Getting promoted at work is more than just being a hard worker. There are office politics to consider also and a big part of being promoted is simply showing people that you’re not just right for the job on a professional level but also on a personal one. Here’s a quick guide on how to get liked by everyone.
1. Take one for the team.
One of the easiest ways to win over coworkers and bosses is to take one for the team. One of these days, someone is going to have to do some extra work, stay late, or do something that is otherwise unpleasant. If you raise your hand when no one else wants to, your coworkers will thank you for it and your bosses will start to notice that you’re a go-to person. That’s always a good start.
2. Do more than is asked of you.
Your job description has a finite number of responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean you have to live within your job description. There is always something else to do and that’s not just a good way to get people to notice you, but it’s also a great way to pass the time on those long work days. If you do more than you’re asked for long enough, someone is going to notice.
3. Help your coworkers.
When you do someone a favor, people will remember. Every now and then, you may see an employee struggling to get something done. Offer to help them out and do it out of sincerity. We’re all together trying to make it in this ever-chaotic world and lending a helping hand is something that people do actually remember. Help more people out and see where that gets you!
4. Have a good attitude.
This is a pretty simple one, but it’s very important. Who likes working with the jerk? No one. Everyone prefers to work with the guy who has the good attitude. Attitude is a very easy thing to keep a hold on. Sometimes you have to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let the bad feelings drift away. You have to work anyway, so you might as well try to enjoy it, right? People like the ones with the good attitude.
5. Don’t get caught up in the wrong politics.
You will have to play a little bit of office politics to move up the ladder, but you don’t have to participate in all of the politics because most of it is extremely toxic. If there’s a rivalry between departments, managers, or other employees, and it’s not a healthy, constructive one, then it’s in your best interest to stay out of it. If you don’t associate yourself with negative conflict then others won’t associate you with negative conflict. That’s a good thing.
6. Take calculated risks.
We’re not talking about anything drastic here. However, you should take those ideas on how to improve the place and talk to management about them. Start with something small and talk to them about your ideas. This not only shows that you have initiative but it also shows that you’re creative. Initiative and creativity are valuable assets.
7. Get to know everyone.
Or at least as many people as possible. Sit down, ask them how their day is, ask them if they have any kids or significant others, or even about their hobbies and interests. People like it when others take an interest and engaging in idle chit chat with your coworkers can help you achieve just that. Not only will they like you better, but you’ll learn a little bit about them and maybe make some new friends.
8. Listen and pay attention.
You can get a pretty good perspective on the atmosphere if you close your mouth and open your ears. You can identify weaknesses, problems, and even identify opportunities to jump in and do one of these other things. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the better decisions you can make.
9. Accept criticism with dignity.
When you do mess up, how you handle it can have a big effect on how people think of you. When you mess up, accept that you messed up and take the subsequent tongue lashing like an adult. Don’t lash out or lash back. Not only does this show that you’re mature enough to take criticism, but it shows that you’re forward-thinking enough to accept responsibility for your mistakes. That’s a win-win.
Getting promoted and getting people to like you can be a challenge in some places. There are always other people vying for those higher paying jobs and trying to do what you’re doing. Use these tips to gain an advantage!
Featured photo credit: DreamWorks via thefilmexperience.net
