Stand Out without Selling Out
We have all be in a situation where you have landed a career that you have worked hard for but are being labeled as the token. Your colleagues and company leaders may say you only got the job because the company is looking to hike up their presence in diversity. Whatever the case, first take your place and know that you earned that position just as much as they did. You are fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works… Psalms 139:14. God placed you there and that’s one reference no one can argue with.
So now that you understand who got you there you don’t owe them anything. Below are 3 quick tips on how to make your career move up without kissing up:
- Get involved. Find your passion. Find out what reach out project your company is doing and get involved. If your company is not doing something, start something on your own that relates to a company initiative. For example, if your company has made it very public they want to drive brand advertising toward women, volunteer at a woman’s shelter to share Dress for Success tips. Make your direct manager or HR Diversity leaders aware with pictures and a story line in an email. If you really want to put icing on the cake find a way to get some publicity (get it in a local paper, an online news article, a blog site, etc.) This drives awareness to your cause and shows outside of the box involvement.
- Know Your Industry. Read magazine or have an app on your phone that keeps you updated on the latest in your industry. So the next time a colleague or even the janitorial service folks strike up a conversation, you are able to demonstrate your knowledge and awareness. The word will circulate. You may be the token minority in their eyes, but hey, now they’ll know you know your stuff regardless of how they choose to label. APP you should download today: Top Business Summaries.
- Learn Stock & Bonds. Understand who are the investors/major stock holders are of your company and know understand the latest. You don’t have to be a guru, but it would behoove you to understand. Trust me that your senior leaders are paying attention and if you can demonstrate a personable side and also a direct interest in company stock this will send a million signals. This information also benefits you as you grow your 401K retirement investment.
Be confident in who you are, skills, and gifts. Remember, knowledge is power. So empower yourself, seek the wisdom: A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding Proverbs 14:6 (NLT).
© 2011 Tiffani Chase
