Just a few tips based on my experience. Take what you want from it, or not.
These are generally for middle management, but can be used for almost any position in almost any kind of job.
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The longer you're in a company and not moving up, the harder it is to move up.
Early on, create value and create relationships with everyone who you think will be beneficial to you. By value, I mean being competent. By relationships, I mean not being irrelevant to anyone. Make it a point to create some kind of image to every individual.
As far as competence, try your best to be good at what you do. However, don't do anything that you won't be recognized for. Find a way to do the least amount of work that will get you the most recognition. Focus on the details that people notice. Ignore the things that people don't think about.
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Get involved in higher risk positions. Stay away from petty obligations. Don't get caught putting files away for someone, or cleaning bathrooms. When you learn about new opportunities or new ventures that the higher ups are taking, find a way to give your input. Also, don't bring up irrelevant things in conversation, unless it's humorous or something. Keep conversational topics with your superiors about growth, the future, etc. Keep a positive vibe with them. Don't say things like "Oh, I sent the e-mail you wanted me to send, by the way."
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When you're unsure of how to carry out a project or what type of action to do, try to refrain from getting advice this way:
"What should I do? Should I do [Plan A] or [Plan B]?"
Instead, do it this way:
"I'm going to do Plan A."
And then see how they respond. Tailor your plan according to their reactions. If they actually wanted Plan B, they will tell you, and then give you the reasons why. Just nod curiously and say "Hm. Interesting."
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Don't always come to work on time. This is one way to gauge your value. Unless you have a meeting with new clients, play around with your arrival time. If you have high value, most likely, your superiors won't say anything to you. If they do say something to you, just nod. Also, play around with your leaving time. Leave later than everyone else, and leave earlier than everyone else. Mix it up.
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Randomly buy coffee or desserts for people at the most random times. This is what I call Beta Game in the business world.
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If you are a manager, bring out employees' emotions during meetings. I made a post recently about emotions because even though we are stoic and decisive, we lead through emotions. Do not hold useless meetings. In my opinion, meetings about new policies or formulas are pretty boring and useless. You can use e-mail and bulletin board posts for that. On the other hand, you can use these as excuses to hold meetings that will eventually turn into a talk about Vision and Future.
-
Of course, timing is everything. This advice and your intuition should work together for best results.
I'll post more / touch up on more topics gradually.
These are generally for middle management, but can be used for almost any position in almost any kind of job.
-
The longer you're in a company and not moving up, the harder it is to move up.
Early on, create value and create relationships with everyone who you think will be beneficial to you. By value, I mean being competent. By relationships, I mean not being irrelevant to anyone. Make it a point to create some kind of image to every individual.
As far as competence, try your best to be good at what you do. However, don't do anything that you won't be recognized for. Find a way to do the least amount of work that will get you the most recognition. Focus on the details that people notice. Ignore the things that people don't think about.
-
Get involved in higher risk positions. Stay away from petty obligations. Don't get caught putting files away for someone, or cleaning bathrooms. When you learn about new opportunities or new ventures that the higher ups are taking, find a way to give your input. Also, don't bring up irrelevant things in conversation, unless it's humorous or something. Keep conversational topics with your superiors about growth, the future, etc. Keep a positive vibe with them. Don't say things like "Oh, I sent the e-mail you wanted me to send, by the way."
-
When you're unsure of how to carry out a project or what type of action to do, try to refrain from getting advice this way:
"What should I do? Should I do [Plan A] or [Plan B]?"
Instead, do it this way:
"I'm going to do Plan A."
And then see how they respond. Tailor your plan according to their reactions. If they actually wanted Plan B, they will tell you, and then give you the reasons why. Just nod curiously and say "Hm. Interesting."
-
Don't always come to work on time. This is one way to gauge your value. Unless you have a meeting with new clients, play around with your arrival time. If you have high value, most likely, your superiors won't say anything to you. If they do say something to you, just nod. Also, play around with your leaving time. Leave later than everyone else, and leave earlier than everyone else. Mix it up.
-
Randomly buy coffee or desserts for people at the most random times. This is what I call Beta Game in the business world.
-
If you are a manager, bring out employees' emotions during meetings. I made a post recently about emotions because even though we are stoic and decisive, we lead through emotions. Do not hold useless meetings. In my opinion, meetings about new policies or formulas are pretty boring and useless. You can use e-mail and bulletin board posts for that. On the other hand, you can use these as excuses to hold meetings that will eventually turn into a talk about Vision and Future.
-
Of course, timing is everything. This advice and your intuition should work together for best results.
I'll post more / touch up on more topics gradually.
