In difficult times, when both small and large businesses are laying off employees, many of us worry about holding on to our jobs.
What we probably should be thinking about instead is how to get our next promotion. After all, even in the worst of times, there are opportunities available to those prepared to take advantage of them. So, try these methods to help you move up the career ladder. You may be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you get results.
1. Know the criteria on which employees are judged and evaluated. The more you know about what is important to your organization, the more you can rack up points.
2. Be sure that your boss is successful and that his or her success is recognized by his/her superiors.
3. When you bring your boss problems, always bring solutions. In fact, make a reputation for yourself as a problem solver.
4. Be reliable. Be on time. Complete assignments ahead of schedule. Be low maintenance.
5. Do not just accept challenges; seek them out.
6. Be cheerful and positive, especially in times of crisis. Offer your ideas in a constructive way, without overt or implied criticism of others.
7. Accept praise with humility. Accept criticism without anger or hurt.
8. Continue to improve your skills and develop new ones. Work especially hard on acquiring valuable skills your colleagues do not have.
9. Do not neglect to take the time to organize yourself. Good organizational skills are always noted and valued. And, the higher up the employment pyramid you go, the more important it is to be well organized.
10. Assist your co-workers whenever possible. And, work hard to develop and maintain good professional relationships.
Even in the very worst economic times, there are professional advancement opportunities readily available to employees who are seen as valuable. By following the suggestions above, you can make yourself one of them.
