No matter where you fall on the corporate totem pole, a salary increase is something cherished by all. Most, dare I say all, companies have a systematic way of assessing an employee's overall performance. Sometimes it's objective, sometimes it's corporate politics, and sometimes it's frankly about who brown-nosed the best. While you can somewhat determine your fate in all of these areas, the one area you are in clear control of is your performance. Performance is a lot more than coming to an office everyday and doing 'stuff'. In today's ultra-competitive and global economy, people that skate by are expendable and easily replaced. So how do we take that and turn it around? How do we create a unique value that our bosses are willing to pay for? No, the answer is not to play sycophant and brown-nose. While that may get you a free lunch, it won't be the long term approach you'll want to base a career on. Instead, consider the six ways I am about to mention. By the way, I have received two successful promotions in the past using these methods and I think these could work for you too. And yes, contrary to the tempting title, these may not be secrets but these are things that tend to be forgotten in the daily minutia you face. If you already know about them, consider this post as a reminder to follow them in your job. Perform That's the bottom line and blatant truth. If you don't perform, sooner or later you'll be fired. Until that happens, you will wallow in mediocrity. It's not that performance is the only thing securing your job or that good performers can't be fired but it is certainly the most important thing when it comes to retaining your and advancing in the company. Understand your job well and learn to perform. Hard work and smart work, both are needed for the purpose. Decide the right direction and work in that direction to achieve your goal. You can easily become one of the best performers out there if you've got the willingness to do it. Innovate As I mentioned initially, performance is important but it's not just about that. Every company looks for the unique value in their employees. This could range from those that invent new methods to work, find errors before customers, etc. The workers with these skills and the ability to 'market' them internally, are the apple in the eyes of the firm. Such employees are always entrusted with important work and hence they have better chances to move ahead. Think laterally and try to find new ways to get the work done and be productive at the same time. Once you find it and you think that it's good fit for the firm, tell your bosses about it. Market your innovation...spread it. You'll see the good results soon. Go an extra mile Think back to the training you received as you were joining your company. At some point, someone must have said, "Go that extra mile to help out your customers. That way you can build trust and rapport with them." The same thing holds true when it comes to your own work. Going that extra mile and producing better results than expected is what you have to consistently strive for. Don't shy away from working long hours when there is a need and although work/life balance is a must, understand the need for an occasional Saturday in the office. Remember, you are here to get ahead of others. Coordinate and cooperate Many multi-national firms are now adopting the 360 degree evaluation method for the performance appraisals of its employees. It means that an employee is judged by the feedback received from everyone on the team. These people include bosses, colleagues and subordinates. Hence someone who's having a good relationship with co-workers is sure to get the benefit here. Try to coordinate and cooperate with your fellow workers and your boss. Lend out a helping hand when they need it and be humble and nice to them. By the way, this means no gossiping, back-stabbing, etc. Be punctual It's not just about reaching your workplace on time, working and then leaving on time. It's about completing your projects on time and attending the meetings on time too. Nothing says "I don't care" like walking into a meeting ten minutes late. If you slack and miss out on important deadlines and also don't care about being on time then expect a rude awakening during review time. Attitude Matters Yes, attitude matters. It matters everywhere, at every stage of your life. Your attitude with your co-workers, other employees in your office, with your boss and your overall attitude towards your work is always being closely watched upon, no matter what you think. A positive attitude always works in favor of you while an attitude which is impulsive and rash can easily ruin your reputation. Make sure that you don't lose your cool during critical situations and you patiently handle them. Here's a cool observation about the word ' Attitude '. If you add up the position of alphabets in this word, it comes out to be the number 100 ! So you got to be that 100 percent ! |
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