Getting ahead in your career First, decide what you really want to do. Trying to climb the ladder to a job you don't enjoy is a pointless exercise. After establishing what it is you want in your work life, set your goals. Make 1 year, 3 year, 5 year and 10 year goals and work towards them. Find out what you need to do to get those jobs. Do you require more qualifications or experience? Write down strategies that will help you get to where you want to be. At work, always set the example. Be passionate about your work, but don't become over-emotional about inter-personal issues. Try to be the sensible, pragmatic one; the person everyone goes to for advice. To be effective in any senior or leadership role, you must have self-confidence. This doesn't mean bossing everyone around, it just means you have confidence in your own abilities and decision-making skills. Often the best leaders are those that make decisions, whether they are right or wrong! Good leaders expect to make mistakes sometimes. But they take responsibility for their mistakes and learn from them. These days, most senior managers look to their staff to provide feedback about the company and to come up with ideas for improvement. Don't miss out on these opportunities to have your say. Don't whine, but be constructive and present your ideas in a professional way. Communication skills are a priority in the modern workplace. You need to learn how to listen to others, express yourself clearly and concisely, and be able to work effectively with your peers and managers. If you feel your communication skills could improve, I can think of no better or more cost-effective solution than joining your local Toastmasters club. Finally, make sure your CV is up-to-date, professional, and concise. An employer sees your CV as a reflection of how you work.                                                 Copyright 2006 Kris de Jong