Learn to explore new horizons, stop being in that same little comfort zone, your time will come if you practice all the positive things
Are you ready for a promotion?
Over the week, I received a few emails about what I should write this week.
I first want to thank everyone for your comments and the concern about the nation’s top subject which are jobs. Last week, I talked about preparing for unemployment. Now, I want to talk about being prepared for a promotion.
Times have changed from when I was coming up. In school, but mostly from home, you were taught if you are going looking for a job or interviews you dress the part. No matter if you were applying for a place that didn’t require you to wear a suit, you went to the interview in a dark blue or black suit.
I have heard judges even talk about how disrespectful it is for these men to come into the court room with pants sagging down and many offensive T-shirts on. If you really think about it, could you go to the average place and get hired wearing jeans and holy T-shirts? Even companies like Dress for Success have been helping people who can’t afford to buy needed clothes.
Do you show respect for your boss by coming to work whenever you feel like it or leave just because you have the ability to walk away even if your work is not done? Promotions should be rewarded for your hard work, not because of friendship or you feel you deserve it.
My parents taught me to appreciate the job you have and be the best that you can be at any job you do. One of the main objectives on getting a promotion determines how you perform in your current position.
Do you get great reviews? Working in the bank business, I never had to fear about my review from Don Graham because I knew I was there to do my job and often went above and beyond to make sure we didn’t fall behind.
During the summer months, when a lot of cars are sold, I would come in on Saturdays to make sure the car deals got processed and was ready to go on Monday. That’s just the way I was taught, was not even looking for a promotion.
Have you seen people who work with you and they feel just because they come to work, the company owes them something? Never wants to do anything? Sometimes you will find a co-worker who seems to find something wrong with everything you do, because they don’t do anything.
Another thing you must understand is not only do you need to come to work, but come on time. Just because you don’t have to punch a clock is not a reason to take advantage of coming in whenever you want. In the corporate world, you will find that will hurt you in your review or being considered for a promotion.
Sometimes you have to put yourself in other person’s shoes. You have to treat them with respect and dignity even if you are the boss. Being a good leader is being secure in your job because you know it, not because your friend is in charge.
Make sure you have a pleasant relationship with both your boss and co-workers because this can be an added value. When one of your co-workers asks for help and you could do it without affecting your job, help them out.
When bosses are thinking about who to promote, they reflect not only on who gets great results but who also supports the success of the larger team. The old saying goes, they look for a team player. When you are trying to fight against your co-workers and you think it’s funny, remember those same people are the ones who see you and will not have confidence in you.
On your job, the boss should notice you if you are truly doing your work. But a lot of times you run into what they call allies. They come on both sides. You have those who will work for your success, but you will also have a lot of adversaries, the people that will work against your success.
I laugh a lot because I always see those who sit on the fence and instigate. They try to play both sides of the fence and act like they are for you when they are in your company but then talk against you when they are with other friends.
Getting promoted is mostly about building allegiance among those who can influence that decision. So, you certainly want to create a strong relationship with your boss. At the bank, everybody knew if you wanted to get promoted you had to first hope Don Graham liked you and then Bob King who had the final word.
Stop being a self promoter and focus on the big picture which is the organization you work for. Be that team player who adds value to your organization and also finds time to help others you will become a better person that the boss and co-workers will like.
Spend time with those people who have the most influence on your career. Take time to have them mentor you and learn how they too became successful. It’s a known fact everyone can’t handle a promotion or power. They then start stepping on people and treating them like dirt.
Learn to explore new horizons, stop being in that same little comfort zone, your time will come if you practice all the positive things and follow the steps to get there.
Remember keep your nose clean and to MIND YOUR Business!!!!
Follow me on twitter @JimmyWadeIII
Write Wade at the Call & Post, 11800 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland, OH, 44120, or e-mail him at jwade@call-post.com. Comments and questions are welcome but, because of the volume of mail, personal responses are not always possible. Please note that comments or questions may be used in a future column.
