How to Become the Boss

There are essentially two routes to the highest levels of success in the business world: be

your own boss or be someone else’s. Despite the increasingly entrepreneurial spirit of

today’s workforce, the goal of getting ahead and rising to the top within an established

company is still a very real and commonly pursued professional goal. How, then, does

someone become the boss of an organization with previously established practices and

guidelines? While the path up through the ranks is not singular, nor is it written in any

manual, there are some values and behaviors that can help you become the boss.

If 80 percent of success in life is just showing up, the other 20 percent

might very well be just sticking around. Sticking with an organization and having a clear

idea of your desired trajectory within that company shows your colleagues and

supervisors a willingness to learn, grow and accept larger responsibility as your tenure

goes on. It’s important, however, to periodically evaluate the success of this strategy and

assess your chances of actually getting ahead. Sometimes our ascension within our

current company has little to do with our ability, and is contingent upon factors we

simply can’t control.

Growing within your company means more than taking up space. It’s

important to invest time and energy in your industry so you can stay at the forefront of

new developments and trends. This knowledge will help you make valuable contributions

that can lead to measurable everyday benefits in your organization, such as a boost in

market-share or savings in operational costs. This should be easy, if not fun, if we truly

love what we do and see a future in it.

Yes, it’s true. You don’t have to step on your colleagues’ necks to reach the

top. While a fair bit of professional competition and ambition is essential to upward

mobility in the corporate world, we run the risk of alienating those in a position to help us

if we act in a dishonest or disrespectful manor. We don’t have to let people walk all over

us, but we shouldn’t be in a rush to walk all over them, either. We have to deal with these

people every day, and we will rely on their support and assistance when we reach the top.

Everyone has their own formula for success; however commitment, contribution and a

respect for our company and those who help run it is always a winning combination.