If someday you hope to retire in comfort, it’s important that you put enough money aside.  The best way to do that is to secure yourself a great position in your company.  And while some people may think that getting promoted in your company all comes down to a matter of time, the truth is that that’s not the only secret. Climbing the corporate ladder requires a unique combination of strategy, ambition, and a little charm. Here are some of the best tips for making moves in your company and working your way up.

Set Goals

If you hope to advance, you have to define what it is that you set out to do. Decide exactly what you want to achieve, and ask yourself how you plan on doing it. Create a clear outline of where you want to be at what point in time. 

The more specific you can be when setting your goals, the easier it will be to see whether you’re making progress or not. As you move forward you’ll be able to see whether you’ve made the kind of progress that you hope to or not.  If after a reasonable amount of time, you don’t see any progress, then it’s probably safe to assume that you should count your losses and give your energy to another company that will recognize your talents more.  

Develop Your Skills

It’s important that you continuously develop your skills to make yourself as qualified as possible for the position that you hope to attain.  That means attending workshops, conferences, and getting certified for the skills you’ll need to move up. This will not only make you more qualified but also demonstrate that you’re committed to getting better at your job. Management is looking for people who are ready to do the work that it takes to become the best in their field.

Be a Leader

Whenever you have the opportunity to present yourself as a leader— go for it. The more that you show initiative by offering to lead projects or volunteer for extra work, the more you’ll demonstrate yourself as a leader. 

Rather than getting caught up in the problem, show that you’re someone who’s committed to searching for the solution! As simple as this sounds, it’s a rare quality in employees and one that will make you stand out substantially.

Make Your Achievements Known

One of the biggest reasons why people are never promoted is because they are too humble. As much as you might assume that management is paying attention, half of the time they are too busy to see the full picture. So, make sure that your supervisors are aware of your achievements, and don’t be afraid to ask for a promotion because of them! Let it be known that you have the chops for your responsibilities to be increased.