If you’re looking to move up the corporate ladder, it’s no secret that promotions are earned rather than given. You have to demonstrate your skills in order to get that promotion, and some people might not be as good and well productive at selling themselves as others. Here are five tips on how to get promoted faster in the office and finally achieve that bigger role you’ve been working toward.
1) Take every opportunity
Taking on new tasks will not only prove that you’re someone who goes above and beyond, but it will also give you an opportunity to learn about other areas of your company—all of which will help you land your next promotion. The sooner you take initiative, the more likely others are to notice. Not sure what opportunities are out there?
Ask! Just because no one has offered you a chance to work with them doesn’t mean they won’t be happy to add another pair of hands when you ask for a chance. And don’t forget: volunteering for additional projects is always a good idea—but do so with care. If you find yourself spending too much time away from your current responsibilities, speak up!
2) Do Something For Someone Else
Serving others, from your colleagues at work to non-profit organisations, is a great way to enhance your reputation. Volunteer for events, deliver meals for Meals on Wheels, or hold fundraisers for charities you believe in—the more you help others with no expectation of return favours or compensation, the more likely it is that people will notice your efforts and choose you as a colleague or an employee. It’s also worth noting that giving back can improve your physical health; research shows that those who volunteer have higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression than those who don’t.
3) Learn something new every day
Keeping up with current trends and developments is crucial for staying on top of your game—so make it a habit to learn something new every day. Find interesting resources online, read magazines and professional journals, watch instructional videos on YouTube, or even pick up a book from your local library.
If you’re dedicated to expanding your knowledge base every day, you’ll soon find yourself a well-respected subject matter expert among colleagues and managers alike.
4) Take care of yourself physically and mentally
If you’re going to be at your best, you need good physical and mental health. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t do your best work and bosses tend to notice when employees look less than perfect.
Make sure that you are sleeping well and exercising regularly so that you stay sharp throughout a long day at work. Eat a nutritious breakfast so that your brain can function optimally as soon as it wakes up each morning. Your boss will notice and appreciate it!
5) Know when to ask for help
Learning how to ask for help is a valuable skill—and essential if you want to climb that ladder of success. Though there are times when you should go it alone, asking for assistance can actually boost your performance. If you don’t know where to start or what kind of help is available, figure out who’s good at what around your office and ask them for a quick consultation.
Author Bio:
His experiences working for top brands like Unilever and Samsonite inspired him to write ‘The Rules of Work. Shivank set out to provide non-bullshitty, fact-based career advice that helps millennial workers get more opportunities and grow their careers faster. This blog is where he documents the daily challenges he and his colleagues face. Check him out on OfficeProductivity.org.