If you’re a hard-working employee there’s no greater feeling than getting that annual increase and potentially getting a promotion. Climbing the corporate ladder is a GREAT feeling. It’s a sense of accomplishment and can be extremely rewarding. To improve your odds of getting that promotion you need to continuously strategize: 

• How can I get that promotion faster?  
• Who’s my competition?  

• What skills will I need?  
• Who are the key people to schmooze? 
• Do I need to put in extra hours to show that I am a company person?  
• What will it take to improve on my weaknesses? 
• What do I need to do to be on management’s “positive” radar screen 24×7? 

That’s just a partial list. Below are some helpful tips. 

• Know your competition. It’s a constant battle in the corporate world. Actually, it’s more like an all-out war – there are always several people vying for that one senior position. The better you know your enemy and their mannerisms the better prepared you will be. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are they doing differently to get management’s attention? 

• Always work hard. Never slack off. Many times the person that has the better work habits gets the promotion. It’s not always guaranteed because on many occasions it’s who you know. However, it does help your odds if you are disciplined (driven, focused, energetic, goal-oriented, efficient, etc.). 

• Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate your skills and invest in the appropriate training. Determine which skill sets you need now – prioritize them and make it happen. 

• Seek a mentor. This is not always possible because very few people have the extra bandwidth but it doesn’t hurt to check – be able to provide them with something in return. 

• Maintain a positive attitude. This goes without saying! Even if you have a “bad hair day” you can never show it. Maintain your composure at all times.  

• Get on senior management’s radar. Invest the extra effort by building appropriate relationships, working extra hours in the evenings and weekends to showcase your company dedication and loyalty, etc. 

• Be patient. Give it time – a promotion doesn’t happen overnight. 

• Be professional. Don’t joke around in the hallways. Someone is bound to notice. If you want to clown around with your colleagues do it offsite. 

• Dress the part. Look like an executive! Look like you care about your job – image IS important. 

• Think like management. Anticipate management’s next move. Try to be one step ahead of them. Don’t wait for your boss to always come to tell you the next assignment. Put yourself in their shoes and know their strategy, foresee projects and tasks. Help them achieve their department goals. 

• Focus on accomplishments. The more you accomplish the more successful you will be.  

• Ask for more. If you don’t know what to do next then ask for more work. 

• Ask if you don’t know something. Don’t make mistakes. Management would prefer you ask them questions (even if they are busy) as long as it’s not done frequently. They would rather you ask than do something wrong that could impact the organization. 

Do whatever it takes to get that promotion. Continuously challenge yourself to push smarter and harder. Be two steps ahead of your nearest competition.