Reflecting on over 30 years in corporate America, from entry level to executive, I have come to the conclusion that most of us have been miseducated with regard to work and careers. Everyday people go to work and fight over the few ‘crumbs’ that someone else told us defines success. Whether it’s a bigger office, or a raise or more recognition, everyone seems to want more but sadly gets less. The issue of misleading education is embedded in the mantra we have been taught to internalize. “Work hard – become successful, work hard – become successful, work hard – become successful”.  Are you among the millions who are working hard and not seeing the results they believe they should receive for all of the sweat ‘equity’ they are putting into someone else’s company?

Ready to get off the treadmill?

OK HERE GOES:

Working smart is planning your work and working your plan.

1. Decide if you really want to move up in your organization. It will not be easy and they don’t give the big salaries to folks just because they’re smart or cute. You’ve got to bring some… to get some…
2. Get ready for a long trek. No matter how impatient you might be to get to the ‘top’, a box of low-fat chocolate Instant Career will not magically appear in your life’s ‘shopping basket’.
3. Get a mentor. Find someone in your line of work that has already achieved what you want to accomplish. Their insight can help you avoid pitfalls that your competitors (that’s right competitors) will make.
4. Study your environment. Not the job assignment but the people in it. Who are the ‘powerbrokers’ in your organization? What are they like? What types of workplace behaviors do they reward?
5. Build a plan where your excellence is noticed. Use your superior skills and abilities to HELP those around you. Be known for solving problems and fixing things. Under NO circumstance is bragging acceptable. Help everybody around you, eventually, THEY will sing your praises!
6. Find a way to make some money outside of your day job. It will boost your self-confidence and help you appear less desperate at work.
7. Find an Anchor for your spirit. It’s rough out here and nobody avoids all of the nicks and scrapes along the way to success. You’ll need lots of ‘faith’ band-aids before the corner office is yours!
8. Maintain positive relationships with supervisors, peers, and direct reports.

Nobody climbs the corporate ladder…they are pulled up!

Eric Kelly is a professional executive career and lifestyle coach with over thirty years of experience in corporate America. He has established management development systems in the US, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East