Credit: iStock Photo
|
For many Black women, advancing through the corporate ranks can seem more like negotiating an obstacle course. It takes a carefully planned networking strategy and the willingness to exceed expectations to perform at the next level, says Susan Hodgkinson, founder of professional development firm The Personal Brand Company and author of The Leader's Edge (iUniverse, Inc.). If you haven't done that yet, "the chances are far greater that you won't be recognized when succession decisions are being made or year-end bonuses are being determined," Hodgkinson says. But if you've visualized your goal and acquired the necessary skills, these four surefire strategies will help you fast-forward your career.
Take the Initiative
Don't just work hard doing your job, take on added responsibility, preferably a task that solves a problem. Hodgkinson recalls a Black vice-president at an insurance company who pulled several coworkers together and started an informal task force to find innovative ways to attract big accounts. They reported their findings to the chief information officer. The go-getter was later promoted to senior vice-president.
Get In on the Right Action
A frequent obstacle Black women face, observes Janet Reid, coauthor of The Phoenix Principles (New Village Publishing, LLC), is that they are often given assignments that "are not in line with where the corporation is going." To stay in the loop, read annual reports to ascertain the top three or four strategic initiatives of the company. Confirm those with your manager, then pursue projects that are in step with the com-pany's focus, stresses Reid, who is also the founder of Global Lead Management Consulting.
Master the Two-Minute Sell
Regularly review your résumé. Why? If you find yourself in an elevator with a top-level manager, what better time to introduce yourself and mention your achievements? Then, suggests Reid, say something about the manager's accomplishments. "Show them you're worth listening to, and then hook them by showing that you know something about what they are involved in that is also in line with what you are pursuing," Reid says.
Connect with the Right People
Yes, networking is obvious, but many people do it wrong. Lunching with the sister in the same department is not good enough, and it will not boost your "organizational wisdom," says Reid. You must establish relationships across all cultures and levels of the business. How? Target the right people. Invite the superstar from a different department out to lunch; take a few minutes to chitchat when passing the cubicle of, say, the executive assistant to your boss's boss. Then work hard to maintain those connections. Hodgkinson recommends making a chart, with you in the middle surrounded by your contacts, and reviewing it regularly. This will help you determine which relationships are strong, which need repair, and which aren't necessary.
Are you already or on your way to becoming a rockstar at work? Share your story below.
RELATED LINKS:
Meet four women who got rich by following their passions »
PHOTOS: Try these summer side hustles for extra cash »
Read expert advice on getting a job you love » |
