Obviously, there are RIGHT ways to move UP the ladder. Being in the right place certainly has tremendous benefits. YOU have to kinda find ways to be at the right place at the opportune time.

An important suggestion is to be very careful with whom YOU keep company. Select your MODEL or confident carefully. Do not think that everyone has YOUR best interest at heart.

AMBITION GETS NOTICED

Speak UP when the opportunity presents itself. Dont be afraid to contribute your best. Let others know your desire and expectation to be a contributor of your talents and skills whenever needed.

Consider yourself a valuable asset to your new department or your new boss. Let it be known that you are willing and able to take on a challenge. Move beyond the usual employee with little ambition. Do it with kindness, yet dont hold back in fear of what others in the department will say or think.

SOME WRONG STEPS

First, move forward with your plan but never RUN OVER your fellow associates. You dont have to nor will it be in your best interest. Theres an old saying that the cream rises to the TOP. Its automatic. Youve seen it in your past experiences and it will happen in your new job. Count on it!

Unfortunately, some new employees get in the wrong peer group. Join the wrong bunch at the water cooler. Too much gossip. A powder keg of explosives waiting to blow. Not a good place for you. Stay in your corner away from this bad influence.

Every office has the rumor mill. Sharing secrets that everyone knows. Talking in hushed tones and looking for trouble. RUN! FAST! NOW!

Associate with those who are focused on the business. Working! Giving a fair return to your employer. Miss the dirt dished out by these folks. Most of it is little more than sour grapes and often deserved by the goof-offs.

DON'T BADMOUTH THE BOSS --

Keep in mind that your BOSS may hold the key to your success. He or She may be your best advocate. Encourager. Cheerleader in your corner. Even if YOU are smarter (in your opinion) you are not the boss (yet!)

GROUP SUPPORT

Are you a player? Do you work well with your peers? Can you share the glory and success of a job well done? Is that who you are? Smart managers will be aware of how you get along with your fellow associates.

Its very hard to become a star without others helping you along the way. You will need a strong support system. Work on your ability to live in harmony with your fellow associates. Dont be a loner. Get involved in the good politics.

Risks are always involved. Everyone who moves UP the ladder encounters some real challenges. Your fellow associates may be jealous of your talent or ability. They can see you as too ambitious. Keep on doing. Be a mover and shaker.

Tackle the big tasks. Get beyond your comfort zone. Risk failure. You cannot play it safe and expect to get ahead of the pack. Show your courage in presenting NEW ideas to management even if you get knocked down.

DO NOT OVER-PROMISE

Be an eager beaver but watch your step. Everyone loves a volunteer. Dont take on more than you can do. Limit your project commitments to a sure thing. You dont want to be known as all talk and an unreliable performer.

Be able to finish every project and make it a wow kind of result. Know your limits and be sure you are not stepping into a minefield for disaster.

Action Tip: Self-promotion is GOOD for your career. The ambitious person gets noticed and advances UP the corporate ladder. Volunteer only for challenging jobs with a wow finish. Never over-promise. Be a reliable source. Go beyond your comfort zone. Give credit due associates. Be a risk taker. Avoid the water-cooler gossip losers.