Besides skills development through regular training and coaching, what can you do right now to get a promotion, even if you don’t particularly like the job you’re currently in?
This is exactly the problem an employee at an IT form was stuck with before he created a list of 20 things he could do personally to get ahead, deciding he had nothing to lose and would rather try this than start the rigmarole or job hunting again.
Once complete he taped his list up in his cubicle and read it every morning before he started work.
While all 20 of these tips may not directly apply to you or your line of work, this individual did indeed get his promotion and the list (taken from Dumb Little Man) is definitely worth thinking about.
1. I will work and think as if I were the SVP (Senior Vice President) of my IT group. This will include how I interact in meetings, with co-workers in the hall, etc. This will train me for the future.
2. If I ever decide I don’t like the company I work for, I will still act like the SVP because that is the position I want. I will not become a complaining, gossiping troll because my reputation will follow me.
3. I will look for areas that my company fails. One day I will fix that failure by starting my own company.
4. I will be the guy to speak out with new ideas in meetings. If it’s going to save money or increase revenues, I will never be out of line.
5. I will lead others and show my strengths because someday I may want these people to work for me.
6. I will finish everything I start. I am not going to mentally bail on a project.
7. I will shut up and listen when I don’t know 110%.
8. I will study new trends so I am the guy with the good idea.
9. Regardless of what my boss says, I will review myself each month and then ask for help where I need it. My company can train me so that I can move on.
10. If they ask for 132 TPS (Testing Procedure Specification) reports, I will do them. One day I may ask an employee of mine for similar reports (even though it’s repulsive to think).
11. I will speak my mind in the face of rejection when I am confident that my idea is a winner.
12. I will know how competitors do things so I can suggest better solutions in meetings.
13. I will not bend to process bureaucracy. If the customer needs it, we have to figure it out.
14. I will learn as much as possible about the roles people play in my company. One day I will have to fill those roles.
15. I am able to recite my 5-year goal at any time.
16. Resume builders are nice but I am pushing for seminars that will train ME.
17. I will dress more professionally than the rest on casual Friday.
18. On internal conference calls, I will ask questions. Not dumb annoying ones, but questions that pertain to the company’s EPS (earnings per share) or EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization).
19. I will be in the office before my boss’ boss 90% of the time.
20. I will leave the office after my boss 100% of the time.
Can you think of any more tips or advice for those that are stuck in a rut at work?
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