If you’re anxious to climb the career ladder, it all starts with one word: ambition.
In no uncertain terms, being ambitious means you’re not afraid to follow through with your goals. It also means that you’re willing to put in the blood, sweat, and tears to make it out on top.
Being determined to reach the top doesn’t always come easy. It’s something you have to work at it. But you’ll get rewarded for the effort you put into following your dreams.
Do you want to know what it takes to be an ambitious employee? Here’s some career advice outlined for you.
1. Be More Vocal In Meetings
If you haven’t been paying attention during meetings or made an effort to pitch in some ideas, start now!
Being interactive during meetings will make you stand out. And that’s precisely what you want to do to build upon your career.
You don’t want to be obnoxious to where you’re dominating the conversations. But do offer valid points and suggestions when appropriate so you can shine.
For example, the meeting might be about how to make work projects more productive. If so, tell the group your thoughts on what you can do to improve.
Blocking out time right away in the morning to remain focused is a good thing to propose. Add to your thoughts by mentioning why it’s wise to work on the project with fresh eyes. You can explain that doing tasks first thing in the morning allows you to do that.
Offering excellent ideas like this will distinguish yourself from your co-workers. It also shows your boss that you’re engaged and want to improve the company.
2. Don’t Be Anxious When Caught Off Guard
When you’re caught off guard during a meeting or project — don’t freak out. If you prepare ahead of time (which you should!), you needn’t worry. You’ve got this!
It helps if you stay abreast of the latest updates. So, if you’re working on a project and don’t know what’s going on, find out.
A co-worker could be working on a particular aspect of the project. If so, prepare yourself by going to them and getting the scoop.
If you know your stuff, it’ll be okay if a manager or your boss asks you the status of a project.
That way, you can be confident in yourself, even when you run into your boss in the elevator!
3. Connect With Other Employees
Build bridges with other employees in your department and other departments.
You shouldn’t expect them to come to you and get to know you. Go out of your way to introduce yourself and get to know them. That way, you’ll get acquainted with their department’s focus and what position they have.
Even if you don’t work with the department now doesn’t mean you won’t communicate with them in the future. So it’s good to be ready for that ahead of time!
Being well-acquainted with your colleagues will help build bridges and make communicating easier.
4. Don’t Let Your Emotions Get The Best of You
There are going to be times when you’re frustrated and emotional. Whether it’s work-related or personal, do your best to manage your emotions.
Even though there’s a common saying to “leave your emotions at the door,” sometimes that isn’t the solution. It would help if you still acknowledged your feelings, but do so in a healthy way.
Instead of getting into an argument with a colleague, work out a solution. Let them know what is bothering you as opposed to bottling it up inside.
If they’re not willing to hear you out, you may need to bring in a third party, depending on the situation.
Effectively communicating with your boss and co-workers will strengthen the company. And it’ll help you learn how to manage your emotions positively.
5. Have A Can-Do Attitude
Even if you don’t feel up to taking over new tasks, show your boss you’re a go-getter by tackling the work.
There may be times you dread doing specific tasks but do them anyway. In fact, ask if you can do more!
Stretch yourself by doing what it takes to succeed. It will pay off.
Asking what else you can do to pitch in will help you shine as an employee.
6. Strive To Become A Leader
Even if you’re not in a leadership position quite yet, look for ways to become a leader.
As we mentioned, paying attention to how you assist when needed will impress your superiors. It should show your manager you’re up for anything that comes your way.
So, offer to help a new employee learn the ropes or take the initiative and ask to be in charge of a new project.
Not only will it improve your skillset, but it will shape you into becoming an incredible leader. And leaders receive promotions and raises, so keep up the excellent work!
7. Never Give Up
There are going to be times when you’re discouraged. You may not have gotten promoted or a raise in quite some time.
Instead of throwing in the towel, keep pressing forward.
It may come to the point where you must choose whether you should continue to work with the company.
If it comes to that, speak to your boss about your concerns. He may have an explanation of why you haven’t gotten promoted yet, such as the business taking a hit that quarter.
Stay patient, but also don’t be a pushover. Know your worth, and in time you’ll get rewarded for your hard work.
In Conclusion
It’s an exciting time when you’re growing in your career. You’re aspiring for greatness and are looking forward to positive changes in the future.
As you continue to enhance your career, look for ways to impress your boss while staying true to yourself.
As a recap, speak up in meetings, communicate well, and be proactive. Start applying these and the rest of our tips to make progress in your career.
Take the initiative and show the company you work for that you’ll go above and beyond for them. Do this, and your career will grow in leaps and bounds!
Author Bio
Amber Smith is the Leasing Manager at Catalyst Houston. With over seven years of experience in luxury apartment communities, this Houston native has true pride in her city and understands why Catalyst is the perfect place to call home.
