How to Advance Your Career with Upward Thinking

I spent too many years thinking my boss was responsible for my career. Or the company. Or a magical fairy godmother. I thought it was everyone else’s job to advocate for me. To push me. To help me advance and grow. And I completely missed the fact that it was me. It was always ME. Our job is to be the biggest advocate for our careers. We are in the driver’s seat. And we can’t take a back seat and expect someone else to do the driving. Here are ten ways to start advocating for your career not tomorrow, TODAY: 1️⃣ Take a seat at front of the table, not at the back of the room. Be visible. Log onto that Zoom early, make sure people know you are there. Don’t shrink to the corner of the screen or room. 2️⃣ Raise your hand 🙋🏾♀️ Ask that question. Show you’re engaged and thoughtful and there to contribute. I always ask a question early on in the meeting to build my confidence to contribute more later. 3️⃣ Ask to be put on that assignment Make sure you are working on assignments that are priorities for the company. Especially in this market. 4️⃣ Coach your peers on their work You don’t have to have direct reports to have influence. Guide peers who ask for your help: position yourself for the next level by acting like you are at the next level. 5️⃣ Build a career development plan If your boss won’t help you do this, ask a colleague to be a sounding boarding or a friend outside of work. Understand what your goals are this year and what you want your next two roles to be. 6️⃣ Focus on one new skill you want to build What’s one new skill you want to learn that can help with your career growth? Pick it and commit to it. Block 30 minutes on your calendar daily to work on it. Make this time non negotiable. 7️⃣ Take credit for your work Even if they won’t let you in that meeting, share what you are working on with others. Whether that’s it in 1:1 conversations or in team meetings, make sure you let others know the impact you are making. 8️⃣ Get meaningful feedback If your boss keeps saying you’re killing it or avoids giving your feedback, ask others. Show up with what you think your strengths are and areas of opportunity to get their reactions. 9️⃣ Keep a track of your wins Start a Google doc or grab a notebook, and down all of your wins and the end of every month. This makes it easier to do your self evaluation during performance review time and update your resume. 🔟 Always have your resume ready Whether you are looking for internal or external, always have your resume ready. And make sure it’s not saved on your work lap, especially in this market where layoffs are happening every day. How do you advocate for yourself at work? #leadership #culture #inclusion #MitaMallick

Throughout my career placing professionals across organizational levels, I've observed a counterintuitive pattern: the most productive employees often experience slower advancement than their more strategically visible counterparts.   This disconnect occurs because organizations promote based on perceived value rather than task completion volume.   The Visibility Gap: Most daily work remains invisible to decision-makers who determine advancement opportunities. Being exceptionally busy often signals poor prioritization rather than exceptional value.   Strategic Positioning Over Task Execution: Advancement requires demonstrating impact on organizational priorities rather than individual productivity metrics.   Cross-Functional Relationship Building: Promotion decisions often involve input from multiple stakeholders beyond immediate supervisors, making broader organizational visibility crucial.   Solution-Oriented Communication: Contributing meaningfully to strategic discussions and problem-solving initiatives creates more advancement opportunities than silent execution of assigned tasks.   The professionals who advance most rapidly understand that career growth requires intentional visibility management alongside excellent performance.   This doesn't diminish the importance of quality work, but recognizes that career advancement operates on different metrics than productivity optimization.   For those feeling stuck despite strong performance, the solution often lies in shifting focus from task completion to strategic contribution and ensuring that value creation is visible to advancement decision-makers.   What strategies have you found most effective for translating excellent work into career advancement opportunities?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #promotion #promotions #careeradvancement #careerstrategist

I’ve advised over 200 high achievers in the last 3 years. From F500 companies to billion dollar startups. 5 challenges that kept them stuck + how to overcome: (1) Demonstrating impact It's a harsh truth, but no amount of work will get you promoted. To level up you need to show impact on the bottom line. Recommendation: Focus on outcomes vs. outputs, and track your success. (2) Owning your time If someone else owns your calendar you can't be effective or make a big impact. But most people just accept what ever is put on their calendar. Recommendation: Be proactive, not reactive. Create you ideal schedule (I call it CEO schedule) and own your time. (3) Leveraging advocacy Your career will grow faster if you have key stakeholders ready to speak on your behalf. But most people don't have a strategic plan to build and nurture advocacy. When the time comes they need to beg for support. Recommendation: Identify your advocates and manage the relationship long term, to get undeniable recognition. (4) Having hard conversations The things you want most are on the other side of a hard conversation. Asking for a raise, getting a unique opportunity, sharing feedback, letting an employee go. Avoiding these conversations keeps you stuck. Recommendation: Don't avoid hard conversations. Plan and practice for them to reduce the anxiety and fear. (5) No vision or strategy You assume working hard enough for long enough will get you ahead. That's usually not the answer. Doing more of the same won't get you far in the corporate world. Recommendation: Gain clarity about your vision and what it would take to get there, so you can be intentional about how you spend your time at work. Ignore these challenges and you'll stay stuck for years. Master them and you'll join the 1%. *** Enjoyed this post? ♻️ Share to help someone get unstuck and grow their career

