An entry-level position sits at the bottom of the corporate totem pole, but it can be a valuable career stepping stone. Instead of biding time until a scheduled promotion, use the job as an opportunity to show your leadership skills. With the right strategy, you can excel at your work and move up the ladder in less time.
Focus on Performance
Great performance is the foundation of leadership — employers need to see that you can handle professional responsibilities. Before you worry about leadership skills, focus on setting the standard for your entry-level position. Make sure that tasks are perfect, turn in work before it's due, and try go above and beyond on each project. This process proves your capability and makes your job more fun and challenging.
Fill Skills Gaps
Observe the leaders in your company, and make a note of the hard and soft leadership skills they use regularly. Compare those skills to your own, and make a note of the gaps. Then, find ways to build your abilities in those areas, starting with on-the-job opportunities. Learn about large-scale event organization by volunteering to assist your boss in planning the annual meeting, or ask to be included on budget meetings to learn about fund allocation. To advance your skills faster, look into offsite training or education. Attend workshops put on by a professional industry organization, or start taking night classes toward an MBA. Stronger skills enable you to take on more responsibility and reassure your bosses that you're ready to move to the next level.
Build Relationships
Strong leaders know how to build and maintain strong professional working relationships. Show your leadership skills early on by networking throughout the company. Start by inviting your entry-level colleagues to lunch or organizing team happy hours. Meet executives and people from other departments by participating in corporate sports teams, volunteer days or mentoring programs. Make a point to show integrity and be friendly and open, especially with difficult co-workers. The more well-known you are in the company, the more support you're likely to have when your name comes up for promotion.
Contribute Value
As an entry-level employee, you have the opportunity to see the company from the ground level. Use that position to spot operational problems that might be invisible to higher-level employees — an inefficient filing system that causes bottlenecks down the line, for example, or a shift change process that results in lost productivity. Implement small solutions where you have the authority, or bring them to your boss for further action. Proactive steps show your leadership skills and demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of the company.
An entry-level position offers valuable opportunities to build and demonstrate your leadership skills. With a proactive approach, you can impress your superiors and move closer to your dream job.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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