By: Shelcy V. Joseph
Showing up and doing great work is only half the battle. In order to consistently move up within your company, you need to go above and beyond to impress the people you work with and show them that you’re capable to lead. It can be intimidating to do when you’re just starting out and figuring out how to adapt into a new environment. But remember that everyone was once in your position and they had to figure it out just like you. Start early with building the habits that can help you level up in your career.
I spoke to Andrew Glincher, CEO and managing partner of global law firm Nixon Peabody, for insights on how to elevate your career. Andrew joined Nixon Peabody in 1987 and worked his way to become CEO in 2011. As CEO, he has spearheaded innovative programs for its lawyers to bring mental health and wellness, diversity and an innovative design of its firms that encourages collaboration and mentorship over hierarchy—positioning Nixon Peabody as one of the leading forward-thinking firms in the industry. How did he manage to move up the corporate ladder? He started doing these four things—and kept going.
Be a leader, regardless of your title
Just because you don’t have a senior title doesn’t mean you can’t lead in different ways. Speak up and share your perspective during a meeting. Suggest ideas and make the case for why they could work. You can impress even the most senior people at your company by demonstrating your expertise and showing that you have the company’s best interests at heart.
Celebrate Your Colleagues’ Successes
A leader should never hold back on acknowledging other people’s successes, great ideas and efforts. Being generous with praise will not diminish their own success, but increase collaboration and morale for the larger team. Wherever you are in your career, make it a point to recognize and reward your colleagues’ accomplishments. Your colleagues will remember your thoughtful gesture long after the praise.
Network. Network. Network
Being able to network, forge new connections and strengthen existing relationships is an important skill no matter where you are in your career. Expanding your network can open up many doors from new business opportunities to new mentor relationships. Attending networking events can be intimidating, but putting yourself out there and introducing yourself to new people helps to not only boost your confidence, but it demonstrates that you can be successful when you get out of your comfort zone.
That said, Andrew suggests that you network with everyone, not just your immediate colleagues. “Be bold and have the courage to politely ask even senior people to have lunch with you,” he says. Do your homework about them and come prepared to start memorable conversations with them.
Don’t Let Others Define You
As you continue to grow in your profession, you may come across colleagues who may be jealous of your career progression and growth. They may try to put you down. This is easier said than
Shelcy V. Joseph is a Forbes Career Contributor