Ever feel like you have more in common with that fly on the wall than you do with your friends at the top of the corporate ladder? Take heart. You’re not the only one. But unless you want your work life to actually mirror the average life span of a fly (that’s about 25 days maximum), it’s time to get moving!
Start with the advice of Erika Dhawan who started interning at Citi Corporation when she was only 20 years old. At the end of the summer, she could boast of one-on-one meetings with over ten Managing Directors, the Chief Diversity Officer and the CFO.
What’s Erika’s secret? Persistence with a dash of selflessness sums it up nicely.
In addition to attending every workplace function, Erika outright asked for meetings and followed up on every bit of communication she had. If that seems a bit over the top, keep in mind that she always focused more on what she could give than what she could get.
Today, Erika rubs shoulders with high-level executives every day as she enjoys her status as a nationally-recognized leadership expert.
As you are working towards a goal, remember these tips from Erika and other leaders like her who have learned how to move past the fly-bedecked wall and past the infamous glass ceiling.
Action Plan
Building relationships. Focus on all those around you with the intent of truly understanding where they’re coming from.
Email like a crazy person If Erika Dhawan can get a meeting with Bill Gates via email, you can get one with your own CEO. Keep your messages brief, polite and to the point. Not many executives can turn away a colleague eager to learn and who is open about her purposes.
Collaborate Executive coach Connie Dieken stresses collaboration over competition in clients’ efforts to gain visibility. Rather than striving for individual attention, focus on the good of your team. It pays off.
Do the dirty work. Most workplaces have jobs that nobody wants. Look for those and volunteer. It’s hard to stay invisible when you’re the only one taking initiative.
Go on up.No, this doesn’t mean you should one-up anyone. It simply means you should seek to gain not only the attention of your manager, but your manager’s manager. Ask your manager to give your reports to his manager as a means of effective communication, and then regularly report.
Create value. Don’t just do your job well. Do your job better than anyone thought it could be done. And do it consistently. Above average work stands out from the rest every time.
Brag. Yes, occasionally you can go ahead and just tell others how good you really are. But be careful. According to social psychologist Ilan Shrira in his Psychology Today article entitled “The Narcissus in All of Us” bragging can be helpful when it’s done the right way. Be self-aware and others-aware, listening for the right moment for your boastful statement. Avoid comparing yourself with others and preface your comment with a direct statement of modesty such as “I don’t want to brag, but . . . ” or “I’m certainly not a rocket scientist, but I do know how to . . . .”