The economy’s improving.  How are you doing?

From my mail I can see that more people are starting to get back into thinking about their career over the long term again. If you’ve decided that it’s time to start taking action to push your career – and you’re prepared to do what’s needed to get there – here are seven tactics I’ve seen used by people who wanted to get moving:
1. Be first and take what you deserve – I’m always surprised by people who think that being polite is better than being assertive.  There will always be someone who is prepared to stand in front of you for the promotion or important task that leads to one.  Get to the front of the line.
2. Be a power broker – If you’re not one, act like one. Position yourself as a go-to person. When others see that you can answer questions or provide advice, you are more likely to be given the formal power of a title. Act boldly – even if you’re not bold.
3. Use empathy (just don’t be too empathetic) – It’s natural to worry about hurting someone’s feelings. But usually the ones who move ahead most quickly are less concerned about the smaller stuff.  
4. Earn what you deserve – When negotiating your compensation package, use specifics that show clearly that you are worth more to the company than others.  Many people expect that because they have a need or are in a tough situation they’ll get a break – not likely. Do your homework about what others are getting paid at your level. Visit Glassdoor.com.
5. Make goals. Achieve them. Make new goals. Your plan should go all the way to the end result you want.  It should detail what action is needed for every step along the way. Review your plan frequently because things change.  Constantly modify it as required.
6, Learn how to be seductive – Many very successful people I’ve worked with are particularly charming.  They admitted that they used charm and manipulation to get people to do what they want, willingly.  Is this a sleazy thing to do?  Maybe.  But, on the other hand, if you can get what you want while helping someone else feel good, that’s not the worst thing.
7.  Go for the high profile jobs – Some job roles seem to be destined for success, while others have been occupied by failures.  What is the promotional path of others in your organization who have moved quickly and successfully.  Can you use them as mentors?

Here’s to your career!

John

Executive Leadership Coach