20 Ways to Get Ahead in Your Career

So, you're looking to get ahead in your career.

Everyone knows someone who seemingly gets by without much effort. Maybe even someone who is very successful without having to work hard.

Doesn't sound like you?

If you're like most people you have to drive hard just to keep up and feel like it is becoming more difficult each day. You have to give your absolute best. If you have decided you want to succeed and get ahead you then you need to decide to be a workhorse. If that doesn't sound easy or glamorous...well...it isn't. Truth is, in today's economy you will have to grind it out at times.

So what are some of the ways to separate yourself from the pack and get ahead in your career?

TWENTY WAYS TO GET AHEAD

1. Brand yourself! Think of your favorite brand. One of mine happens to be FedEx. They flat out get it done. You trust that if you give them your important package they'll get it to the destination on time. You need to be that way in your work life. Employers want to give a task, assignment or responsibility to someone they value, can trust and who they know will flat out get it done . Become known as that person
   
2. Step up! Take Initiative! . Look for things that need to be done and get them done. Either through yourself or leverage it to others. Volunteer for the tough, undesirable assignment. It's like exercise. Short term pain for long term gain.
   
3. Arrive early! If you arrive early, you are already ahead of 90% of your colleagues. If you are Gen Y - 99%. That's good news for you. By arriving to the office 30 minutes early you can plan your day, tackle any messages or e-mails from overnight and get your favorite office friendly beverage poured.
   
4. Stay late! Those who leave when the 5 o'clock horn sounds don't typically get ahead quick. Those who make just one additional call, send the one additional e-mail, finish the one extra task do.
   
5. Be available! This means 24/7/365. Business is a rapidly changing environment and companies value employees who are willing and able to assist when needed. This doesn't mean you have to be at the beck and call of your employer (not recommended!) but be flexible and willing to engage at any time. Even if it's just by e-mail or text.
   
6. Think! Think before you speak. Think before you send an e-mail. Think before you act. And be ready to think on your feet.
   
7. Be Organized! Have your information and resources sorted out and readily available. This will give you peace of mind and help you fulfill #6 above a lot easier.
   
8. Be Prepared! Know your numbers, anticipate problems and questions, come to meetings ready to go.
   
9. Give Credit! Support your team and those who helped you accomplish your work. First, everyone knows you didn't do a big task all on your own. Second, you gonna need help again.
   
10. Don't Panic! Problems will arise. Those who can keep a cool head are most likely to lead and find a solution. With that, don't lash out or point fingers when problems occur. Blaming is losing.
    
11. Under Promise, Over Deliver! Sounds basic but it's a tricky concept to master. Not only will people's request be incredibly urgent to them it's easy to over commit and want to appear responsive. This takes practice and great communication.
    
12. Communicate! Be precise, concise and clear.
    
13. Ask Questions! Get all the information you can from your boss, customers, vendors and teammates. Asking that one extra question may be what directs the project and helps reach the outcome.
    
14. Be Face-to-Face! In today's environment with e-mail, voicemail, text messaging, tweeting, Facebooking, etc it's actually more rare to do many day-to-day tasks in person. If your boss e-mails or leaves a message that might require a long reply, consider replying in person...with a leave behind document prepared.
    
15. Understand Financials! The lifeblood of a business is its financials. Even if you are the receptionist, you need to have a basic understanding of business financials. At the minimum, learn about a Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow. And this is one area where the higher you go the more you need to know.
    
16. Be a Steward of the Finances! Manage every dollar of the company's money with the highest regard. Especially in today's economic environment.
17. Set Goals! If you want to get ahead, you need to achieve the company's goals. You also need to set and achieve your personal goals. To get ahead you may need a skill or experience you don't yet have. Set them as goals and make plans to achieve them.
    
18. Respect and Honor Your Work Community! Disrespecting subordinates or peers may work in some industries but most people need the help of their human resources. You're more likely to achieve your own professional goals if you have a team that feels respected and willing to put in the extra mile for you.
    
19. It's not a Social Club! It is fine to have great relationships at work...but it's not a social club. You are at work to get work done not chit chat. Spend your work time working and your play time playing. Collaboration with your work team is good! Just be sure to achieve a business result while you are at it.
20. Hold Yourself Accountable! To get ahead you need to be accountable. To your boss. To your colleagues. To your Clients & customers. To yourself! People who place blame or make excuses do not get ahead. And the less your boss has to hold you accountable the better.
    

BONUS: Be Consistent! Whatever you do to step up and set yourself apart from the crowd do it consistently. Stepping up only at certain times (i.e. review time) is blatantly manipulative and won't help your cause.

This is just a short list of recommendations. There are many others but if you start to tackle and master a few of these people will start to notice...maybe even your boss.

You just might get ahead in your career!

TAKE ACTION NOW!

1. Read the list again. Pick two items to work on this week. Write them down. Record activities, questions and progress at the end of the week
2. Return weekly and choose another two until you have integrated all 20 at some level. Practice!
3. Have a question? Need coaching, training, feedback or just want to share? Contact us! See top right hand side of page for contact information.

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