Getting Ahead in Your Organization

MSN.com

How can you maintain movement in your career with keen competition from within and outside of the organization? In today’s economy affecting the workplace with uncertainties, downsizing, and reorganizations, you maybe spending your energy, effort, and time in just surviving. Little is left over to focus on your future with your present employer.

However, you cannot afford to neglect looking down the road and taking some actions. You need to take control of your career progress, its direction and pathway flow. Be proactive in determining your next move within the organization: Assess your future options with this employer. How familiar are you with its structure? Do you know the formal career paths? Are you aware of the organization’s growth and expansion plans? Your answers will help you to determine whether you want to remain and grow within your present workplace or seek other options. If you decide to stay and move up the ladder within your organization, consider these tips for successfully reaching your goals:

· If your employer conducts only annual performance reviews, don't wait for this yearly session to receive feedback. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor for an informal review discussion. Do this perhaps twice a year. Explain that you would like to review your present work projects and tasks with an update on the status of your professional action plan. Then, based on the outcomes of this discussion, make needed changes in completing your assignments or revisions in your developmental activities.

· Think about moving laterally. Sometimes to move up, you need to consider moving across to a different department or section to learn new skills, gain some needed experience, illustrate your flexibility and adaptability. First, determine the skills, competencies, or knowledge that would improve your chances for a promotion. Talk with your colleagues and research what your in-house alternatives are for obtaining your desired experiences.

· Conduct an in-house marketing campaign. The same marketing guidelines used when job searching can be applied to moving up to career ladder. Begin by creating a professional image that increases your visibility, your position, and your reputation. . You cannot talk in generalities, e.g. "I am a people person." or "I am industrious and motivated." Be specific about your competencies and achievements, e.g. "I have successfully led four major project teams within the last six months." Or, “I supervise a department of 35 people." Look for appropriate formal and informal activities to market your brand.

· Develop a strategy for marketing yourself on a day-to-day basis - when in session with your project team or task force, in meetings, and other work-related activities. Be sure that you receive credit for all your contributions, don't rely on another person to do this for you. Your supervisor, colleagues, and company CEOs should always see you at your best both during formal and informal times. If appropriate, integrate accomplishments into work anecdotes.

· Put together a success portfolio. A portfolio is a marketing tool illustrating your value and contributions to the organization. It can make your case regarding why you have earned a promotion and are ready for new and senior level responsibilities. To stand out from your competition for a desired position, a portfolio is the evidence that you have the needed background and experience. A success portfolio demonstrates your:
* Work's quality and depth
* Professional growth and development
* Specific skills, expertise, and knowledge
* Level of flexibility and adaptability

By taking this initiative to improve your chances of moving up the career ladder in your organization, you are taking control of your future.

Email comments to: Annabelle Reitman, Ed.D.
Career Management Strategist, Author
anreitman@verizon.net