10 Strategies to Get to the Top..and Stay There
by Ross Macpherson, President, Career Quest
Ok, so you want to get to the top. You're motivated, intelligent, and eager to prove yourself. You've got your job and you work hard. So why aren't you there yet? You plug away every day in your cubicle, nose to the grindstone, so why haven't the big wigs noticed you yet? Why is "what's his name" always getting the promotion? Well, chances are "what's his name" knows something that others don't - that intelligence and hard work simply aren't enough by themselves.
If you want to be successful and realize the kind of ongoing career success that gets you to the top and keeps you there, you need to make it an ongoing commitment. It's about making your success a conscious decision, a daily manifestation of a well thought out plan of action to make yourself invaluable and raise your profile. It's not for anyone who simply wants to work hard, and certainly not for those who want to coast - it's for the driven few who are committed to making their mark and are willing to work on it consistently.
The following is a list of some of the key ingredients in fast-tracking your career and raising both your profile and value to the organization. Some of it does sound a bit mercenary, but the truth is your career is in your hands, no one else's. If you want your career to take off, it's up to you to make it happen.
1. Always Deliver
This is the bottom line, the bare minimum. You have to build and maintain a reputation for delivering, every time. You can only get so far on your charm and good looks, because eventually you'll reach a point where that's not enough. Be the one who always comes through, the one who always catches the big fish, the one they can always count on. Without this one key ability, you can't go far.
2. Get Frontline Experience
Everybody contributes to the success of a company, from the CEO who drives
the strategy down to the service staff who keep the company running. But
if you want to be high-profile, you need to position yourself on the frontline,
even if only temporarily to gain the experience. The frontline is where
the money is made, and like it or not that's where the glamour and attention
are.
Whether you're just starting your career or you're already an executive in a supporting function (like HR for example), you want to strongly consider a strategic move to the frontline (either in the trenches or managing the troops). The experience is invaluable, will dramatically broaden your skills and vision, and it will definitely raise your profile as a direct contributor who truly understands the business.
3. Build the Right Alliances
At all points in your career, you need to know who to know, and you need them to know you. Every time you start a new job or join a new company, make a point of learning who the power players are and get access to them. The earlier you have access to the power players in your career, the more you'll learn, the higher your profile, and the better position you are in to get access to the right opportunities and get yourself and your talent noticed (and rewarded).
Find ways to put yourself in front of them, such as volunteering for the right projects and assignments. I even knew someone who started volunteering for the same local charity where her VP sat on the board. She took a high-profile role, one that would occasionally put her in front of the board, and made her mark there. Once the VP found out she also "happened" to work for the same company, the connection was made and the rest is history.
4. Surround Yourself with the Best
What you can accomplish on your own is very important, but your career
may reach a point where you will be measured on what you can get others
to do. The best way to consistently lead your team to success is to make
certain that you have a crackerjack team in the first place. Learning
how to spot and recruit top talent is a valuable skill, but even better
is developing your leadership skills to the point where top talent wants
to come work for you. Attract the best, lead them to victory, and you'll
shine.
5. Look for the Gaps, and Fill Them
Keep your eyes and ears open for new ways to contribute and make your company stronger. If you can spot the new and exciting opportunities, terrific - but they don't even have to be spectacular every time. In other words, finish the job no one else could finish, take on the project no one wants, spot the error no one else noticed. Simply stand up and say "Mind if I take this on?" and deliver (and if you can find ways to involve/connect with power players along the way, all the better).
6. Volunteer to Fast-Track Skills & Experience
If you really want to fast-track your skills and network, volunteer your time and expertise for a local charity or professional organization. And here I'm not talking about serving muffins at the annual bake sale, important as that is. I'm referring to strategic roles, committee work, and volunteer leadership positions. Non-profit organizations are often starving for good talent to volunteer their time, and this is the perfect place to get the experience you may have to work years to get in the corporate world. So find the right organization, get on the right committees (or lead them) and make your mark.
Chances are you'll also eventually connect with the organization's Board of Directors, which is often made up of power players from a wide variety of industries who will see what you can do. Its great way to boost your skills, give something back, feel good about yourself, and develop the skills, experience, and network you need to really get things going.
7. Count to 10, then Talk
The higher up you go, the more critical your communications skills become. What you say, what you don't say, and how you say it all will become a huge part of how you are perceived. Aim for a measured communications style - carefully consider your words, never fly off the handle, never complain about your job or about a superior, and don't make excuses.
8. Associate Yourself with Something Valuable
If your name is associated with the company's most valuable enterprises and initiatives, you in turn increase your perceived value. This is why it's critical to be on the right teams and projects - simply by association your value will go up.
9. Get the Training You'll Need
It's very possible that somewhere along the way up you are going to require the right training or education to round out your profile. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have a proven warrior than a well-training graduate on my team any day of the week, but in the real world it can matter. Whether it's an executive MBA, a leadership program with some caché, or professional certification, take a good look at the landscape and get the training you're going need.
10. If the Company Ain't Right for You, Move On
Lastly, don't waste your time in an organization that can't benefit from what you have to offer. The path to success is littered with people who tried to beat their head against a wall in the wrong organization, only because they were too afraid to leave. Not every organization is right for you, and you are not right for every organization. If they don't suit your style or don't have the infrastructure or culture to either appreciate your efforts or support your growth, then look elsewhere. Life's too short...and so is your career.
All of these ingredients are about building your brand and enhancing
the company's (or industry's) perception of your skills, your expertise,
and value. Career success does not just come from working hard and keeping
your nose clean - it requires planning, careful positioning, and daily
mastery of the skills and attributes that will get you to the top and
keep you there.
Best of luck!
© 2004 Ross Macpherson
About the Author
Ross Macpherson is the President of Career Quest, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and a Career Success Coach who has helped thousands of motivated professionals advance their careers. To receive more valuable career advice, sign up to join his monthly newsletter "Career Accelerator" by visiting www.yourcareerquest.com.
NOTE: You're more than welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains intact and unaltered (including the "About the Author" info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to ross@yourcareerquest.com
