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Almost everyone eventually asks the question, "How can I get ahead at work?" "How can I get that raise or how can I get promoted?"
I have found that people fall into 3 categories career wise.
1. The pushers: These are the types of people who are constantly pushing for more money and higher titles. They take care of themselves. If they aren’t getting what they want in their present job they will move on to another company.
2. The waiters: These people wait for the company to tell them when they are ready to move ahead. This is most of us. We may ask what we have to do to get ahead and we might get ahead if the company see a fit for us, but we’re not the people they bend over backwards to please.
3. The all stars: These are the people who stand out based on personality and performance. Companies are constantly giving them more money and more responsibility. They almost have to do little else but sit back and wait. Money and title comes to them because of their innate talent and hard work.
Most of us are waiters. We wait for the company to reward us rather than rock the boat. It’s not that we don't have abilities and that we don’t contribute to the success of the company, it's just that our qualities don’t act as a money and title magnet. We may not like it but we are the great mass of average employees. If you fall into this category then it is better to recognize this and base your salary and promotion strategy accordingly.
What I have found works best for those of us in this category are the following mini strategies:
- Make enjoyment of work a priority over money and title. If you truly enjoy your work then money and title will come because you are passionate about what you do.
- If you find that you are motivated by money and title and you aren't getting anywhere in your present company, then think hard about looking at opportunities at other companies.
- If you get an offer from another company for more money and a higher title, your present company always has the option of counter offering with more money and a higher title too. If they don’t counter then you can move on in your career with no hard feelings.
It is best to remember that you can't abdicate your career to anyone else. If you are happy in your work and have no desire to move on then by all means stay where you are. If money and promotion is a big motivator and it’s not happening in your present company, then look outside.
About Author:
Ron Visconti, MA, has worked with hundreds of career changers and job seekers through career counseling, transition assistance, and Bay Area recruitment events. He previously founded and managed a nonprofit career center for 18 years (Career Education Center). He is an adjunct faculty for a number of local colleges. He is currently the Managing Director of the Peninsula Employment Group, LLC, a recruitment event and career development company.
Copyright Ron Visconti 2008
www.peninsulaemploymentgroup.com
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