock your potential'
www.smp-solutions.co.uk
