From the course: Understanding Business

Getting ahead in business

From the course: Understanding Business

Getting ahead in business

“

- Building a successful career often means getting promoted, being given new responsibilities, and leading projects. So how can you begin to climb that corporate ladder? Here are a few tips to get you noticed for all the right reasons. First, remember that just like you, your manager is also trying to climb the ladder, so leaders love it when you help them get promotions. Managers are like you, handing in work to those above them. And sometimes, it's the work that you developed for your manager. Instead of trying to impress your manager, think big. Find ways to impress the executives up the chain. Create spreadsheets, presentations, or documents, that your manager could easily use in a meeting with their boss. Your manager will get noticed, they'll get a promotion, and believe me, they'll want to take you with them up the ladder. Second, your manager is busy today, and tomorrow they'll get even busier. Try to anticipate what they'll need next week, or next month. Helping your manager solve next week's problem is always appreciated. Third, develop skills the company needs. Executives spend their days making decisions, leading projects, and developing solutions. They need team players with a modern skill set. If you can learn to code, improve your spreadsheet skills, or start learning about data analytics, you're setting yourself up for success. New projects will emerge, and you will become an important member of some of the best projects. Fourth, make your manager's job easier. Top executives are leading big teams and all those people ask questions, and send email. Some make mistakes, and they might miss deadlines. Send fewer emails, hit your deadlines, and don't get in trouble. Your manager will love it. And number five, even when you're not the team leader, demonstrate leadership. Don't look at teammates as competitors. Look for ways to help them be successful. Help them hit a deadline, give them advice, be supportive. Executives will notice your positive energy, and the people you help, they'll remember you and they'll help you when you need it. Every company is different, and every manager is different, but getting things done, solving problems, and being a good person, are things that executives both value, and ultimately, reward.

Contents