Workplace Challenges
Career building: Taking it to the next levelIn a highly competitive marketplace, getting ahead at work is harder than it used to be. Career-building takes a lot more stamina and a lot more resourcefulness than it once did. |
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 [ 2002-08-14 ] |
Steve Jones, president, The People's Bank
But if you're standing still, you're moving backwards -- forward thinking is what matters most in today's workplace.
So how do you achieve the next level?
"It's good to make your intentions known to your manager. Inquire about any positions in your department you can advance to, and work to that end," says Chris Krygiel, vice-president of human resources at Sun Media.
Right off the bat, you establish with your manager your goals and ambitions, and what you wish to achieve in the company. Not only will this demonstrate that you are committed to success, but it may make it easier to make a transition later on.
Once you're ready to make a move, you need to consider a couple of things. First, take a close look at the state of the company you work for. Look at company performance and if there has been any recent layoffs to determine the financial strength of your company.
"Be considerate of timing and company performance," says Steve Jones, president of The People Bank, Canada's largest independent staffing services company. "If the company is downsizing, it may not be the right time."
Working on yourself, your role in the company and your reputation is what will essentially determine how far you get in a company.
You'll want to present a new you to your manager and the people you work with. You'll want to stand out, to be a leader, and to take initiative wherever possible."
"You may be compared to another candidate. You want to create a different aura around yourself," says Marilyn Neufeld, a career coach who works with senior executives and CEOs. "When I work with someone, I tell them to act as if they are the manager of that area. Speak the way they speak, look the way they look, read the material they read."
What Neufeld is referring to is known as "boss watching." Mimicking your boss' behavior will lead you to adopt the qualities of success they possess.
Another critical move is to steadily evolve your current role by taking on more responsibilities.
Taking on extra projects will benefit you twofold: you'll be learning new skills and expanding your knowledge base, and you'll also be demonstrating that you can handle anything that comes your way.
"It's a good idea to find out if there's more you can do. It shows that you are taking initiative, that you're not afraid to take on new challenges," Krygiel says.
Jones agrees, adding that you should not only be adopting new tasks, but slowly deprioritizing the less important tasks from your workload.
"Ask for more responsibilities and drop the junior ones. If you do them, and do them well, it will be easier to negotiate down the road. You have been slowly moving up the scale, and now you have a better story to tell," Jones says.
Your success in the workplace is also intimately linked to the people you work with. Your co-workers are valuable resources who, with the right attitude from you, can help you achieve your goals.
"Find out what opportunities there are for mentorship within the company," Neufeld says. "Use your direct manager as a door opener perhaps in other areas of the company. By surrounding yourself by a team of people in other areas who can help you, you are opening more doors for yourself."
The impression you make in the workplace is critical. According to Jones, putting in longer hours will demonstrate that you are committed to the job, and to the best interests of the company.
"It's unfair, but true: working longer hours helps. It's totally unfair to say that people who work longer hours make a greater contribution, but most managers don't know exactly what you're doing and how well you're doing it," Jones says. "But they do know that the person who stays until 7 p.m. is more dedicated to get the job done -- the impression that creates is huge."
Jones adds as well that it's important to report frequently to your manager on your progress. Being proactive by keeping your boss informed of what you're working on, and what you have planned for the future, will enhance the respect they have for you.
Find out about courses you can take that will expand your skill base and help you in the workplace.
"Taking extra courses, whether they be in computers or whatever your position is related to, will prepare you for what might lie ahead, and will show you are proactive," Krygiel says.
Finally, you may have to make some serious decisions if, in fact, there is no room to move up.
"If there are no opportunities, recognize that, and decide what you are going to do," Jones says. "If the reality is that there is no room for progression, and you are unhappy, you should look elsewhere."
(Sharon Aschaiek is a Toronto Sun editor, and can be reached at sharon.aschaiek@tor.sunpub.com.)
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