How to climb the professional ladder without much struggle

1. Know Your Boss

Historically, promotions in the work-place are mostly done to people who know the organisation better, including the senior staff. The people at the receiving end of promotions must please the organisation through the boss. You cannot therefore please him/her if you don’t know what he/she likes. Strife to be close to him, or if it is not possible study his/her ways of working and instructing his staff, then learn to please him/her. However, tread with caution not to show sycophancy. Be an independent mind that can bring on board great ideas that can bring more success to the company.

2. Make a plan.

“Too many people bounce through their career like a pinball in a pinball game, but in order to achieve your full potential, every person needs a plan—some sort of roadmap or blueprint,” says Ford Myers, a career coach and an author.

“A smart person will have a long-term career plan, which focuses on where they want to arrive at the pinnacle of their career, as well as the interim steps they’ll need to take in order to get there.”

3. Highlight your accomplishments

It is through the present that you define your future, but it is from the past that you draw the lessons to better your deeds for a brighter future. If you cannot remember yesterday’s mistake you’ll most probably repeat it and remain on the same spot for years. Keep a running file of your accomplishments and failures, then work on improving the accomplishments and rectifying the failures.

Related: Take this simple test to know the career that suits you

4. Be a go-getter

Always do what others fear doing, and do it perfectly well. Unique tasks are what make the difference, not the common tasks that can be done by anyone. Be early to work, dependable, and get projects done on time or early while not compromising on quality.

5. Be supportive to your colleagues

You will need their support to make it to greater heights, so do not despise them. They might be your future basis of success when climbing up the corporate ladder.

6. Learn

If you can afford to further your education, do it. This is what will justify your advancements in the workplace. Also learn from your colleagues who are more experienced, as every bit of knowledge will see you through huddles in the corporate ladder.

7. Network

Through networking you’ll know whenever an opportunity presents itself in any organisation. Professional networks are what will give you updates on any new trend in the market place, don’t ignore it.