1. Identify Your Goals
Where do you want to take your career? What is it you hope to accomplish? When setting your goals, consider these questions:
– Are you willing to increase the number of hours that you work in order to obtain a senior position at the company? Do you want to take on that much extra responsibility?
– Do you enjoy coming up with solutions to difficult or challenging problems?
– How do you feel about meeting other people?
– What do your family members have to say about you moving into an executive role?
According to Irene McConnell, MD of Arielle Executive identifying your goals will help you land your dream role.
2. Plan Out Your Career Path
Having a plan will make it a lot easier for you to reach your goals. The steps that you outlined in your plan will help guide you as you move toward success. Frequently referencing your plan as you move forward will help ensure that your actions are aligned with your goals.
3. Constantly Work To Develop Your Skills As A Leader
Forming strong leadership skills requires continual effort and is especially important for women who are interested in managerial or executive roles. Moving your way up in your company is easier when you have strong leadership skills, well-developed technical talents, and the ability to work well with others.
4. Master The Art Of Direct Communication
Anyone who manages other people needs to be able to communicate clearly. Women and men tend to communicate differently, however.
Women often try to soften their suggestions by phrasing them as questions rather than stating them in a more direct way. To be more effective, focus on learning to communicate your ideas in a direct and concise way. If you phrase everything is a question or suggestion, it will undermine your authority and will make you seem less confident.
5. Don’t Shy Away From Risk
Men are typically more willing to take risks than women. As a leader, however, part of your job is to know when calculated risks are appropriate. If you want to move up the corporate ladder, you need to be able to identify situations where it is worth taking a risk.
6. Do Undesirable Tasks
Anytime a project comes up that nobody else wants to work on, offer to take it on. This provides you with an opportunity to show that you are committed to your company’s success. It also allows you to demonstrate your talents in new and interesting ways.
7. Don’t Try To Blend In
If you want to become a manager or leader, you need to find a way to get noticed. Managing other people isn’t easy and often requires you to make difficult decisions. Show your employer that you can shine in any situation, whether it is positive or negative.
8. Network With Others
Building relationships with other people in your field is one of the best ways to get ahead. Network with others whenever possible, both in-person and online. The time and effort you put into building these relationships will pay off in the long run.