1) COME EARLY, STAY LATE. Put in as much time as the competition
does (or work for a right-minded firm that values productivity more than "face
time"). But if you're in one of those places where working longer is the currency,
you'd better do it too.
2) NETWORK. Get to know people who are in the business of identifying
the "bright lights" in your organization and in your field. Tactfully, let them
know what you're doing, and ask for their input from time to time.
3) LEARN, LEARN, LEARN. Improve your skills all the time, and
figure out how to let your boss know you're doing it.
4) ANALYZE. Figure out what really matters to your boss and to
your boss's boss -- and put your creative energies to work on those projects
or problems.
5) PSYCHOLOGIZE. Use the quizzes here, the Kiersey Temperament Sorter and some Myers-Briggs books to analyze your boss's and co-workers' work
styles. Then master the art of working effectively with people different from
you. You might also ask the HR folks where you work to run an MBTI workshop
for your whole unit -- that always livens things up and gives "permission" to
talk about different styles.
6) ABOVE ALL, BE HAPPY! Keep your complaints to yourself and
a very few people you trust -- spend your time talking about positive new ideas
and plans.
Doing your quizzes and reading thru your ideas and information, has given me all sorts of optimism and courage. I feel like I have some valuable tools now. Thank you!"
