How to go up the ladder

You may want to go up the ladder, but something or other comes in your way and you prefer to stay where you are to be comfortable. That acceptance of defeat is not good for your growth. It is necessary to know where your passion and strengths lie and then try to advance them. We should all live up to our potential and aspire to go up at some point.

If you crave for more respect and recognition for your work and have the passion for tackling bigger challenges, don't hesitate, learn new skills and bring fame and name to your company. Don't wait for an opportunity to open up. It may be lurking around you. The knowledge to change positions doesn't come from your predecessors or superiors it comes from your colleagues and mentors. To meet the goals you cherish, change the positions or locations whenever it is needed.

Do you think you are ready to move up the ladder? Here are ten steps to go up:



Look for your area of interest: Make a list of your skills and interests. See how you can use the list to the kind of work you have in your mind. If you are not sure of how to do it, consult your human resources department. HR departments normally have tests that help you identify what is most satisfying work for you.

Speak up: Your managers won't be able to read your mind. Tell them about your aspirations, especially during review times. They may be able to set goals for you and decide when you could be promoted.

Don't be in haste: You have to prove your worth first. Take additional responsibilities on your own without anticipating any monetary gains.

Be a good teammate: Understand the roles of your colleagues on the team. Go for relocation opportunities. If you are just a speck in the ocean, go to some place where you can stand out.

Networking: Make a list of people whom you can count on and be sure they trust your abilities and capabilities. If your teammates depend on you, it means a lot for you. Take advantage of that and build trust and then focus on how to use that advantage.

Search for mentor: You can get a lot from people who have made a mark in the career you aspire to enter. Many successful people like to share their experience with you and may agree to give you advice. Seek the help of such people for your career growth.

Learn additional skills: Make a list of skills you have and what new tools you need to acquire. You may have to take in-house coaching or go back to school.

Don't focus on money aspect: Many of us judge things on what they give us. That is not right for people aspiring to go up. Think about how you will better your skill set when you go up. Consider how it makes you more valuable. You have to think of the effects on your family and personal life.

Seek feedback: Find out how your work is being evaluated. Get feedback on your goals and progress in writing.

Be prepared for a change: Let it not be the last change. If you are not satisfied with what you have achieved, go for a change again. You have to test many choices that are available to you.