If you look online, you might assume that many people are earning an income of six figures. However, this is not really the case. This $100,000 salary threshold is reached by a minority of employees. In fact, the average American worker actually makes closer to $51,480, according to a USA Today article.
For the most part, high-income employees are not just lucky. They are hard workers. They earn high salaries, and you better believe, their jobs require high levels of productivity out of them. This looks like working beyond 40 hours a week, being able to solve complicated problems, managing groups of people, and representing the company in professional environments.
From our own experience and from coaching successful clients, we’ve learned that executive and professional career success comes down to repeatable key factors.
So, let’s do a recap from some of the top points we’ve shared on our podcast.
Look the part
Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘dress for the role that you want’? In the world of fiction, there are some truths. We tend to feel more comfortable around and have more confidence in the person with a pleasant appearance.
When it comes to developing your own executive presence, your appearance isn’t something to be regarded lightly. Though it’s not the most important aspect of executive presence, your appearance remains important.
Why? Because if your appearance isn’t on par with your environment or the role you’ll like to obtain, the chances of you being considered for a managerial or leadership position diminishes. People filter each other by their appearance. It will always matter. By understanding your work environment and putting your best foot forward, you can increase your chances of securing a leadership role.
Listen
Becoming a good listener is important to understanding those who you work with at your job. If you are in management, you’ll know that employees will look for support and feedback from you, which can help in fostering positive company culture.
Even if you’re not yet in management, listening will aid in others seeing you as trustworthy. Listening will help your awareness of workplace happenings, as well as allow you to effectively respond during conversation.
Speak Up
It’s important that you speak up so that others are aware of your contributions. Share your insights, provide feedback when asked, and don’t be afraid to tell an occasional story at the golf course or inside the cafeteria so that others can get to know you. People feel more comfortable around those they have some familiarity with and you can increase instances of others feeling some connection to you by speaking up.
Be Proactive
The most important aspect of making an impact is the actual implementation of solutions at your workplace. Be proactive. Be a doer.
Not every task is critical. Prioritize your assignments, take on more strategic risk, join a team that can benefit from your assistance, spearhead new ideas. These will all highlight your role at your place of employment. Being proactive at work is about moving important initiatives forward.
Connect Intentionally
This may mean accepting the new team project that will require extra hours of work because you know a senior manager is overseeing it and your visibility will increase with the team’s success. Taking on additional responsibility and participating in work-related projects can support your desire to connect intentionally with key decision makers. It’ll also allow you to showcase your leadership skills and demonstrate the value that you bring to the company.
Remember you are at work to help further the objectives of your employer. But you’re also spending a significant amount of your life in the workplace. So why not implement these suggestions and maximize the amount of money that you can earn.
