Lifestyle

Raising the roof

1. Getting ahead is more about scrambling a jungle gym than climbing a ladder. There are many ways to the top of a jungle gym, but there’s only one way to ascend a ladder. Don’t get stuck on the lower rung of a ladder. If your professional growth has stalled, look for other opportunities that will allow you to make a visible impact or to acquire new skills. Moving up, over the long term, might require moving sideways, down, or even to a new division or employer.

2. Find a job on a “rocket ship.” If you’re looking for quick career growth, look for quickly growing companies, divisions or departments where there are more things to do than people to do them. Not only does this allow you to expand your skill set, but also to make a very visible impact. And, Sandberg adds, “a rising tide lifts all boats,” meaning you can get ahead more quickly in an organization that’s in high-growth mode.

3. If parenthood is in your plans, don’t enter the workforce looking for an exit. While you’re on the clock, give it your all. “Keep your foot on the gas pedal until a decision must be made,” she says. This puts you in a better position to negotiate flexible working arrangements or to re-enter the workforce if you leave and then decide you want to return.

4. Bring your whole self to work. It’s ridiculous to think you have a “professional self” Mondays through Fridays and a “real self” on weekends, says Sandberg. She once confided to a would-be employer that she was turning down his job offer because of location; she had just gotten divorced and the city the job was in held painful memories for her. A year later, when she was over the pain, she called the employer and asked if the job was still available. He hired her. Had she not told the truth about why she was turning the initial offer down, that door may not have been open.

5. Don’t ask someone to be your mentor. If you have to ask someone to be your mentor, the answer is probably “no.” Instead, the relationship should evolve naturally. Do great work, grab a senior person after a meeting and ask for advice (that you actually need). Using the word “mentor” isn’t necessary — the advice is more important than thelabel.