1
Mind your business
If you don’t currently know everything about the company you work for then you are missing a massive opportunity. Key information you MUST know: • What technology is in use? • Which vendors are installed? • Which teams are responsible for them? • Which IT projects are currently on going and which projects are planned for the future? • What is the company’s IT roadmap strategy? • Who are the decision makers within your company, both officially and in reality? • Who is responsible for purchasing? Once you have a thorough understanding of the company you work for then you can begin to improve your current situation. For example, knowing what projects are coming up and who the decision makers are within a business will enable you to position yourself to be involved. Knowing the technology that is installed and which vendors are favoured is vital for helping you get relevant training approved and / or for you to get to spend time with other teams. Knowing what the company’s IT roadmap is will help you plan your career over the coming months and years and if your company doesn’t have a roadmap, even better, offer to create one to help you stand out from the crowd!
2
Fortune favours the brave bold!
Even the best and nicest managers in the world are not sat there thinking of ways to improve your career opportunities and earning potential. You have to do this yourself and only you can do this. Every business owner, manager and team leader in the world is inundated with people pointing out the problems, the reasons it won’t work, the potential flaws and risks so you have to be different. Quickly understand the current pain points, the current problems, flaws, risks etc. and not only demonstrate you have an awareness of them but spend time thinking of solutions, that is what is in short supply. Bounce ideas of friends and family and refine your suggestions before presenting them to your boss or manager. Even if your ideas are not ultimately utilised, the fact that you have demonstrated a willingness to be a part of the solution will go down very well. Be bold, be brave and be proactive.
3
Play the game
Ok first of all, you need to realise that it is all a game, if you don’t yet think of it that way then it is time to get with the program. You are dealing with people not machines and people are subject to mood-swings, prejudices, preferences, desires, ambitions and emotions. Once you realise this, you can take a more human and real approach to your career. Being likeable, easy to work with and empathetic at work will massively help you but if it is a front people will quickly see through it. Be yourself, but a professional, palatable version of you and it will come across genuine and stand you in good stead when you go for promotions and pay rises. Know who can help and hinder your career progress within a company and ensure that you have a great relationship with those people and add value to them as much and as often as possible.