Q&A Friday

I seem to be getting a lot of people asking one particular question, and what an important question it is!

Q.        What do you recommend I do as an entry level professional to begin working my way up through the ranks?

A.        While this may seem like a daunting task to undertake.  If you realize that it is not always the big leaps you take, but the series of small steps that can get you the furthest, the following tips will get you well on your way;

• Don’t be intimidated. People often feel embarrassed of their entry level positions and feel awkward when someone asks them what the do.  DON’T BE!  Everyone starts somewhere, and if you will allow me a cliché moment; every cog in the wheel is essential to the running of a business.  Be proud of what you contribute, and your confidence will exude!  You are no different than the person in the cubicle down the way in a “higher up” position.  Simply just in a different place in your journey!

• Welcome learning opportunities.  Mastering the current position you are in is essential to success, but remember to keep your eyes on the prize!  If your company is having a training session, ask if you can attend.  If that is not possible, ask if you can receive a copy of the training materials to review on your own time.  When you find work is a little slow, take that chance to explore your company’s software programs used.  Being knowledgeable will definitely impress the next time someone has to show you how to do something and YOU are already in the know!  Most importantly, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN!  When, for example, people ask work related questions around you, be sure to listen to the response, you can learn quite a bit with an open ear!

• Volunteer often. It is bound to happen, more work than staff!  When it does, be the first to volunteer to lend a helping hand.  The more exposure to the different positions you can get, the easier it will be to transition you into a different position in your manager’s eyes.

• Make your intentions known.  If you are say a Receptionist, File Clerk or some other type of entry level team member, sit down at an appropriate moment with your manager and let them know that you would like to work your way up to “Position X”.  Ask what steps they would advise you start taking. People in general enjoy helping others succeed, making someone feel as if they are a mentor means you have another person pushing for your success!  Not only will you get some sound advice, but you are letting others know your intentions, goals and ambitions and you will be a logical consideration when an opportunity presents itself.

• Be ready to jump.  When someone is let-go or leaves the company, don’t assume you will automatically offered their position.  Make sure you tell the powers that be that you would like to be considered for the position AND tell them all the reasons why you would be right for the opening.  As an extra incentive to give you a shot, offer to handle your current position while you train for the next, allowing them time to find your replacement!

Of all the tips I just gave you, it is so important to remember this is a marathon, not a sprint.  All great careers are built out of strategic moves, actions with intentions and a commitment to excellence in your line of work.

Happy Climbing!

Jennifer

The distractions of the holidays are gone and the New Year is upon us like an open field ready to frolic in! 

I don’t know about you, but for me, this time of year always brings so much excitement of “what could be” with it!  Where will I be in the next year or five or YIKES ten?  How many children will I have?  Will I have any?  Where will my business be?  Will I be the next Oprah? (I am pretty sure that one is for certain!!).  So many possibilities!  Where will you be next year, in the next five years or in the next TEN?

I know that if I want to become Oprah (ok, perhaps some version of her!) I must have some sort of business plan….right?  Well of course the answer is YES!

What are your goals for the upcoming year?  That is right, I said goals!  What actions are you going to take to become the professional you want to be?  Do you want to become a supervisor, team lead or manager for your current company or department and you are for example the receptionist or a mid level administrative professional currently.  Well there is quit a bit to do then isn’t there!  You can’t just expect to go in the next day and move your current supervisor/team lead or manager’s stuff out and plant you butt in the chair (wouldn’t that be so much easier and really super funny!).  Write out your professional goals for the year and the steps you think you need to take to get there and adjust it as the year proceeds!  Nothing fancy, just a piece of paper and a pen!

Here are my QUICKEST TIPS you can start today;

• It is likely you don’t 100% like how you are being perceived at work.  Perhaps you are perceived as the super gossipy one or the un-social one. What ever it is you don’t like, the amazing part about life is that you can change immediately with zero consequence.
• Write out what the one or even few things you don’t like about how others perceive you at work are and change it/them immediately!  If you are the gossip (this, as many of you know, is my number 1 no-no!) Just stop.  When your partner in crime approaches you for your daily “chat”, be kind with a “hey I am super busy, can I catch you later”, or turn the subject to something more positive, they will eventually get the hint!  If you are not social, start saying “Hello!” or “How was your weekend?” or “Hey, would you mind if I tagged along for happy hour this time?”  You get the idea!  The most important part is the identify it and change it immediately!
• Have your eye on the Team Lead or Supervisor position within your company?  Start to observe what the really good Team Leads or Supervisors do, what do you admire about how they behave…emulate it!  On the same note, observe what the really BAD Team Leads or Supervisors do and be sure to do the opposite!  If you have just one Team Lead or Supervisor…I am certain there are really great things they do and really not so great things they do….your following me!
• Don’t be afraid to tell someone in a position of power that you have these goals and what do they believe are the best steps or actions to get you there!

Whatever your goals and aspirations for the upcoming year are, just make sure you are mindful of them as you continue to work hard! It is going to be a great year!

Happy Climbing!

Jennifer