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Any successful executive will tell you that there's a game in business. If you're not willing to play the game, you can't win.
Why won't people play? "I hate business politics," they say. But who said "business politics" had to be a negative thing? For example, if your boss does something commendable in the company - invents something new, makes a great speech - it's okay to congratulate him or her. That's not being political; it's being gracious and having decorum, two things that will help you climb the corporate ladder.
Aside from your technical skills or job-specific abilities, other big components of the game include your comportment: how you look, how you speak, your attitude and your daily habits. There are 10 key tips that can help you make it into the executive-level suite:
When you're walking in the office, you need to look purposeful and centered. Scurrying, looking harried, or trying to blend into the background will make you appear to lack confidence. Instead, walk with your full height and claim the space around you. People need to view you as someone on a mission.
Contrary to popular belief, confidence is not about self-esteem or self-worth. In fact, someone can have a low level of self-esteem and still become a high-level executive, as the person's low self-esteem could be driving them to succeed. True confidence is simply the belief that you can do things well. If you doubt your ability to do things well, simply look back at your record of accomplishment. Use those past successes as a way to build your confidence so it's apparent to others as well.
During meetings, always weigh in on the topics discussed. Don't leave a meeting without having an opinion about something, or you will quickly get a reputation for not being concerned with the success of the company. If you are in a meeting and the discussion turns to something you are unfamiliar with or is not part of the duties in your department, look engaged anyway. Always remember that the people above you are watching you, and everything you do - or don't do - counts.
Building social capital is critical to your upward mobility. Not only should you build social capital with people within your department, you should build it with people in other departments and companies who might be a resource for you. Social capital simply means building connections with people. Find out some personal information about others - such as their hobbies, birthday or children's names - and then talk about those topics occasionally to build rapport. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. When you are on your way up the ladder, treat people like people and not like objects. Get to know your peers. You never know if one day a peer will be your boss.
You have to know about business to make it in business. Read about your profession and learn how different companies handle things. If you are well read, you can give examples from other companies of what worked and what didn't. In order to be promotable, you have to be on top of your game at all times. Being knowledgeable is one way to display your competence.
In every department there are a few things that need to get done or that are important to the boss, but no one wants to do them. Find out what they are and then volunteer for the tasks. Ultimately, you have to please your boss and to some extent your peers.
If your company has a mentoring program, take advantage of it. If not, get a mentor on your own. Look through your network of people and find someone who is at or near the level you aspire to be. Invite the person out to lunch and talk business with them. Learn what they did to get where they are. When you feel enough rapport and comfort with the person, ask if he or she will mentor you. Most people are honored by the request and will say "yes." If the person declines the request, don't take it personally. Simply find someone else to learn from.
Tattoos and piercings are popular these days, and if you want one, by all means get one. However, when you're at work, keep the tattoo under your clothing as much as possible and remove visible piercings from your face or tongue. Today, it's extremely rare to see executives with visible tattoos and piercings. Twenty years from now, it may be more common and acceptable to see them in the executive suite, but for now keep them hidden at work if you work in a corporate setting.
People do judge you by how you look. If you're in a setting where everyone wears casual clothes, you should dress a notch higher. Choose attire that is professional yet comfortable.
How you communicate, both verbally and in writing, can make or break your career potential. Using poor grammar, foul language or an inappropriate tone make you appear less intelligent. Most executives are very polished when it comes to their communication skills. If your communication skills are lacking, find a resource - a class, book, mentor or coach - to help.
Realizing your goal of attaining an executive-level position is possible. You simply need to go beyond your job-specific skills and add some focus to your executive presence. After all, you can't become an executive if you don't act or look like one. By concentrating on these 10 areas and keeping your skills up to date, you'll reach the executive suite sooner than you ever thought possible.
Jean Kelley is president and founder of Jean Kelley Leadership Consulting. For more information, visit her website at http://www.jeankelley.com/.
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