Look for someone, preferably in the C-suite to mentor you or champion your rise.
Do a stellar job. Take on extra, high profile projects and learn as much as you can about the company, it's mission and how they are moving the company forward. Know your products, services and customers.
One way I increased my profile was I spoke on panels. First based on my departments core competencies at tradeshows. My company's officers always came to watch me present to make a show of support to the competition. Then as I became known, I was invited to speak on panels on innovation & products, then industry trends Yada Yada.....you get the picture. 18 months in I was being invited to dinners and being interviewed in trade publications. Nothing huge but notable just the same. I then started being groomed for top spots on the senior staff.
I worked like a dog for 5 years with frequent offers from other companies and frequent promotions and raises to stay. I had no life but was making strides. I hit 30 with a nice bonus and promotion.
You have to be savvy, groom a team around you that you support to the death (they will save your life more than once), work crazy hours, keep your ear to the ground for new initiatives and collect favors along the way that you can trade on.
Stay away from the gossip but keep track of it. Be polite. Caring and smart. Don't speak too often but when you do speak only talk about what you know and be open to hear others out. Don't make decisions based on emotions and stand up for what you know to be right but choose your battles wisely. There is usually some grey area everyone can move into that keeps people satisfied.
This is what worked for me and what I learned on my way up the leadership ladder. The tools are different but the path is very similar.
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