Promotions: Keys to Success?

Have you ever wondered how some people seemingly get those great promotions without any effort? Do you feel that you are doing the same quality of work, but you still don't get the raises as often as they do? I know everyone wonders what makes them so special. I have noticed through some observation what makes them stand out.

There are two main categories of employees, the noticeable employee and the unnoticeable employee. By this I mean you have the hard working employees who keep to themselves, and the hard working employee who is more social. Equally as productive, but the employee who is more social tends to get the raises more often than the quiet employee. Some may disagree, but I would like to point out a few scenarios where this could be a reasonable assumption.

The social butterfly arrives at work a little late everyday but still goes around and says hello and makes small talk with everyone and then goes to the break room to get their morning cup of java, and continue to socialize before turning on their computer. As he or she leaves everyone comments on what a wonderful attitude they have.

On the other hand the anti-social or lets say more reserved employee always arrives to work 30 minutes early and starts to work immediately. He or she is hardly noticed, and while everyone is talking about the previous night's episode of "Lost" or "American Idol", they do not join in on the conversation. You may hear whispers among the group about their terrible disposition and not so friendly attitude, even the big wigs chit chat at the morning coffee hour, this does not go unnoticed.

Whenever a birthday or retirement is in need of planning the social butterfly is the first one to volunteer, even if they do not know the person who is retiring, but this could potentially be a bonus if the person is the assistant to the CEO of the company. The social butterfly has pulled off a wonderful party, and is being congratulated on a job well done, even if is not work related.

Mr. or Ms. Anti-social does not want to participate in the party planning and only brings cups or napkins to the party, and is seen as an overall cheapskate and a party pooper, on top of that they are looked upon as not liking the boss's secretary, which is a big no-no in office politics.

Anti-social sits at their desk every day for lunch, and reads a book, never goes out with co-workers to get the latest on office gossip, doesn't know they are getting ready to give out a bonus to the employee who puts in a little extra effort in getting materials organized for the conference.

The butterfly always says yes to invites to lunch and gets all the information needed to shine at the conference seemingly making them an invaluable asset at future conferences.

The big day has arrived bonuses and promotions are going around, guess who gets called in first, you guessed it "The Butterfly" needless to say they come out beaming from ear to ear, and get pats on the back from everyone, because they are well liked in the office. "Anti-social, is still working hard trying to get the work out and never gets called, as a matter of fact they didn't even know it was bonus day, still getting the same pay, and never the wiser, or upset because they just can't understand how they are missing the mark each time. This goes back to the saying "It's not what you know but who you know that counts."

Signed
"Reformed Anti-Social"