🔥 Your Career, Your Responsibility! 🔥 Here’s the blunt reality: relying on others to acknowledge your dedication and effort won’t propel you forward. As a senior sales manager, I’ve seen firsthand how taking ownership of your career can make a difference in career progression. But I’ve also seen what happens when you don’t—and it’s a lesson worth sharing. Take one of my team members, for example. She had the perfect 5-year career plan—mapped out with skill development milestones and a supportive mentor. But there was one missing piece: she didn’t take ownership. She waited. 💼 Waited for her annual review to hopefully be recognized for her hard work. 📧 Waited for the hiring manager to approach her when internal positions opened up. And while she waited, her peers surged ahead—getting promoted and building momentum in their careers. Why? 🤔 Because she relied on others to notice her efforts instead of claiming her seat at the table. 🌟 She didn’t proactively build new skills. 🌟 She didn’t showcase her potential to do more. 🌟 She didn’t advocate for herself Here’s the reality: no one will hand you your dream job on a silver platter. YES—organizations should create pathways for growth, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to take charge of your career. Don’t be the one who gets passed over. 💡 Here’s how to take ownership and claim your next big step: 1️⃣ Ask for Clarity. Talk to your manager and ask what’s needed to advance. Show them you’re serious. 2️⃣ Develop Key Skills. Dive into books, podcasts, certifications, and workshops. Invest in yourself! 3️⃣ Leverage Your Network. Reach out to mentors, sponsors, or peers for guidance and introductions. 4️⃣ Step Into Visibility. Volunteer for stretch assignments and share your wins (don’t keep your successes a secret!). 5️⃣ Advocate for Yourself. Apply for internal opportunities and make it clear you’re ready to level up. ✨ The truth is, no one is more invested in your career than you. Stop waiting for opportunities to land in your lap. Start taking action to create the career you deserve. 💡 What’s one bold move you’ll make this week to take charge of your career? Let’s share strategies and inspire each other in the comments! 💬 -------- Like this post? Want to see more? 🔔 Ring My Profile Bell & Follow Are you ready to take your career to the next level? 👋🏼 Hi, I’m Danielle. I work with medical and aesthetic sales professionals to take their careers to the next level and build a career and life they love. ✅ Boost your sales and earn Presidents Club ✅ Attract your dream job and excel in your next interview ✅ Promote into a leadership position ✅ Apply your skills and build a thriving business 👉 Click on my profile to book an appointment and take your career to the next level. #careerdevelopment #careergoals #medicalsales #leadershipfirst #careeradvice

Are you ready to take your career to 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹, but unsure how to make it happen? The key to your next promotion might be closer than you think. As a career and leadership coach, I've seen countless managers struggle with career stagnation. The good news? With the right strategy, you can position yourself for that coveted promotion. Here's your 5-point guide to not just ask for a promotion, but to ensure you're the top candidate when the opportunity arises: 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: Before you even think about asking for a promotion, make yourself irreplaceable. Take on additional responsibilities (responsibilities, no more work), volunteer for challenging projects, and consistently exceed expectations. Document your achievements and the value you bring to your role and the organization. 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: A promotion often means leading others. Start honing your leadership skills now. Mentor colleagues, lead cross-functional projects, or take on a leadership role in company initiatives. Show that you're ready for increased responsibility. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Promotions aren't just about what you know, but who you know. Cultivate relationships across your organization. Seek out mentors in senior positions and build alliances with decision-makers. Your network can be your strongest advocate when promotion opportunities arise. 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Understand your company's strategic objectives and align your work accordingly. Demonstrate how your contributions directly impact the bottom line and support the organization's vision. This shows you're thinking at a higher level, a key trait for promotion candidates. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Timing is crucial when asking for a promotion. Monitor the company's performance, be aware of organizational changes, and choose a moment when your recent achievements are fresh in your manager's mind. Prepare a compelling case that outlines your readiness for the next level and how it benefits the company. Remember, asking for a promotion isn't just about the ask—it's about strategically positioning yourself as the obvious choice. By following these steps, you're not just hoping for a promotion; you're actively creating the conditions for your success. Are you ready to take control of your career trajectory? Start implementing these strategies today, and watch as new opportunities unfold before you. #CareerAdvancement #LeadershipDevelopment #PromotionStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerCoaching #SuccessfulLeaders #CareerEmpowerment

When I first started at my company, I was eager to take on more responsibilities but hesitant to speak up. I worried that my request might be seen as overreaching. Then, a mentor gave me invaluable advice: "Opportunities are rarely given; they’re taken." This changed everything for me. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my journey to help you leap: ➙ Self-Assessment 📝: Before asking for more, evaluate your current workload. Are you consistently meeting your deadlines and excelling in your tasks? This will show that you're ready for additional responsibilities. ➙ Identify Areas for Growth 🔍: Look for gaps in your team or company where you can add value. It could be a project that's been neglected or a new initiative that aligns with your skills. ➙ Prepare Your Case 📊: Approach your manager with a clear plan. Highlight your achievements, explain how you can contribute more, and detail the benefits to the team and company. ➙ Show Enthusiasm and Commitment 💪: Demonstrate your passion for growth. Enthusiasm is contagious and shows that you're genuinely invested in your role and the company's success. ➙Be Ready for Challenges 🚀: Taking on more means stepping out of your comfort zone. Be prepared to tackle new challenges and show resilience. After implementing these steps, I not only got the additional responsibilities I wanted but also gained the trust and respect of my colleagues and superiors. My career growth skyrocketed, and I felt more fulfilled in my role. Big Lesson: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Take charge of your career by proactively seeking out more responsibilities. You'll grow, learn, and stand out as a proactive, driven professional. How Do You Go About It? 📞Regularly communicate with your manager about your career aspirations. 📞Seek feedback and use it to improve continuously. 📞Network within your company to identify potential growth opportunities. Have you successfully asked for more responsibilities? Share your experiences and tips below! Let’s inspire each other to take control of our career paths. 🚀 ————————————————————————— Meeting me for the first time? I’m Rudy Malle, a clinical researcher dedicated to improving public health outcomes, and a career advisor helping ordinary professionals take their careers to the next level to enhance visibility for individuals and companies. #CareerAdvancement #ProfessionalGrowth #TakeTheLead #WorkplaceTips #CareerAdvice #LinkedInCommunity #personaldevelopment #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma #rudyhacks