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Rediff.com  » Getahead » 8 tips to scale the corporate ladder...fast!

8 tips to scale the corporate ladder...fast!

Last updated on: August 31, 2010 16:55 IST


Photographs: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com Kshipra Singh, CareerRide.com

When it comes to our careers, every one wants grow in our roles and responsibilities. The road to the top can be tough though. But with the right attitude and good work ethic, it is possible to find success faster.

So here we take a look at a few things you can do to make a positive impact on your colleagues and bosses and scale the corporate ladder.

Multitask
No one can deny the importance of multitasking in today's workplace. What will set you apart from the rest, however, is multitasking well. The aim should not just be to do the minimum and be content. Neither is it to volunteer for every possible task to appear to be proactive, at the expense of your other responsibilities. Take up additional responsibilities while ensuring that your current role is being fulfilled. That is what will get you noticed.

Leave behind the bad ABCs
Bad ABCs are traits that impair your decision-making and ability to get along with people. These include getting angry, complaining, blaming, criticizing, accusing.

  • Getting angry can cloud your judgment and can get you to make bad decisions that can later be a cause for regret.
  • Complaining is a drain not just on your energy but the people around you.
  • Placing blame doesn't get you anywhere. Try, instead, to resolve the crisis.
  • Don't criticise your co-workers. Even constructive criticism is better delivered in private. And if you have nothing positive to add, the better option might just be to keep quiet.

www.CareerRide.com connects job seekers to potential employers globally. The website helps with advice on CV writing, cover letters, personal interviews and interview readiness through online practice tests.

Network, network, network


Photographs: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

That is the mantra today. You need to put yourself out there and make sure the higher-ups know about the good work you are doing. The way to do this is to participate in meetings and office activities, strike up conversations will colleagues, teamleaders and bosses. Do not restrict your work circle to just your team or your floor. Grow your acquaintances at work, learn about what they do.

Attend workshops and conferences that are related to your area of work, meet people in your industry and establish your personal brand among the people you meet.

Fine tune your skills
Take the time to pick up additional skills, skills that will help you take up additional responsibilities. Read and research the skills that other in your profession find useful and acquire them. This might be through workshops, short-term courses, part-time courses etc. Make the time to be well-informed about your industry and keep yourself updated with the latest developments in your field.

Break the mold


Photographs: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Try to innovate and implement new ideas where you can. This will require you to take risks which, in turn, will require self-confidence and courage -- both traits of successful people. Have the fortitude to make tough decisions and stick by them.

Plan
Planning is the key to efficient, effective work. When handed a new responsibility, position or project, always be ready with an agenda for the first 100 days or so. Always explore better ways to increase profits, cut losses, deal with competition, etc.

This will make you more effective in your current profile and you will be seen as a potential candidate for the next promotion.

Enthusiasm counts for a lot


Photographs: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Joie de vivre is contagious. Have and show enthusiasm in everything you do. Enthusiasm works for the benefit of whole team. If you can enthuse your team about the project at hand, you have half the battle won.

Compliment a job well done
If you see a job done well, compliment it. This won't pull you down. Instead it will help you boost your colleagues and their impression of you.

There is no substitute for hard work, but showcasing that hard work is just as important.