I just happened upon an article on a Web site called Dumb Little Man in which the author shares 20 tips he used to get an IT job promotion. I thought it was a great list.

The list resulted from a period in which he almost quit an IT support job for a large accounting company because he was unhappy. He wrote the list and posted it on his cubicle wall so he could read it every morning. He ended up getting a promotion. Here’s the list he compiled:

  • I will work and think as if I were the SVP of my IT group. This will include how I interact in meetings, with co-workers in the hall, etc. This will train me for the future.
  • If I ever decide I don’t like the company I work for, I will still act like the SVP because that is the position I want. I will not become a complaining, gossiping troll because my reputation will follow me.
  • I will look for areas that my company fails. One day I will fix that failure by starting my own company.
  • I will be the guy to speak out with new ideas in meetings. If it’s going to save money or increase revenues, I will never be out of line.
  • I will lead others and show my strengths because someday I may want these people to work for me.
  • I will finish everything I start. I am not going to mentally bail on a project.
  • I will shut up and listen when I don’t know 110%.
  • I will study new trends so I am the guy with the good idea.
  • Regardless of what my boss says, I will review myself each month and then ask for help where I need it. My company can train me so that I can move on.
  • If they ask for 132 TPS reports, I will do them. One day I may ask an employee of mine for similar reports (even though it’s repulsive to think).
  • I will speak my mind in the face of rejection when I am confident that my idea is a winner.
  • I will know how competitors do things so I can suggest better solutions in meetings.
  • I will not bend to process bureaucracy. If the customer needs it, we have to figure it out.
  • I will learn as much as possible about the roles people play in my company. One day I will have to fill those roles.
  • I am able to recite my 5-year goal at any time.
  • Resume builders are nice but I am pushing for seminars that will train ME.
  • I will dress more professionally then the rest on casual Friday.
  • On internal conference calls, I will ask questions. Not dumb annoying ones, but questions that pertain to the company’s EPS or EBITDA.
  • I will be in the office before my boss’ boss 90% of the time.
  • I will leave the office after my boss 100% of the time.