6 Tips to Get Ahead Gracefully at Work

Many of us ambitious women think that if we keep working hard, delivering great results and taking on more responsibility, we’re bound to get noticed at the office. And we sometimes feel short-changed when no one hand-picks us out of the crowd and flies us — like Supergirl — right through that glass ceiling.

The truth is, even when we’re doing all the right things, we have to make sure decision-makers know about them — and know about us. Good leaders have a vested interest in their teams, but they don’t have time to try to figure out where you see yourself in five years. That’s why it’s crucial to be your own advocate at work.

Some may think it’s easier said than done, but here are some tips to help you be your own best backer at the office:

Self-assess. Know who you are and what strengths you bring to the table. If someone asks you what value you add and you can’t immediately give an answer, take some time later to really think about it. Once you build your foundation, it will give you the confidence you need to talk about your accomplishments, work ethic and goals in a captivating way.

Create your Elevator Pitch.  After you’ve clearly defined what you can do and how that helps a business, the next step is articulating it in a succinct and interesting way that makes people want to know more about you. Think about the words you use to describe yourself. Work those into talking about your job, or the job you want, and how you can help solve problems and take a business to the next level.

Demonstrate your Value and Keep Track of your Accomplishments. Raise your hand to take on that project that one wants. Volunteering to do tough work — and then doing it well — is a quick way to get noticed for your eagerness and results. As you start doing more of this, keep a running list of accomplishments and outcomes that you’ll be able to point to when you want to talk about a raise or your next move.

Shift your Perspective.  That said, don’t speak with a tone that implies you think you deserve the world on a platter. Explain to the person you’re trying to persuade why you’re ready for what you want, and show them that you see things from their point of view. When you explain why what you’re asking for is earned — but can demonstrate at the same time that you’re thinking about your organization — people are more inclined to grant your request, and you’ll leave a much better impression. 

Network Creatively. Think outside the box and don’t exclusively network within your industry. Talk to people in and outside your organization and throughout your community. Exchange information and keep in touch; you may want to ask if you can shadow someone to learn about their job. Most people are happy to help, and you’ll make new relationships while building new skills.

Nurture these relationships and commit to being visible and available; they may lead to opportunities you never knew were there. You may hear of a job opening and realize you have a contact who can get your foot in the door, or someone might think of you for a position they have open.

Know What you Want, and Take Action. After you’ve gathered all your information and have a clear vision, set up time with your manager to discuss your outlined career path and what it’s going to take to get there. Remember to be assertive, not aggressive. Speak with humility, but it’s also okay to take pride in your accomplishments and use them to support your discussion. Point to your results as evidence of your strengths, then tie them into the success of the business.

While considering these tips, don’t forget some common sense: be kind. No matter where your career takes you, or who you’re interacting with, treat people with respect. While you’re doing great work and moving up the ladder, remember where you came from and pay it forward. Most successful people get to where they want to be not only because of their impressive portfolios, but also because their personality shines through at work and they’re genuine. Sounds simple, but so many people walk around offices with a scowl on their face and can’t manage a hello. People notice that. So to avoid a painful emotional intelligence conversation with Human Resources, be nice.

Self-advocacy can be a tricky process that makes a lot of people wince. It’s not a one-and-done strategy; you’ll continue to do it throughout your career but you’ll find that with it comes opportunity, advancement and career satisfaction. As my mother taught me, you create your own destiny; don’t wait for it to come to you.