Want to move up in your company? Here are some tips:

I recently spent a lot of time with the sales teams of our expansion stage companies. It is very refreshing to interact with both our executive development teams and our sales people.

Because we are in the expansion stage, many of our sales people are unclear on what it takes for them to “move up the corporate ladder” and sometimes they feel stuck when they try to plan ahead rather than focus on the present. Do not get me wrong… career oriented and ambitious sales people are my preference, but they must slow down a bit.

It’s good to be ambitious, but climbing the career ladder takes patience…and some hard work doesn’t hurt either. Here are some tips for the employee on the rise:

Work, Work, Work

Get the job done. It’s as simple as that. Make sure your work is finished on time every day. It may be tempting to suck up to the boss, but at the end of the day results are all that matter.

Step Up

If your boss needs something done, and you have nothing on your plate, do it. It may entail tedious and busy work, but being the first to step up will always leave a great impression.

Be Friendly and Lead

You don’t necessarily need to stand by the water cooler all day to exhibit an attitude of friendliness, but you should treat your co-workers like you would want to be treated. Some projects may require you to work as a team and though all of you need to contribute, you should take the lead. If you seek a management job, leadership is a must.

Get Involved

Many times at the office, and in job ads, we hear the phrase “team player” thrown around a lot. Showing an active interest in your job is important. Do you attend office parties? Go out for happy hour? Or are people surprised you actually work there? Make your presence known in the office and you will look good.

I promoted more people in my career than I have terminated and I take a lot of pride in that. The promotions are easy and I evaluate one thing….”Have you mastered the role you currently possess and do you have the ability to transfer that knowledge to others?” If the answer is yes, that next step on the ladder is ready for you.