Do you know how to get ahead? Most people want to know this, especially since success is a goal worth achieving. But what’s the answer? These tips may help.
“Getting along with others is the essence of getting ahead, success being linked with cooperation.” – William Faulkner
How to Get Ahead: Achieve Success Getting Along with These Tips
Advice on how to get ahead is everywhere. Much of it is genuine and offers wise tips. However, sifting through the sources can be overwhelming in finding the one tip you need – when you need it. Could there be something more fundamental to getting ahead? How about getting along with others? Besides, that’s a leadership trait essential to success, right?
However, for those who struggle with their game face, here are some tips on how to get ahead by getting along with others.
Be the Real You That You Want to Portray
If you don’t feel real, try faking it to start. This doesn’t mean you outright lie to others, but smile and say something nice. “Have a great day” may be overused, but it’s still a good, safe comment. Besides, hearing those words may perk up someone who needs acknowledgment, and that’s always a good thing.
The Goal:
What you’re trying to achieve here is portraying yourself as you want to be. Take the initiative to be a success. If you want to be admired and respected by others, display these traits yourself. Besides, others will likely see you as confident, knowledgeable, and a good communicator if this is how you present yourself.
Use Your Best One-Liners
Another tip on how to get ahead involves meeting new people, which requires a good opening line. Keep a list of the good one-liners and comments you’ve used before, especially if you’re trying to establish friendships.
- Besides, friendly, innocuous statements are always acceptable. So, choose the ones you’ve before:
- When meeting others
- Leaving the office or a get-together
- Passing by them at the market and other places
- At sporting or recreational activities
- Interacting with others at your child’s school
- When interviewing for a new job or position
They’re worth saving if they worked before to allow you to enter a conversation or gracefully exit. Besides, they’ll come in handy the next time you’re at a loss for words and feel like you should be saying something nice.
How to Get Ahead: Imagine Something Funny
The concept is familiar, even if you’re not a stand-up comic. Think of the other person doing something funny. An old saying says everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time. This saying probably applies to rich or poor, old or young, no matter who you are.
- So, imagining that person doing something funny will break the ice if you are having difficulty getting along with someone—a co-worker, a neighbor, or a friend.
- Besides, it will at least make you smile, and that may be all you need to interact on a more genuine level.
See What You Have in Common
While you might think you are miles apart from having anything in common with someone you know you need to establish a working relationship with, try thinking of what you do have alike.
- For example, you both work at the same company.
- Or do you live in the same town?
- You both like espresso from the local coffee shop.
- Your favorite color is blue, and so on.
- Hiking is your favorite pastime.
Finding commonalities is fundamental to bridge any divide and facilitate cooperation on projects and tasks.
How to Get Ahead: Listen Attentively and Show Respect
Most people have a lot to say and want to be heard. After meeting someone new, listen and let them talk after the initial greeting and casual comments. This is especially crucial during difficult dialogues.
In addition, be respectful. This trait is highly admired and appreciated and will help you get ahead by getting along with others. Furthermore, it will significantly assist you in having deeper and more authentic connections.
Practice to Get Ahead
If you find it challenging to be outgoing, you can’t expect to nail this overnight. It helps to practice before a mirror or with someone you trust, like a family member, loved one, or friend.
- Try simple conversation starters and general but friendly statements to see how you do.
- Also, remember your body language. Loosen up and take deep breaths so the oxygen flows. This will put you at ease and reduce stress.
- Furthermore, your words will sound and feel more natural.
