Become The Go-To Person In Your Company And Get Promoted

The importance of go-to people in organizations cannot be overstated. Martin Zwilling, in his article "Leaders Take The Initiative, But Go-To People Get Things Done" he writes: 'To highlight how rare this breed is, a new CEO of a large company once said, I have more than 1000 people in my head office organization, 900 can tell me something's wrong, 90 can tell me what's gone wrong, nine can tell me why it went wrong, and one can actually fix it." The critical attributes of a true go-to person are excellent communication skills, knowledge of how companies work and make money (particularly their own organization), willingness to work hard and see projects through to completion, and (positive) visibility within their company. Most of us have heard the adage, God gave you two ears and one mouth so you would listen twice as much as you talk. Effective communication is not just listening, but empathetic listening - putting your self in another's shoes and truly understanding their point-of-view before even so much as contemplating a response. When co-workers or managers know you fully understand what they are saying, they are much more open to your input. And if you are really listening, you will hear the requirements of a project or task and not have to go back-and-forth for clarification. Know how the business works and makes money. Much of this can be learned in business school, but unique advantages of your company much be studied. Read and understand the companies' vision statement, study SEC filings if publicly traded, know your marketing materials, nurture mentor relationships with those who can help guide you through the organization layers, and ask questions about how projects fit into the over all scheme of the business. Visibility in your company is a must. Internal networking - just like external networking is essential for success. Effective networking is built upon reciprocity. You must give before you receive. Do not ask for assistance until after you have offered your help to others - then their support will be readily obtainable. Volunteer for company projects, task forces, social events, sports teams, and training programs. At every opportunity meet people from other departments and (again) offer your assistance if they ever need it. A mentor can help you navigate the organization and who to know, who to avoid, and company politics from their own experience. Learn how people in the organization like to communicate - some may prefer short emails, a follow-up text, detailed reports, or still others a face-to-face conversation. Now comes the hard work part. You have to be willing to put in the extra hours to see projects or tasks through to their completion on time, every time. Once you have a strong network established in your company, you will know who to contact for advice and help to get things done. Companies have become very lean in the past several years and you will most likely need outside assistance - and you won't be afraid to ask for it if you have assisted others in their time of need. Ask questions. Questions show your understanding of a project and that you want to be sure all requirements are on the table up front, so any obstacles can be identified. Be honest if you believe there are hidden challenges, as soon as discovered, and alert team leaders. It is much better to have these uncovered early on, so additional resources can be requested. To become known at a go-to person doesn't happen overnight. You must be patient and show consistency. But the benefits are well worth the effort. You will learn of openings you are qualified for in other departments before they are posted, by tapping into your network and mentors. Your name will come up in management meetings, as successfully completing projects and as a company rising star. You will be offered more assignments and responsibility in an upward spiral toward an eventual promotion. Yes people do not win in the end. Stay out of office politics and have facts readily available if you disagree with someone. Offer other points of view not as a challenge, "but have you considered this" and use your listening skills to understand their position. Once you have had your say, proceed down the path. You will find it very rewarding once you begin to be known as a go-to person and have co-workers and managers realize the value of your contribution to the organization. Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd Edition, focusing on networking and social media to find and keep jobs, available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com