Anything worth succeeding at takes some strategy. Take dating for example. When I set my eyes on my husband, I recall thinking "He has the kindest eyes." And I promptly began finding out what I could about him, to determine his eligibility. I asked about his marital status (single); about his stability (same job for 24 years); about his family (a sister and niece).

With the way cleared, I began "strategizing" running into him! Yes, I was shameless. Ten years later we are happily married, still hold hands, and are devoted to one another's happiness. Bliss.

Career management also demands strategy ... so what does it take to succeed at work, to position yourself for a promotion? Aside from a certain set of skills gained through education and experience, it takes strategy.

Communication

People often start out in entry level positions, in reception for example, and twenty years later progress to manage a large corporation. When questioned on career progression, one manager shared, “Every time I was getting bored and ready to move on I communicated that to everyone I could make listen!” Others, very intent on landing a promotion, and fully qualified to move on, don't share their goals only to find themselves trumped when a colleague, who had communicated his interest in moving into management, is appointed to an acting position upon a manager’s unexpected departure. If you don’t tell anyone, no one can promote your interests.

Visibility
Well ahead of the point at which you find yourself thoroughly bored, disgruntled, and no longer motivated, join committees, volunteer to lead a research assignment, apply for secondments or interim positions; in short, get yourself noticed! Also, keep a brag file in which you document project details, the ideas you contributed, roles you played, and each project’s successful outcomes. Remind your supervisor of what you have accomplished — when appropriate of course. Try not to point out your achievements in a general staff meeting as you would be perceived as boastful, but absolutely share your achievements during an annual performance review.

Development

Enrol in company training, in on-line or on-site college courses, conduct self-study — few amongst us continue to be effective without adding to our knowledge base. And surprisingly few people actually take this step. Completing a relevant course and putting your newly acquired skills to good corporate use is a career-enhancing move.

Work Ethic

There is no substitute for hard work. It happens that people land management roles only to be shown the door after their work ethic or productivity proves to be below expectations. Hard work doesn’t necessarily mean long hours and weekends spent at the workplace. Work smart! Along with upgrading your skills, tackle your long-standing, production-inhibiting flaws of procrastination, easily diverted attention, or disorganized paperwork. Ask for performance reviews to find out where, specifically, you could improve.

Here’s the thing: your career is yours to manage. And manage it, nurture it, you must—if you are serious about getting ahead. Put down roots in education, effort, and tracked results, communicate your interests, and your career will reach pinnacles you didn’t dare dream of. Just like my marriage!

- contributed by Stephanie Clark, owner of Award-winning NewLeafResumes.ca.