Eyeing the boss's job? 4 tips that will get you to the corner office
Perception management is key, and the image that you project is critical for workplace success.
By ET CONTRIBUTORS | Updated:
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By Rishi Piparaiya
In a workplace where the ladder to success keeps getting narrower, the image that you project is extremely important. You have to ensure that others appreciate your ability and potential.
Work of the highest quality is, of course, a prerequisite. Additionally, you need to invest significant effort in crafting an image that differentiates you in a sea of mediocrity.
Given below are simple tips that will help:
Join A Club, Find Topics Of Interest: How To Up Your Networking Skills
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If you want to master the art of holding multiple people's attention at the same time or change yourself into an extrovert or expand your circle with time, follow these 5 effective communication tips that'll help you become more sociable.
If you want to master the art of holding multiple people's attention at the same time or change yourself into an extrovert or expand your circle with time, follow these 5 effective communication ti..
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A great way to expand your social circle is to connect with people who have similar interests. Talking about topics that you have a keen interest in helps in easy flow of conversation. It is an effective way to participate in group conversations, and build new connections.
A great way to expand your social circle is to connect with people who have similar interests. Talking about topics that you have a keen interest in helps in easy flow of conversation. It is an eff..
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Never forget the basic etiquette of communication like listening to others, smiling. Not being a complainer, staying in touch will also make you come across as a pleasant person.
Never forget the basic etiquette of communication like listening to others, smiling. Not being a complainer, staying in touch will also make you come across as a pleasant person.
Most of the time we are so engrossed in our phone, iPad, TV, and radio, that we end up losing connection with true conversations. It's important to shut out distractions, step out from the virtual world and be involved in real conversations. So the next time you are with people, make it a point to be more than just physically present.
Most of the time we are so engrossed in our phone, iPad, TV, and radio, that we end up losing connection with true conversations. It's important to shut out distractions, step out from the virtual ..
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Joining a local co-ed soccer league or a nearby running, pilates or swim club is a great way to be active and meet new people without the pressure of having to socialise.
Joining a local co-ed soccer league or a nearby running, pilates or swim club is a great way to be active and meet new people without the pressure of having to socialise.
Use a self-learning app to, and begin with putting it to use in your current circle. The current circle of people, the ones you are comfortable with, can be your lab to experiment with your fresh learning. The best part about these apps? They can be used anywhere and everywhere. (Inputs: By Arshan Vakil & Neha Bagaria via IANS) * Vakil is Founder and CEO, Kings Learning; Bagaria is Founder and CEO, JobsForHer.
Use a self-learning app to, and begin with putting it to use in your current circle. The current circle of people, the ones you are comfortable with, can be your lab to experiment with your fresh l..
Dress well Various studies have proved that one's outfit dramatically influences not only people's perception but also one's self-confidence. The right clothes can project power, discipline, poise, and presence. So make that extra effort to groom your self. Creased clothes don't make the cut, and there's not a bigger eyesore than glancing at a pair of dirty shoes. Come dressed, not just for your present role, but also the one that you aspire for.
Five ways to tell your boss you have too much work
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If you find yourself putting in extra-long hours at work while the to-do list keeps mounting, chances are that you are overworked. When you can't devote adequate time and attention to each task, you feel constantly stressed and your performance takes a beating. Brinda Dasgupta brings you suggestions from experts on how to tell your boss that you have too much work.
If you find yourself putting in extra-long hours at work while the to-do list keeps mounting, chances are that you are overworked. When you can't devote adequate time and attention to each task, you ..
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If you are a good performer and a consist ent one, and happen to push back some work due to work pressure, it won't show up badly on you. "The key is to be objective and fair in your evaluation of the work load. Although it may seem overwhelming, bosses feel comforted when their employees are transparent about their work pressure, emotions at work and support that they seek," said Saba Adil, chief people of ficer at Aegon Life Insurance.
If you are a good performer and a consist ent one, and happen to push back some work due to work pressure, it won't show up badly on you. "The key is to be objective and fair in your evaluation of th..
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Don't whine about your workload; it is better to give constructive suggestions in stead. "Discuss possible interventions and support with timely delivery with your boss. This will help you manage timelines without impacting quality and commitments," said Adil.
Don't whine about your workload; it is better to give constructive suggestions in stead. "Discuss possible interventions and support with timely delivery with your boss. This will help you manage tim..
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It is a good idea to make a list of projects you are working on and tasks that need your focus, as well as the hours that you will need to put in. "Consulting with your manager on priority listing for these tasks will give the message that there is too much on your plate," said Aditya Narayan Mishra, CEO of CIEL HR Services.
It is a good idea to make a list of projects you are working on and tasks that need your focus, as well as the hours that you will need to put in. "Consulting with your manager on priority listing fo..
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Reporting regularly about how your work is progressing makes sure that your manager understands what you are focused on.
"Even if the manager does not ask for it, it is good practice to request for and set up periodical review sessions and it is perfectly all right to highlight areas where you are feeling overstretched," said Arsh Maini, CEO of Candela Labs.
