Almost everyone gets their first promotion because they’re good at what they do. Whether that's working in a bank, marketing or whatever. But further promotion into more senior management depends on another set of more fundamental skills.
Organisations deeply value those underlying skills, so learn them and you could make it to the boardroom. Neglect them and you never will.
Like good time management, so you stand out by achieving a little more. A prioritised to-do list is a good start, but what really counts is understanding the difference between urgent and important. So that the little things that ‘must’ be done right now no longer get in the way of the things that really matter.
And learning how to listen. Really listening means focusing on understand the other person’s point of view. Most people miss that, because they’ve already started thinking about how they’re going to reply.
Learn to communicate with accuracy and impact so that people never forget you. Learn to take the initiative and work hard because if you want to be noticed you’ve got to achieve more than the other guy.
Learn how to negotiate. Most people never learn how to present a case well, accept no for an answer far too easily, or think negotiating is all about winning.
You’ll also be much more successful if you focus on ‘what’s in it for them?’ So that the outcome satisfies both sides.
Develop the courage to speak up. Because never talking about problems is a sure way to never get promoted. But there’s a difference between speaking up and complaining. Complaining is all about you. Speaking up focuses on improving the business and dramatically increases your value to your organisation.
Also learn how to network, so you find the people who’ll help you achieve your career goals.
Professional relationship
Start by concentrating on getting along well with your colleagues. Work on making a good impression and find ways to interact with people from other departments. Chat after meetings. Drop in on them when you’re passing through.
Join organisations like your professional society and Rotary. Check out everyone you meet in the world of work. A few polite questions that establish what position they’re in and so on because networking is about finding the people who can boost your career. Who are in the right place to say ‘you should consider...?’ when positions open up.
Once you’ve identified them, keep in regular face to face contact. Make a particular note of any personal information they give you because remembering personal details really cements a professional relationship.
Combining all these traits develops your leadership skills. Because good leaders are always good networkers. They aren’t afraid to speak up. They’re good at managing their time, have a solid work ethic, negotiate well, and are well liked, highly productive, valuable employees who boost the productivity of others.
People who lean into challenges rather than running away from them.
