Now is a pretty good time to start thinking about the extra steps you can take to hit that next promotion or thrust your career forward.
Huge progress in a short time frame may feel like an implausible task to mark off, and that’s why we’re fans of going after the achievable but impactful ones. We all know by now that small successes are the impetus for big ones. So, if you’re looking to boost your career today, here’s a good place to start…
#1 Build your emotional intelligence
No one wants a crybaby, whiner, or sore loser on their team… And if you’ve ever worked in a corporate environment, you know how difficult office politics and favoritism can be to endure. So first things first, train your mind to properly adapt to the workplace. Key things - you need to be able to work effectively under stress and pressure, articulate your mistakes and accomplishments, and above all, be a team player. Teamwork is so important because of the many personalities you’re surrounded by. Everyone’s had a co-worker who gets mad over everything or cries over the littlest things… Are you sympathetic? Firm? Take a hard look at yourself and where your emotional intelligence currently stands.
#2 Broaden your network
Fall asleep if you want on this one, but who you know is often times the most important factor to getting anywhere. Now’s the time to get to know different department leads and top level management. (Don’t be afraid to take advantage of networking with all the holiday parties going on.) Remember, in today’s environment, someone is only an email away.
If you don’t ask, the answer will always be “No”!
#3 Help others
Become so proficient in your job that you become a resource for your coworkers. The minute you become a go-to person for your peers, management all over starts taking notice. And when management notices you, the sky is the limit.
#4 Ask for feedback
You never know how well you’re doing unless someone tells you so… That means stop waiting for performance reviews… Stop waiting for your boss to tell you to move on to the next big thing… Schedule those monthly touch bases and stay ahead of the game. Proactively seek feedback so you know where to improve!
#5 Set small, achievable goals (and document them)
Everyone tends to forget about performance reviews until they’re due… By keeping track of all your goals (no matter how big or small), you’ll be ready to write a succinct and poignant self-evaluation. Setting small goals for yourself and documenting them is also unbeatable leverage to ask for a raise.
#6 Find a mentor
A strong and focused future often comes with experience… You can’t know what you don’t know, which is where mentors come into play. They’re usually swarming with wisdom and can provide invaluable insight and perspective on your career path and choices. Most people are willing to mentor if you simply ask! So seek out someone you admire and respect, and ask to meet with him/her on a recurring schedule.
Image Source Credits - WhoWhatWear
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