January has been, come and gone and you may be starting to think about what the rest of 2018 has in store for your career – with many hoping to get a pay rise this year.
To help we have compiled some top tips to help you get the most out of your job in Warrington, no matter where you work.
PR yourself
Promoting yourself in the workplace is an important part of any role if you are serious about being promoted. If you do a good job but no one notices, then how are you ever going to get the praise (and the promotion) you deserve? Be a known quantity and set yourself a target to self-endorse something you have done once a week to senior management. You don’t need to speak to the CEO of the CFO, but a little comment to your line manager or colleague to promote the work you have done can make a noticeable difference. Even if you choose to do so in passing, it all adds up.
Work with a mentor
Most organisations will provide their employees with a line manager but not many will offer their staff a mentor, but this doesn’t mean you have to go without. Try and think of someone who is either in your work place but isn’t your direct report, or a family friend or friend of a friend who is successful and you feel you could learn from. Next steps would be to approach them for a one to one and see if they can provide you with any advice about your current role. If the session is useful then you can consider approaching them to be your mentor. Most people will be honoured to be asked to as can benefit them by improving their management skills and empowering other, whilst bettering someone they care about.
Befriend the boss
A compliment a day keeps the P45 away! Don’t be scared to interact with your boss or line manager, they are human too and they have egos which like to be inflated. Try and build an open-door rapport so they not only notice you but also respect you. Asking how their weekend was might not be appropriate in a corporate environment and you don’t want it to seem forced, but following them on LinkedIn and saying you liked their post or enjoyed their business update shows you are trying to stay ahead of the curve. If you’re working in a more practical role then why not ask them how the business is going or read the local press and suggest an opportunity for growth in your local area. This is all about going above and beyond and letting your boss know about it in a friendly and less formal fashion.
Be proactive
Offering to help other departments or teams — or simply asking for more responsibilities in your current role— will increase your reputation in the workplace and make people realise your capabilities. Whether it is offering to empty the dishwasher when the cleaner has a day off sick or showing interest in a forthcoming new business pitch and submitting some ideas, no matter how small or big the suggestion, you will get noticed for being proactive. It also shows a desire for the organisation you work for to do well, above and beyond what is expected from your role.
Take ownership
If you start something, then make sure you are the one to finish it. Your organisation will thank you for it as you will prove that you can manage your time well starting and finishing projects yourself without depending on others.
