Let’s dive into the expertise of a networking specialist to learn how to win the favor of colleagues and superiors and achieve that coveted career advancement.
Each of us has two homes: a cozy apartment and an office chair with a desk. In our first home, we set our own rules—who makes the bed and walks the dog. And if anything, it’s easy to reach an agreement because it’s family. In the second home, we are surrounded by a multitude of people with their own beliefs and rules of the game. And it is precisely these individuals who greatly influence our careers, financial well-being, and, importantly, our mental health.
I have worked in different companies—Russian, German, and currently American—and I can confidently say that office life is complex and fascinating, filled with scandals, intrigues, investigations, career leaps, and setbacks. So, how should one behave in a team to achieve success?
Chat by the Water Cooler
The more people in the company who know about your charm and professionalism, the higher the chance that you will be noticed. And more importantly, remembered when considering candidates for important projects. Let me share the secret of how people are promoted in large corporations using Procter & Gamble, where I currently work, as an example. Department heads gather and begin discussing employee candidates for an open position. The choice will be in favor of the person whose existence is known not only to their immediate supervisor but also to everyone present. “Ah yes, I remember Anna! She’s the one who told me about that major logistics project in the elevator.”
Apply Your Charisma
According to studies, only 15% of information is conveyed through speech during a conversation. 85% is nonverbal communication: appearance, facial expressions, gaze, posture. Work on your behavior. Firstly, smile and make eye contact. Perhaps you’ve noticed that if you accidentally catch someone’s gaze during a business meeting and smile at them, it’s a done deal—they’re yours! You can confidently approach them and start a conversation—you’ve already made a fantastic first impression! Secondly, following the advice of the wise Dale Carnegie, try mirroring the posture and speaking style of the person you’re conversing with. You’ll see how, after a while, they will stop complaining about life and start smiling themselves. Thirdly, try my favorite way of connecting with someone: occasionally touch them. Briefly place your hand on a colleague’s shoulder when approaching them about an important matter or lightly touch their arm while laughing at a joke during a conversation. Even same-sex touches work wonders in building rapport, not to mention interactions between genders.
Engage in Elevator Conversations
Learn to make a pitch. The so-called “elevator pitch.” Anytime, anywhere. Imagine you enter an elevator on the first floor, the doors are about to close, but suddenly, with the use of some brute force and a boot, a top manager from your company jumps in, says “How’s it going?” and presses the button for the 35th floor. For this scenario, it would be beneficial to have a concise professional story about yourself. Perhaps this will propel your project forward or even advance your own career. The most important thing is to prepare the pitch while standing in front of the mirror at home, so you don’t stumble, stutter, or blush when the chance to present yourself arises in a real situation.
Find a Mentor
Have you ever thought about what qualities successful people possess? Why not ask them about it?! One of the best ways to do so is to approach someone in your company whom you respect and admire for their professionalism and ask them to be your mentor. Perhaps they could spare an hour during lunch once a month. Don’t assume that they will decline. Firstly, everyone has a need to share their experiences. In most cases, people will be flattered by such an offer and the attention. Secondly, a positive response depends on how convincingly and sincerely you express your desire to them. And by the way, don’t forget that you should already be acquainted with your potential mentor. It’s not quite appropriate to ask a stranger to dedicate their time to you on a regular basis.
Open Up to the World
Don’t limit yourself to your colleagues. Strive to attend conferences and professional exhibitions. The most important thing here is not to just listen to the speakers, but to connect with new people by handing out your business cards left and right. You never know what role a new acquaintance will play in your life, so be polite and genuine, and people will be drawn to you. After the conference, don’t forget to follow up with those you want to continue engaging with. Send them an email within 24 hours of the introduction.
In summary, to leap confidently up the career ladder, focus not only on your work but also on nurturing relationships with your colleagues and those who represent professional opportunities for you. The people around you are not just company for pleasant conversations but also your allies in achieving great goals.
