Is Your Ambition Hindering Your Advancement?
October 21, 2014
By Brian Maynor
Everyone wants to get ahead and forge a successful career, but can being too ambitious hurt your chances?
We’ve talked about the importance of balancing the wardrobe of the job you have with the wardrobe of the job you want, so now that’s look at the other aspects of image, attitude and behavior, when it comes to moving up the corporate ladder.
Experts agree that acting like a leader no matter what your position is the best way to get ahead, but there are right and wrong ways of going about it. I recently read Amy Gallo’s review of Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to master Your Leadership Presence, and this was the takeaway on the do’s and don’ts of ambition:
1. Knock your responsibilities out of the park. Your career path begins with your current position, so it should go without saying you need to excel there before you can move forward. No amount of ambition will compensate for poor performance, so be sure to make your current job the primary focus of your path, not the next step.
2. Look for opportunities to showcase your leadership potential. This rule is nothing new and can be found in every guide to success, but one caveat not usually mentioned is this, ‘Don’t be a jerk about it.’ What that means is while volunteering for leadership opportunities is one thing, arrogance or exerting authority when you have none is another. Having humility will keep you in check and make sure you’re ambition is not leading to big britches.
3. Share your ambitions cautiously. Openly talking about your career goals can ruffle some feathers so you want to make sure you only share them with trusted mentors and bosses. A generally safer approach to articulating your goals is through your actions, like those stated above. It’s easier to obtain a promotion with a proven track record and established pattern of behavior than it is with simply expressed desire.
4. Find and observe role models. Role models are key to any success path, and while it’s great to look to the top you should also look for ones at each step along the way. Pick role models that are similar to you and study how they act, communicate and dress. The goal is not to merely imitate them, but incorporate their behavior and path to success in a way that is true to you. Another recommendation is to look at people stuck in their positions for guides on what not to do.
It’s not surprising attitude and behavior feature prominently when it comes to strategizing your plan for success, but let’s not forget appearance is also a key factor that is necessary to complete the picture. All aspects of your image need to work together in harmony if you want to get ahead.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
