10 Ways to Position Yourself For Job Growth

When you want job and career growth, it takes courage and initiative to take the bull by the horns. When you are stepping up to new challenges and going beyond what's expected, it demonstrates your willingness and desire to do what it takes to excel. It is that kind of energy and can do attitude that succeeds over time.





When you are ready to take the bull by the horns here are a few ideas:

#1 Expand your skill set and knowledge, keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to cover for specific tasks while your co-workers, managers or leaders are out of the office.
#2 Be open to stepping up and out of your comfort zone to volunteer to work on new projects.
#3 When you begin to feel comfortable with new skills experiment with taking on tasks outside of your job description to help other people.
#4 Cross-train in other departments. It makes you a well rounded team player and gives you a competitive advantage, especially if a department is downsized it may save your position. Or perhaps you may prefer that cross-trained position and make a lateral move to something you'd enjoy more, when a new position comes available.
#5 When you are looking for advancement and the financial rewards that go with it start with what is in your control . . . yourself! Don't leave your accomplishments in the hands of your manager. Record and Track your personal performance, accomplishments, goals and job competencies. Perhaps do a self assessment of where you believe you excel and where you you might want to develop further and then meet with your manager to get their feedback to see if you are on the right track. It may also help to ask yourself these questions:

• How are you tracking your performance goals?
• How much focus do you place on reaching your goals?
• How often do you meet one-on-one with your supervisor?
• What do you most want to happen at your mid year and annual review?

#6 Develop your competencies and record examples of how you are demonstrating them as you notice them, so that you can update your resume with specific examples of how you demonstrate that skill. Keep track of challenges that you successfully tackle.
#7 To be our best selves we need to get enough rest, eat health and get moving.
#8 Try on a positive attitude to see how it affects your state of mind and those around you. Everyone has a bad day, though attitudes are contagious (they reduce focus and productivity) be mindful of how your moods affect others.
#9 Avoid standing out for the wrong reasons, review your work and dress code of conduct. Present yourself in the best light and be genuine!
#10 Present your ideas for continuous improvement (be prepared with a model of what that looks like and how it would be beneficial to your department, be specific and provide data, if possible)

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When you are intentional about managing your career, working hard, being compassionate, flexible and most of  all being authentic. There won't be any need for kissing any of these.

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