Moving Up the Corporate Ladder

Pitfalls, Pointers, and Processes for Aspiring Executives

In my research on this topic, I came across a few articles whose authors had solid advice for aspiring executives. I sorted out the points that resonated with me and that I thought would be beneficial to you. I also included links to their websites. As you read through the blog, note where networking plays an important part.

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Moving up the corporate ladder requires the same amount of work as a job search. The steps are virtually the same:

• Planning
• Self-knowledge
• Networking
• Execution and follow-through
• A thorough understanding of where you’re headed

Aspiring to the executive ranks takes tenacity and energy, according to Long Yun Siang. He lists three major pitfalls to avoid:

1. Procrastination: Fear of putting yourself out there, fear of failure/success, and worrying about what others think are just some examples of why an individual puts off his/her career plans. You may have developed the best of plans, but plans that are not executed stalls your progress.
2. Half-hearted execution: Is your heart in the game? Do you have the determination to execute your plan? If you make a commitment, you will eventually be evaluated based on your execution also. You need flawless execution to show you have the skills to follow through.
3. Sidetracked and preoccupied: Are you constantly putting out fires or attending to multitudes of small crises rather than focusing on your career paths and moving ahead? Perhaps you need help  prioritizing and managing your time.

According to Gary M. Stern, author and columnist, aspiring executives are like free agents in baseball. They move from one company to another—expanding their skills, identifying new challenges, and enhancing their marketability at each stop along the way. Stern offers the following suggestions to advancing your career. (The major points are Stern’s. I added a few of the commentaries from another career coach and me):

1. Learn from others who have succeeded. (Gee, doesn’t that sound like networking? See .) Find people who are actually in the positions to which wish to aspire. Talk to them about what got them there and ask them for their thoughts on what worked and what didn’t.
2. Adapt to each corporate culture. Whether you’re planning to move up in your current organization or planning to change companies, the culture changes with each move. Think about it: If you work in a department and then get promoted to supervisor or manager, you’re now at a different level. Your attitude has changed; your former coworkers’ attitudes have also changed toward you. If you moving to another company, you’ll experience a major culture change. Adapting is survival.
3. Start looking at the next position as you’re hired. “Moving around too much can be detrimental, but staying at the same job year after year leads to stagnation,” says Stern. “Keep your ears open for new opportunities as soon as you're hired. Keep in touch with executive recruiters, former colleagues, and attend conferences aiming to network. After two years on the job, tap these contacts to see which challenging jobs are out there that fit your skills.” (Aha—networking—yet again! More on following up, keeping in touch, and maintaining your network in future blogs).
4. Seek advancement from within. Jenny Blake, author, blogger, life coach, and sought-after speaker, suggests, “If you want a promotion, ask for more responsibility instead. In many companies, you pretty much have to already be operating at the next level before you get promoted. Keep this in mind. Keep asking for more responsibility.”

I found an article in one of my computer folders that was posted on CNN.com some time ago that listed several interesting points to consider as you aspire to the executive suite.*

One point that resonated with me is to make sure you do your homework. Find out where your company is going and where future needs might be. Read the company's annual financial reports and trade journals. Find out what’s going on in your industry in general. If possible, make an appointment with a human resources professional at your company, if possible, to discuss future opportunities.

The CNN article also suggested that you broadcast your accomplishments—but don't brag. Perhaps in the true definition of the word brag, the author may be right. However, it’s okay to talk about a project or achievement that you’re excited about.

For example: You meet the director of another department on the elevator. S/he asks you how things are going. Instead of answering "fine," you can use the time to mention a project you're working on or a recent accomplishment.

There is a wonderful book that I recommend to virtually all of my clients, especially when they are reluctant to speak to their own accomplishments either in their resumes, to their network contacts, or during interviews: BRAG! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It! by Peggy Klaus

Klaus encourages bragging in the right ways. In an excerpt from her book, she maintains:

"Remaining quiet about yourself or, worse, downplaying your successes leads to being underappreciated, or even allowing others to take credit for your achievements. When done with grace and style, bragging promotes your best asset—you!"

On my website you can listen to a podcast of an interview that I conducted with Peggy Klaus about her BRAG! book.

If you're headed up the corporate ladder, start your planning now! Use these resources to launch the rise of your career.

Regards,

Peg

coachpeg@peoplegrowthllc.com
www.peoplegrowthllc.com

Does your resume need serious updating? Contact Peg for YOUR Resume Rescue!

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*Unfortunately, I couldn’t find who wrote the original article. I hope s/he finds this blog and lets me know so I can share his/her resources with you.