Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind if you’re not at least working to get ahead? That’s the way it is at some workplaces. But even if the emphasis on promotions where you work is a little softer, you need to know how to shift gears should the right opportunity suddenly arise. You never know when some plum assignment will fall off the tree and land in your lap. Besides, the longer you stay in a job — and master it — you almost owe it to yourself to reach for the next rung on the ladder.

So here’s a 10-point plan to help start you on your way. Even if you’re not committed to moving up the corporate food chain, making these your habits will help you become a better-rounded employee.

1. Become a leader and lead others, because your co-workers could be working for you one day.
2. Arrive at work before before your supervisor’s boss 90% of the time.
3. Stay at work longer than your boss 100% of the time.
4. On casual Fridays, dress more professionally than your peers.
5. If you don’t know the subject 110%, stick a cork in your mouth and take the cotton out of your ears.
6. When new trends come along, study them — so people will recognize your good ideas.
7. Don’t wait for formal evaluations. Evaluate yourself each month and ask the boss for feedback and direction.
8. If everyone else is shooting down my idea, stick by your guns if you’re convinced you’re right.
9. Never accept, “That’s the way we’ve always done it” as an excuse or reason.
10. Reputations follow wherever you go — so don’t be a whining, gossiping, bad influence on your co-workers.

Tags: idea, leader, promote