10 Steps To Success in The Corporate World

I look back at my life and wonder, how did I manage to become so successful at one of the big four consulting firms so young? I became a partner at 31 and then I was in global industry leadership by 41.

There were ten key steps I implemented throughout my career that gave me a strong advantage over others, allowing me to ascend the ranks much quicker than my peers:

Realise that you’re not special.

Everyone starts at the bottom, my father had the phrase ‘only a grave digger starts a career at the top’. This means that you only become special by putting in the hard work. Nobody really ever became an overnight success. If you want to be one of the top few, you have to be willing to put in the extra effort and development that many do not.

Identify what you’re good at.

Early on, identify your strengths and weaknesses. My strengths were the ability to quickly grasp a concept and to be able to thrive in new environments. A weakness of mine in the corporate world was saying whatever was on my mind. You’re not going to be good at everything and you don’t have to be. Going for roles and industries that work with your skillset, not against it, will ensure a much quicker career succession than fighting against a career that isn’t aligned with you.

Prepare for everything.

Prepare for meetings, prepare for pitches, and prepare for your reviews. Going in with a clear goal and your points in mind will ensure you can get your points across with clarity, knowing you have the information to back it up. This increases confidence and the likelihood you will be both heard and respected.

Don’t let office politics distract you.

I was often the last in the office to know any gossip going around. In large corporations, politics can thrive and create a toxic workplace culture. By focusing on producing great work and positive interactions, you can steer clear of being associated with gossip, bullies and saboteurs. Respect other’s views, some people will like you and some people won’t. Everyone has been brought into a company, project and team for a reason. It is not your job to judge others, they will work themselves out.

Get noticed.

Nobody ever got promoted from sinking into the background. Join industry groups where you can offer your skills. Sign up for any additional mentoring programmes or affiliations where you can be seen across multiple teams. Put yourself forward to lead on projects or initiatives that get you additional face time with the c-suite. Providing value outside of your job role within an organisation shows tenacity.

Build your network.

Network actively and build your relationships within the organisation, their stakeholders and those in the industry. From events to inviting people for coffee, it’s a great way to learn from others and be known. This doesn’t mean you need to be the loudest or the one who stays out the latest. Spend time with those you can learn the most from.

Be different or die trying.

Your strengths can differentiate you. Don’t be afraid to suggest and implement new ways of working. Organisations that don’t develop and adapt, fall behind. Always question whether something can be done better.

Know that you don’t know everything.

A thirst for learning and development is something that can’t be taught. If there are training programs or training budgets – use them! If there aren’t – pitch for them and explain the additional value you’ll be able to provide with new skills. Learn and share that knowledge.

Give people a positive experience.

People remember how you made them feel, not how many hours you slaved away. Show gratitude to those who helped you, and take an extra few minutes from your busy day to help others. I was known for making the workplace fun, often, corporate environments can be stressful and dull. Be that person who provides positive interactions.

Be your authentic self.

Being your true authentic self means what you say aligns with your actions, you are true to yourself. Being honest and acting with integrity are traits of both the most successful and trustworthy people.

I never planned to achieve the success that I did, but implementing all of these steps was key to being able to have such fond memories of climbing the ladder as quickly as I did. Whatever your corporate goals are, you can achieve them if you’re going for the right goals that fit your values and your skillset.