Completing all the tasks at work is not always enough to move forward and get promotions. You need to make certain moves and be initiative to get further in your career. The following are some tips that can help you move forward at your work and achieve great results. By following them, you will make the promotion come to you much sooner.
1. Learn to listen
Try not to participate in useless conversations and don't initiate them; take part only in constructive talks. Listen carefully to people in a conversation. When you are quiet and think every answer over, you seem smarter.
You need to be able to listen attentively and analyze what this person wants to tell you and why. Learn how to talk only when it is necessary. No one likes when a person is too chatty; everyone enjoys being listened to with attention.
2. Take interest
If your colleague struggles with something, help him deal with it. If you don't know how to solve the problem, help him find the resources that can be useful. Thus, you will gain everyone's trust and favor as well as additional experience.
It also concerns all the unofficial corporate events: celebrations, birthdays, holidays. Help with organization, make other people interested. Such initiatives are always appreciated.
3. Read developing books
An expert can be whoever he wants (remember House MD), but a leader has to be a flexible and open person, who can listen and understand employees' problems, say "no" if needed, be able to multitask and find ways out of troubles.
That is why if you want to grow, you need to read and to learn a lot: psychology, motivation, management, public speaking, time management, etc. An optimal amount of such books are 15-20 per year. You can also attend different seminars and courses to develop your skills.
4. Admit your mistakes
We learn the most valuable lessons in life from our own mistakes, unfortunately. When we work, every failure seems like the end of the world and, most importantly, the end of our career. Well, actually, these are precious lessons that will help you a lot in the future.
Don't hide these mistakes even if you know there will be punishment. What is done by night appears by day. It would be worse if your hidden mistake will lead to negative consequences. Your reputation in this company will be lost forever. Better admit your mistakes and suggest ways of fixing them.
5. Make all the efforts to do your job best
Try to work on tasks as if you do it for yourself and everything depends on it. Do more than you are expected to do; do 110%. Look at all the angles of the task, maybe you can upgrade something or offer some ideas. Show different approach to the task; people appreciate such things.
6. Motivate people
Tell people that they can do it, that they can achieve more and their mistakes and failures are temporary. Discuss the topics of honesty, hard work, personal development and responsibility. Try to motivate people to move forward no matter what, and you'll always have support from them.
7. Be responsible in everything you do
If you take in some tasks, be responsible for them till the end. Yes, you may get tired, but take a break and move on. People like when there is a responsible person around: he or she comes in time, finishes all the tasks, looks good, controls the emotions and doesn't let people down. Always be responsible for your words and actions.
8. Find a mentor
Finding a wise mentor could be a great help for your career. It can be your manager, a person from other department or even your friend. Learn from them, listen to their tips and criticism. Ask them questions as often as you can. You will be surprised how much people enjoy sharing their experience and teaching other people. They are often very flattered if someone comes to them for advice. Use it.
Career path is often hard and winding; you always have to leave your comfort zone, make difficult decisions and take all the responsibility for them. To become a leader, you have to be disciplined, initiative, responsible and communicative. This path is great, though, as you develop yourself as a professional and as a person. So, take your courage and start moving forward.
