How to Move Up the Chain of Command

The Chain of Command

Many people who enter the workforce are excited and ready to get started. However, with all the excitement there is still a very important thing in the back of their minds and that is a career path to work and move up the chain of command. Moving into a higher position and landing into a nice spot within the chain of command is not just about getting promoted. Although, the promotion itself is a very momentous part and step of the process. But, one should make sure that they have the capacity to handle the actual role and the many responsibilities that come with the position of command. Most of the time the new position will be very different from the previous work that they were doing on a daily basis. Nonetheless, there is nothing wrong with having a desire to move up the chain of command. Here, it will be discussed just how to do that as Alexander Djerassi knows that it is vitally important for professionals to approach moving up the chain of command in a positive way.

How To Move Up

First, one should assess their strengths and weaknesses. For one to know their own positive strengths is crucial just as knowing and recognizing those things that can be counted as weaknesses. Many people are not natural born leaders with grandiose management and leadership skills. Management and leadership skills have to be taught and learned as the steps to move up are in process. Most of the time there’s a lot of trial and error to learn as going from being on a team to a position of command makes one realize it is no longer about just themselves but working with other people to get the best out of them. So, knowing what one is good at and not so good at is key.

Second, one must be decisive. Being a strong decision maker is very important as having the ability to quickly and effectively come up with solutions is a part of the daily upper chain’s work. That upper chain has to make the call and choice of which direction will be taken on important issues sometimes at a moment’s notice. This is one of those must have strengths.

Third, time is everything; therefore, one has to conquer time management. Having things in order by way of importance is another key that should be used along with knowing how to delegate. One has to know who is good at what so that delegation power can be used effectively, delegating to those who have the needed skill and expertise to handle some of the priorities is vital to managing time.

Fourth, one must cultivate strong communication skills both written and oral. Being clear on deadlines, workflow and the many other issues is key to holding a position on the chain of command.
In conclusion, Alexander Djerassi would agree that this is only a few of the many tips of how to move up but it is a start.