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Writer's pictureKen Tan

Climb the Career Ladder: 4 Essential Strategies for Professional Growth

Here is an interesting thought:


If I am a mid-level leader and keen to move upwards with greater responsibilities, I need to speak to my immediate boss, who needs to talk to his higher-up and another executive leader. This can be tricky. 


As a Career Practitioner, I deal with complex cases beyond the people involved. 

Factors of consideration taken are the financial position of the organisation, immediate business goals, manpower priorities, and the internal recruitment policy.


The aim is to plant the seeds of thoughts to the right people. Opportunities should spin off once the timing is right.


As such, you will notice the smarter folks get their work noticed to the leadership team.

They will speak intellectually during town hall meetings and possibly mingle with bosses during lunch breaks.


Concurrently, they exhibit a high level of leadership in coordinating work between teams. 

They are also approachable and open to sharing insights; at times, they take on the role of a Mentor to help others.


Simply put, people will internally refer if one’s reputation is solid, and connections are authentic.


This brings me to the first point on how successful progression can be achieved.


Corporate Positioning

Maintaining executive presence is important. 

The ability to influence others, manage team dynamics, inspire trust, and clearly articulate a vision that pulls others to follow. 

During a crisis, this person will also show a level of composure to successfully bring things together.

So, where do you start?

Perhaps, examining how you speak and gathering responses from your colleagues can be a good reference point. The choice of words used and the tonality shapes the impression.  Observe the unspoken cues and make mental notes for better posturing.

It is about personal branding.  Drop me a line at ken@bluesky.net.au for more ideas.


Key takeaway:  Did others view you as an Idealist, Do-er, or Advisor?


Professional Dressing

How one dresses to work will also influence the perception.

I remember an Italian colleague of mine, a brilliant Consultant, who takes pride in mixing the colours of his well-pressed shirt and trousers.  His shoes are of the finest design.  It is not even a luxury brand, but the way he matches blue to brown is exceptionally eye-pleasing.

Naturally, there are colleagues who gravitate to him. He is seen as a good role model. 

Mock-up example of men's suits and different shoe colours.

I asked him some tips on how to dress well.  He looked at me (ok, he has an infectious smile), and says that I should go beyond black and white colours.  Super advice!

Last I heard of him?  - Senior Regional Consultant who has 3 people reporting to him.


Emotional Intelligence

I like to term this as the capability to manage internal self-triggers. 

Know where your hotspots are.

Potentially talented leaders who progress ahead are people who learn how to handle stress. They also ensure that they have a high level of conscientiousness to keep their temperament in place. 

Excellent emotional competency involves the skills to resolve conflicts between people, and the ability to empathise whenever needed. 

There is a Senior Regional Director who exudes respect from his team – Managers who are based in APAC, MENA and American regions.  He possesses a high level of situational awareness.  He knows the personalities of his people, thus addressing their feelings from their individual work styles.

In return, his people vouch for him.  His name is floated to the executive leadership committee.


Constructive Communication

This goes beyond day-to-day correspondences. 

Have the courage to constructively challenge conventional ideas at the right time.

Make your story short, appealing, and relatable to frame up the message.  Understand what matters most to the senior leaders, and thereafter use the important keywords as part of your narration.

Layer on with sharp visuals. Continue speaking like an internal Consultant who has a strong conviction.  Remember to articulate clearly with short sentences. 

There are several ways to strategise your career progression. 

However, you have doubts about what works, and what does not.  Bounce your thoughts with me. Let us work together for an action plan.


Ken is our Singapore-based Career Coach at Blue Sky Career Consulting, a former Head of Sales and has who has more than 15 years’ experience across APAC.

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