As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve learned a lot about the politics of corporate America. In college, if you work hard, pass your tests and write good papers, you’ll succeed. In the workplace, however, it takes more than just hard work. Sure – diligent work ethic is totally important. Putting in the hours and delivering results to your boss are imperative. However, it’s not everything.

The thing is, there’s this little thing called “office politics”. If you’ve ever seen the movie Office Space, you might have an idea about what I’m talking about. As much as I wish it weren’t the case, you have to “play the game” to really get ahead at work. I’m not talking about doing anything illegal or immoral … I’m just talking about understanding the other things you need to do or not do to really standout. Here are some tips:

1)      Show your face! You need to be a visible part of the organization. The more people who know who you are, the better. This involves everything from schmoozing with people you don’t know at the company holiday party to offering to help on a project that may not be technically your responsibility. Take any opportunity to get in front of the “higher-ups” – senior management. It will be scary at first, for sure. I remember one day when I was called, unexpectedly, to the board room to present something to our President. I was intimidated and nervous, and I didn’t want to do it, but I said “Ok” and went up there and gave it my all. In they end, I impressed him, and that sort of thing is always remembered.

2)      Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. My mentor tells this to me all the time. Even if your office is casual, you’ll do better to put some extra professionalism into your work clothes. People notice. Take a look at what the Directors and VPs and President of your company wear. Then, make your wardrobe similar. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look sharp – just get a few quality pieces, and you’re set.

3)      Do things you don’t want to do. This kind of harkens back to my first point, but in this case I’m talking about “suggestions” that might be made to you by your manager. For example, earlier this year, my manager suggested that I attend a 3-day off-site executive leadership training course in Las Vegas. I was extremely apprehensive about this course, because I had heard it was very difficult, and emotionally/mentally demanding. It also would mean being cut off from my cell phone/computer for the period of time I was there. However, this summer, I did it anyway. Why? My manager thought it would be a good development experience for me. If I had said no, I would have shown myself to be closed-minded and inflexible. That’s not the kind of perception I wanted people to have about me. Oh, and also? I loved the retreat, and learned a lot from it.

Sometimes getting ahead is more than just the work. Recognizing that alone, however, is a big step!