Recently, I had a lunch meeting with a friend that is an executive in a large organization. During the meeting we talked a lot about what it takes to climb the corporate ladder. He is very successful in his organization and has gained success through many years of hard work. Because of his success, I really wanted to learn how to climb the corporate ladder from him and his experience.
Climb the Corporate Ladder
In the corporate environment, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to be noticed by upper management. Many people think that upper management is on a level that is unattainable. Even though they are on a very high level within the organization, most of them started out at or close to an entry level position. That was the case with my friend.
In the remainder of the post, I will explain the top two points he explained as the important for him to climb the corporate ladder.
Feedback
Feedback is a key to climb the corporate ladder. You must regularly find your blind spots that keep you from being successful. Getting feedback helps you learn your weaknesses and improve. I dedicated a whole blog to feedback, so I won’t spend as much time on it in this post. Bottom line; know that feedback is a key to climb the corporate ladder.
Stay One Step Ahead of Your Leader
It is important to stay one step ahead of your leader to climb the corporate ladder. Think about how you would respond if you were in your leader’s position. Figure out how they think and think like them.
This means that when responding to an issue that involves a decision above your level of authority, you think out the solution prior to going to your leader. Think of different decisions that could be made and identify the decision you would chose and why you would choose it.
In addition, identify other issues or potential problems that could arise as a result of that choice. Once you identify new issues or potential problems, figure out how to limit their effects. Also, identify solutions to any problems that could arise if your choice gets accepted.
Once you’ve made up your mind, take your problem and determined solution to your leader. Explain why you would make the decision based on your research and analysis, so they don’t have to do a lot of additional background research before coming up with a decision.
Conclusion
Through feedback and thinking one step ahead of your superiors, you will become more noticeable and be able to climb the corporate ladder. You will learn how to make the decisions your superiors make and will be able to move into the next position with relative ease.
Just as my friend started at an entry level position and climbed the corporate ladder, you too can climb the corporate ladder. You just need to be proactive, so your superiors recognize you as the leader you are and value you add to the organization.
How has requesting feedback helped you to improve and/or climb the corporate ladder? How do you stay one step ahead of your leader in your decision making process? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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