Reporting regularly about how your work is progressing makes sure that your manager understands what you are focused on.
"Even if the manager does not ask for it, it is good practice to request for ..
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Learn the art of saying no to more work if you are already struggling with your work load. You can buy a little time by telling your manager you will evaluate your work load and then respond. "It's not just about IQ (intelligence quotient) or how good you are at your work, it is also about EQ (emotional quotient) and how one works with colleagues and seniors," said Maini.
Learn the art of saying no to more work if you are already struggling with your work load. You can buy a little time by telling your manager you will evaluate your work load and then respond. "It's n..
Present effectively One of the most essential skills that you will need as you climb up the corporate ladder is communication. And the more senior you are, the more time you will spend making tables, creating charts, and spinning stories on your achievements. Learn how to make crisp, coherent and structured presentations that convey your message effectively. Don't forget to rehearse before every important meeting. Get this right, and you are already three-fourths of the way to success.
While everyone is invariably too busy, do not ignore other aspects of the workplace. Participate in HR-led community service activities, fill out voluntary employee surveys, ask questions at town halls - be aware of what is happening around. This will help build your reputation as an engaged and proactive professional.
The power of 30! How these top bosses overcame stress, ennui to make it big
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New beginnings, fresh ideas, lots of stress and stray depressing moments. Here’s what this bunch of 40 Under Forty achievers remember when they look back to when they were 30-year-olds.
Here: Viren Rasquinha (left) and Namita Thapar (right).
New beginnings, fresh ideas, lots of stress and stray depressing moments. Here’s what this bunch of 40 Under Forty achievers remember when they look back to when they were 30-year-olds.
Here: Viren ..
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I had just moved back to India from the US. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and I had just graduated from MBA (Wharton School). I didn’t know, specifically, what I wanted to do but I knew that the journey would begin by moving back to India. It was where my friends and family were. I had been away for 12 years, so it was time to come back. I moved back in 2006 and in 2009, I co-founded Faering Capital and the rest is history.
I had just moved back to India from the US. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and I had just graduated from MBA (Wharton School). I didn’t know, specifically, what I wanted to do but I knew that ..
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I was sitting at home, planning my next idea. I had quit my job at ICICI Bank and was pondering my next move. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try something of my own. I was, literally, at home for a year. That’s how I came up with the idea for Citrus Pay (acquired by PayU). There were dull, depressing moments, but I persevered.
I was sitting at home, planning my next idea. I had quit my job at ICICI Bank and was pondering my next move. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try something of my own. I was, literally, at ..
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It was close to the London Olympics. I was with the Olympic Gold Quest and preparing for our first Olympics. It turned out to be fantastic. I never think too much ahead and have never been someone who thinks too much. If you do good things, good things come.
It was close to the London Olympics. I was with the Olympic Gold Quest and preparing for our first Olympics. It turned out to be fantastic. I never think too much ahead and have never been someone wh..
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At 30, I was still discovering myself a bit. I don’t want to sound cliched, but at 30, one has just had kids and is trying to settle down and figure out ways to move forward. Now I’m way more secure, at peace. Steve Jobs once said, “Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown your own inner voice.” That comes true as you turn 40. Turning 40 is a beautiful, beautiful feeling and I hope to feel even better when I’m 50.
At 30, I was still discovering myself a bit. I don’t want to sound cliched, but at 30, one has just had kids and is trying to settle down and figure out ways to move forward. Now I’m way more secure,..
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I was just about setting up IIFL. I was at Kotak Mahindra Wealth Management and had put in my papers. There were eight of us who decided to start IIFL. We wanted to do something entrepreneurial. It was a time for new beginnings. I was very adventurous and got lot of support from my wife Shilpa. She was keen that I do something on my own and it worked out extremely well. If I think about it now, it seems much more adventurous than it seemed at 30.
I was just about setting up IIFL. I was at Kotak Mahindra Wealth Management and had put in my papers. There were eight of us who decided to start IIFL. We wanted to do something entrepreneurial. It w..
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I was two years into BankBazaar. We started when I was 28. I was in Chennai, after having moved back from the US. The first few years were tough because I went from being in a well-paid job in New York City to being back in my parents’ house in Chennai. It was a big change and also a very stressful time because you are worried about so many different things. How is the company going to grow, will customers accept it, will banks be happy about it, will government regulators support it? It was very stressful at 30.
I was two years into BankBazaar. We started when I was 28. I was in Chennai, after having moved back from the US. The first few years were tough because I went from being in a well-paid job in New Yo..
Be externally focused Stop competing with your peers - those who got promoted faster, or have the boss's ear, etc. The competition and action lies outside. Being aware of the bigger picture projects an image of you being a strategic thinker rather than just an executor. Try to keep yourself updated with information on what competitors are doing, how economic trends impact your organisation.
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The way you dress, communicate, and react to the world around you go a long way in shaping your corporate image. Focus on managing your perception, it is the most important thing you will ever manage in your career - do this well and get a massive boost on the ladder to success.
