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1. Be Aggressive
Know your goals and inform others about what you want to achieve.
I once worked with a marvelous engineer who thought if he simply put his head down and worked hard, he would be noticed and receive opportunities or a promotion. Unfortunately, he wasn’t advocating for himself, so it didn’t happen in his expected timeframe.
Don’t be afraid to put time on someone’s calendar — including your boss’s boss (making sure your supervisor knows) or other leaders. Then meet with them, share your goals, and gain their insights.
2. Demonstrate a High Do/Say Ratio
Place a high value on doing what you said you would do. If you can’t fix a problem, find out why. Then, explain the situation to the person with whom you are working to close the loop with them.
3. Build a Cross-Departmental Peer Network
Build a good cross-departmental foundation so when you need something done, your colleagues can help you — or if they can’t, they can find someone who can. Support key personnel such as the IT department. Bringing in bagels? Invite IT to enjoy some. Additionally, if you work in a manufacturing environment, get to know the maintenance and operations crew — their role is invaluable in making things work.
4. Find a Mentor
Most companies don’t assign mentors, so it’s up to you to find one. Ask someone you look up to and trust to mentor you, at least monthly, if possible. While both genders can make great mentors, the most relatable members can be those with a working partner. These mentors understand work-life balance challenges in a way that someone with a stay-at-home partner can find difficult to comprehend.
5. Assess “Opportunities”
Not every special project, assignment, or extra effort will get you where you want to go. If you have a say, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Beware of “red lights” such as unclear scope, lack of a leader, or a previously unresolved years-long problem. It’s ideal if you can get the project clearly scoped in writing and if the project is led by a strong business leader who has identified a clear project outcome.
6. Act and Dress the Part for the Job You Want
The classic “dress for the next job” recommendation is only part of the equation. Notice how leaders hold themselves, the cadence of their speaking, and what questions they ask — then mimic the aspects you appreciate.
After noticing that leaders speak more slowly and thoughtfully, projecting confidence, I tried it, and they engaged with me more frequently in response. In a previous role, I noticed that most leaders wore a quarter-zip, long-sleeve top, so I invested in some of these. Surprisingly, I found that this small change made people react to me as more of a leader.
Taking these six steps can help you achieve your dream job and make your hard work pay off in the days ahead.
