Imagine this – during the last one year or so, there were several positions that opened up in your organization and you could have easily got into any one of them. You applied, but you didn’t and instead some others from within and outside did. Some new entrants with less than even six months service made it to a senior position.
Why were you left out? Perhaps you didn’t get noticed at the correct time. Now that whatever had to happen happened, can you do anything to preclude another chance to whizz past you? Something needs to be done by you to get spotted for promotion.
Five common idealized and exaggerated beliefs that can prevent you from having a worthwhile and satisfying career are discussed in the succeeding paragraphs.
· I too put in my bit: If you work hard, it does not necessarily imply that all rewards, prizes and incentives are yours too. You need to periodically discover newer ways and means to honk your presence and existence. But, it has to be for good work done. Has there been an instance in the recent past when you got a pat on your back? You need to get into limelight. You need to be recognized by your boss. Your name should find mention in the company bulletin. And when it does happen, get yourself a small memento to simply let you recap of that great achievement. Seniors, peers and subordinates will ask and even compliment you for it. Make certain that its significance and facts are put across to them.
· The old man knows: Your boss would not know what is in your mind. How will he ever fathom that you want to move up? So, being presumptuous will never help. What is required to be done is reclining back and imagine how exactly you would like your job to develop and get bigger. There is absolutely no harm in meeting the boss and running through your aims. Unless you have been able to elicit his espousal, do not call the meeting off. “I am sure that you will help me” ought to be the assertion that you should put across. It may appear to be sweet-talk, but the fact is that sans the boss’ encouragement and acquiescence, moving ahead is difficult.
· My friends are not contestants: Any view to the contrary will be correct. Career and business do not go hand in hand with friendship and companionship – this tenet needs to be registered in the mind. It is noble and impressive to appreciate friends alright, but one should also not get sidetracked by loose talk. Be alert and on the lookout. If you don’t, there are chances that someone else may walk away with the booty.
· Openings are posted on the notice-board: Workplace gossip conveys everything because inspired leaks are never discounted. Do not indulge in rumour mongering but keep your eyes and ears open. Building friends and knowing people in divisions other than yours can be of immense help; such people can provide early information about what’s on in their sections. A mere exchange of pleasantry does wonders. However, one should make it a point to not hang around talking to all and sundry because that would send signals of an idler. A reputation of having no purpose would also be construed as synonymous with a guy disinterested in organizational progress.
· I should avoid my boss’ peers: This may be right and wrong. In case the boss is not very proficient, he may take offence. It all depends on your motives; if you prefer to work in a particular section, there is no harm in getting close to people who matter there. Exhibiting interest in developments there is alright. There is no harm in occasionally joining in enthusiastically with a task or activity, but without affecting your own work. Should your job be interfered with, your boss may not appreciate you at all.
The underlying factor is to take part and not simply be a spectator in your career. Some “Dos” and “Don’ts” are:
· Work hard and do it with sincerity; also work to get noticed.
· Make your aspirations known to your boss because without his assent nothing can move ahead.
· Never take your friends for granted; they too can be in the race.
· Look out for word-of-mouth publicity because new organizational openings are seldom advertised.
· Be cognizant of what is happening in the establishment as a whole and make useful contributions outside the extent of your work; this will boost your image.
So start displaying an on-the-go concern in your work. Sooner or later, you will get noticed and the coveted promotion will come your way.
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