1) Be in charge of an event: Make sure you can handle it! While busy season is busy, at many firms more events and happy hours actually take place.If you lead an event, it needs to be something you know you won’t fail at–something in which you can only look good for pulling off! To be honest, I stay away from charity. It’s hard as there is a tangible number associated with it and co-workers tend to get upset being pressured for cash.A few ideas I have used that work are listed below. Remember to invite spouses and children if you want. It doesn’t have to be “company sponsored,” just make it happen!
- Shotgun shooting (I literally did this during busy season)
- Rock climbing
- Canoeing
- Game night or Trivia at a bar
- Poker nights (although make sure not to exclude anyone, such as the softer sex)
2) Get in a room with people who matter and tell them your goals: Everyone “works hard” during busy season, but are you going to be recognized for the work you’ve done? Will you get a bonus, raise, promotion? Will you be put on the best client next year, or are you going end up working winter in the Dakotas (yes, this happened to a friend of mine!).
Figure out which people have the power to hold you back from accomplishing what you want.
Typically your coach/adviser, HR, and your engagement managers and partners.
In a friendly and forward way, ask for a meeting to get their feedback on your goals and on what’s important to you for this next year.
My favorite thing to do is line out your goals to them and ask:
“What would someone have to do this busy season for you to say, ‘there is no question in my mind, he deserves this promotion.'”?
Once they tell you what you need to do to make that promotion, BOOM, you can see the list, now it’s time to start checking off each item!
3) Ask for formal feedback at least twice a week: While this sounds like it can get annoying, it doesn’t have to be that way. Find a time when you are alone with one of those people who matter, whether it’s when you’re walking to your car at the end of the day, going out to lunch, or just sitting in a room for a few minutes, and say:
“Hey *Sally*, do you have a few minutes? I’d like to ask you a few questions.Sally: “Sure!” You: “I know we spoke a few weeks ago about some things I could do better, like X… and X… and X…, and I wanted to see how you think I have been progressing, relative to my goals (getting promoted, as you probably previously discussed with her) and the feedback you gave me.”
BAM! The stage is set and here comes the feedback.
Pro Hint: When you ask the second, third, fourth time, make sure that before you ask for this feedback you have done actionable things to address Sally’s comments from the last time you asked AND that Sally is aware of the steps you have taken.
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