Learn The Perks of Being Known; It’s Not Who You Know, but Who Knows You
You work hard. You’re great at your job. So why did that other person get promoted and not you? Well, occasionally it takes more: in fact, you have to be known and liked at your company to get ahead.
So build a professional network where you work. This should be a “360-degree” network, wherein senior management in your company knows who you are as much as entry-level folks do.
When your name comes up for promotion, you want everyone to have an image in their head about you – and a good one at that. If most of the people in HR and senior management instead say “Who is she?”, I’m sorry to tell you that you are, in effect, sunk.
So follow these rules to increase your network and social visibility to ensure that you do not fade into the background when it comes time for advancement in your career:
Be social. Attend company events, and think of volunteering for that United Way campaign or team that puts together the holiday celebration. And remember you are always “on.” What you say, how you act, and what you wear are all still being noticed, so bear in mind that this is your job, even at a party or company function.
Be brave. Join cross-functional and cross-departmental teams. Accept lateral transfers. Bring team members onto your projects from across the organization. Sure, it might be scary to reach across the “cube farm” into an unknown land, but the natives over there may be able to score you a promotion. A wide base of support is critical to your success.
Be active. Get involved with professional associations having to do with your role at work and your industry. Your stellar work on a committee – for instance, marketing duties for an annual meeting — will get you noticed. This pays off. After all, you work not just at a job, but in a wider industry as well. So think of developing contacts beyond your own company — you never know who you may want to work for in ten years!
Be kind. Remember special days for your co-workers. No need to break the bank with gifts– but a note, card or just a cheery “Happy Birthday” in the hall go a long way.
Be cooperative. Pause before you disagree. Is this a hill you are willing to die on? If not, let the other person have their way, even if it is not how you would do it. People like to work with people who are amiable and reasonable.
Be punctual. Show up to meetings on time. Meet deadlines. Don’t make folks chase you, and don’t expect them to remind you. Just get it done, get it submitted, and get it right.
By following these tips and putting your best self forward, you’ll get noticed and have a better chance for a stellar, fruitful career.