Room at the top to make a difference

By DR MARIE WILSON

Q. I've had a pleasingly successful run in my career over the past five years and am often asked about my career ambitions. I am a professional woman in my mid-30s, working for a blue chip company, and have come to the feeling in recent years that rather than always aiming for the top job, whatever it is at the time, that I am most valuable to companies by the difference I make.

However my profession is pretty strait-laced, and I have earned a few raised eyebrows for saying this. To some people in my field, nothing other than ambition for the top job appears good enough.

I wonder if in saying what I really think - that making a difference is more important to me than status, at least at the moment - that I might be doing myself a major career disservice (despite the fact that it is what I believe and I also think you should have the courage of your convictions). What do you think?

A. I can't imagine that saying that you wanted to make a difference where you were working would be career-limiting. Making a difference can happen at many levels in the organisation, so this doesn't necessarily mean that senior positions would not be of interest to you.

Indeed, some people seek out management positions so that they have the scope and autonomy to make a difference in an organisation.

Your description of your career indicates that you are interested in advancing in your profession.

You can be true to yourself, and open to career opportunities, by only seeking out opportunities that fulfil your interest in making a difference.

Perhaps this approach, rather than one that suggests that those who seek the top job don't want to make a difference, would raise fewer eyebrows among your colleagues.

Q. A friend of mine has taken a full-time six-month teaching contract which starts this month, and was wondering what the best tactics might be to make himself so indispensable that more work is offered. What tips can you offer?

A. There's no foolproof way of gaining a job if one doesn't exist, but you can increase your chances of being able to secure work that is available, or gaining a good reference, by following a few simple techniques for managing your own performance in a new setting.

First, gain as much clarity as possible about what is expected and required. Then seek periodic feedback from senior colleagues and your boss on how well you are doing and how you might improve.

Those who present their work in a positive manner and ask for sincere feedback, and then act on that feedback, improve not only their performance, but the perception of that performance by others.

Second, demonstrate your commitment to the workplace by taking care of the little extras, helping out other staff and pitching in as part of the team.

It builds important relationships at work, and improves the overall evaluation of your performance.

Third, build good social networks and relationships. Be involved in the social networks and activities of the school, including being friendly as you meet others.

Don't just focus on the principal or head of your area, but make sure you know and relate well with a larger group in the school.

Well-established members of a team are much less likely to be seen as expendable.

Best wishes on lengthier employment for your friend, but if a job doesn't eventuate, these tips will stand him in good stead for identifying other work opportunities and gaining good referees' reports.

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