5 Tips to Climb the Corporate Ladder

Some might think that it’s impossible to climb the corporate ladder without a master’s degree in business or pure genius. The simple fact, however, is that climbing the ladder and getting a higher pay bracket is more about ambition and dedication than it is about skill. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room and you don’t have to out-think the people around you. Instead, focus on these 5 tips if you want to succeed in your job and move your way to the top of the ladder.

1. Smile Through Frustration

One of the things that employers look for in employees is a good attitude. They want people who can smile when they’re frustratedand show that they can have a good mood regardless of the situation. Hot-headed people are dropped from the office quickly. If you want to move up in the ladder, smile when you’re mad. Don’t let people see the real emotion that you’re feeling even when you want to yell and scream at the people around you. You can practice smiling at home by looking into the mirror and practicing the conversations before they happen. Practice your response with a smile on your face as if you’re not mad at all.

2. Show Up

It’s funny that this should be a tip, but enough people struggle with this that it needs to be. Woody Allen once said, “80 percent of success is showing up.” It’s true. A huge part of making an impression on the people above you is actually coming to work. Don’t try and make up an excuse to stay home a few days a month. Instead, make work a part of your life and go to work every day. Show your managers that you’re dedicated to being there and you’re never going to be late. If you’re struggling and showing up late more often than not, switch up the habit and show up early instead. Don’t just be on time, be early.Related: How to Stay Up to Date with Critical Trends in Digital MarketingRelated: Self Improvement in the Workplace

3. Take Action Before You’re Told

Employers don’t always like having to tell their employees when and what to do. They greatly appreciate people who can take action and do their jobs without having to be told what needs to get done. Make it a habit to look around you and notice the things that need to get done. If you want to be a leader, act like it. Prove that you’re willing to work and do the things that aren’t getting done. Your managers will notice that you’re the one taking charge and eventually put you in a position where you’re able to be the leader and use your talents.

4. Don’t Expect Praise

The next thing that you should do is work hard and don’t expect praise. If you do a good thing for the company and expect someone to point it out and congratulate you, you’ll be disappointed more often than not. Usually, it takes a few good actions for the “higher-ups” to notice. If you expect praise again and again and never get it, you’ll start to grow bitter and work less each time you’re let down. Instead, work without praise and then be happily surprised when you get it.

5. Increase Your Worth

This step is great because it not only secures your position with the company, it makes you more and more valuable. You can do this by increasing your worth. If you currently have just a bachelors degree, take a few hours out of your night and start working on a masters program online. This makes your input more valuable and you’ll learn things that will make you more qualified for a raise.

Conclusion

If you’re hoping to get a promotion, you need to be proactive. You can’t expect to get moved up the ladder without trying. Employers look for people who are putting effort into the job and doing their best to succeed. If you want to be one of those people, then act like it and do your best with what you’ve been given.