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Feel like you’re always getting passed over for a promotion? If you regularly do any of these self-sabotaging behaviors at work, then it’s no surprise that you’re stuck on the bottom rung of the career ladder.
This is the number one reason that employees fail to thrive in their careers. If you show up and do the absolute minimum to avoid getting fired, guess what? You’ll never get a promotion.
If your only goal is to keep a steady paycheck, then this strategy might work for you. However, if there are ever any layoffs or reorganization in the cards for your company, you might find yourself looking awfully expendable to your bosses.
They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and to an extent that’s true. People who make a fuss often get what they want merely to make them go away. But that kind of behavior can make a negative impression on management.
If you have an issue, approach your manager with a possible solution. It shows that you aren’t just complaining–you’re trying to make the situation better. Make sure that your solution benefits both you and the company.
You are the person ultimately responsible for your career path. If you want to get ahead, then you need to continue learning and growing in your chosen niche. Staying informed about the latest technology and best practices is vital.
Ideally, your employer will help pay for things like workshops and conferences. However, even if you can’t get them to cover the costs, you should still do as much as your budget and schedule allows.
If nothing else, reading articles relevant to your industry should be a regular part of your routine. Make a habit of reading while you enjoy your morning beverage–or listen to a podcast about your industry during your commute.
For many professionals, networking is something you do only until you get a job. It’s rarely anyone’s favorite activity, but that doesn’t mean you can afford to stop networking as soon as you land a job offer. Networking is a lot like gardening–to get good results, you have to keep doing it on a regular basis. If you neglect your network for too long, you’ll be back to zero.
Networking within your own company is just as important. Having a friendly, collegiate relationship with coworkers, supervisors, and reports reflects well on you. Remember, your reputation is built as much on the way people perceive you as the results you produce.
