With the current skills shortage there’s a huge opportunity for ambitious professionals to accelerate moving up in the ranks. In today’s economy it’s no longer about how many years you’ve been in a company. Rather it’s about how much value you can bring to the business and whether you can do the job.

Still for senior roles there remains an expectation that people conduct themselves in a certain way. These are soft skills, generally learnt through experience that can help you if you wish to advance quickly in your career.

Communication:

The ability to communicate confidently and clearly articulate concepts and lead discussions is a very valuable skill to have. More important is being able to adapt communication styles depending on who you’re communicating with. There’s a different way to present to an executive committee compared to a team of site workers.

Engagement:

To gain the support of team members, it’s essential to get to know them, understand their skills and interests, and what they need to work effectively. Also keep in mind that not everyone will like reporting to someone that is younger than them, so communicating with respect, and recognising experience in a team is more likely to gain acceptance.

Support:

Too often the desire for promotion is driven by ego, but this fails to understand the real role of a leader. That it is less about the job title and more about the team. Teams are more productive when they’re supported, both in the tools and technology they need, but also with skills and information. A good leader understands what the team needs and works to provide the support needed.

Technology:

For younger professional’s technology is great enabler. As digital natives, new technology is more intuitive and easier to understand. If you’re able to identify how technology can play a role in helping the company become more efficient and effective, it can help support career progression. However, not everyone may share your view. Being able to demonstrate benefits can help drive adoption and a willingness to help train teams on how to use the technology effectively is what’ll make an impact.

Finance:

Leadership roles come with responsibilities, not the least of which is managing budgets. Astute financial management and being able to demonstrate a return on investment for new ideas and technologies, shows leadership capability which opens opportunities for career progression.