(The author has over fifteen years of experience as a flunky, mid-manager, and C-suite executive with multinational corporations. He is now an angel investor, mentor, and founder of humour platform, Damned.com. Also a bestselling author, his satire on corporate life, 'Job Be Damned', has been recently published by HarperCollins. He can be reached at rishi@damned.com)
Work At 30,000 Ft: How Vikas Oberoi, Roland Folger And Other CEOs Utilise Air-Time
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They travel around the world for work or leisure. But these business leaders know how to make the most of the hours they spend in an aircraft while travelling to faraway destinations:
They travel around the world for work or leisure. But these business leaders know how to make the most of the hours they spend in an aircraft while travelling to faraway destinations:
“I enjoy watching movies of various genres, likePK and The Wolf of Wall Street. I may also switch to reading on my Kindle. I enjoy reading inspirational books like The Lean Startup and The Art of War. As an entrepreneur, I feel this genre keeps me motivated, offers me the ability to think out of the box and appreciate multiple perspectives.”
(Text: Rohan Abraham)
“I enjoy watching movies of various genres, likePK and The Wolf of Wall Street. I may also switch to reading on my Kindle. I enjoy reading inspirational books like The Lean Startup and The Art of War..
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“Flight journeys, for me, are all about disconnecting from the world. I listen to my favorite music: Rock, funk, electronic dance music, and Indian fusion. Music by Metallica, Coldplay, Sigala, and the Indian Jam Project make me feel light and energised. Music helps clear my mind of entrepreneurial riddles, and lets me get closer to my younger self.”
(Text: Rohan Abraham)
“Flight journeys, for me, are all about disconnecting from the world. I listen to my favorite music: Rock, funk, electronic dance music, and Indian fusion. Music by Metallica, Coldplay, Sigala, and t..
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“I mostly try to catch up on sleep, especially on late-night flights. There is also a book in my bag to keep me company. Reading helps me relax. One travel hack that has always worked for me is to keep a blanket handy. I’d also suggest avoiding food on the flight, since it’s calories without much nutrition.”
(Text: Glynda Alves)
“I mostly try to catch up on sleep, especially on late-night flights. There is also a book in my bag to keep me company. Reading helps me relax. One travel hack that has always worked for me is to k..
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“I pray, read, sleep or listen to music, etc. I rarely talk to co-passengers. I like to use the quiet time to reflect on various things. I don’t watch movies on longer flights. If it’s a short flight, I watch portions of regional films: Tamil, Malayalam and Bollywood movies, but not the full movie.”
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I pray, read, sleep or listen to music, etc. I rarely talk to co-passengers. I like to use the quiet time to reflect on various things. I don’t watch movies on longer flights. If it’s a short fligh..
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“I rarely watch movies or read books on a flight. But when I do, I usually pick new Hollywood releases, especially suspense thrillers. Flight journeys are about winding down and recharging. I begin with a glass of champagne to celebrate this break without a cellphone. I then enjoy the company around me, eat, and catch up on sleep.”
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I rarely watch movies or read books on a flight. But when I do, I usually pick new Hollywood releases, especially suspense thrillers. Flight journeys are about winding down and recharging. I begin ..
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“Flying gives me an opportunity to relax, and I spend most of my time catching up on sleep and reading books. Of late, I have inculcated a new travel habit of reading about the city or country that I am flying to. From their local cuisine to history and culture, I try to learn at least two new things about that place, so that I can explore it in my leisure time.”
(Text: Glynda Alves)
“Flying gives me an opportunity to relax, and I spend most of my time catching up on sleep and reading books. Of late, I have inculcated a new travel habit of reading about the city or country that ..
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“I am mostly a solitary traveller. However, I recently met an 85-year old gentleman, who gave me good advice for my holidays in Sri Lanka. During a long flight, I alternate between a good book, music and TV or movies. Sometimes when I’m tired and don’t feel like reading, or watching something, I prefer listening to audio books on my phone. I recently had a chance to listen to Business Adventures by John Brooks, a classic collection of defining moments which provides entrepreneurs with priceless lessons in all areas of business.”
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I am mostly a solitary traveller. However, I recently met an 85-year old gentleman, who gave me good advice for my holidays in Sri Lanka. During a long flight, I alternate between a good book, musi..
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“I like to catch up on superhero movies that I might have missed. When I’m not at the office, I try to spend time with my wife and children so the only time I generally get to myself is on the plane. I know some bosses like to read while travelling (which I should try to do) but I find it more relaxing to watch Superman.”
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
“I like to catch up on superhero movies that I might have missed. When I’m not at the office, I try to spend time with my wife and children so the only time I generally get to myself is on the plane..
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“I tend to fly a lot for work. Much of my time is taken up with writing, or researching my historical books.”
(Text: Glynda Alves)
“I tend to fly a lot for work. Much of my time is taken up with writing, or researching my historical books.”
(Text: Glynda Alves)
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
