Today I'll do a thread on some things to avoid when you're in formal employment, based on personal experience. Perhaps it can help someone especially those with less professional experience. Let's gather a good audience, retweets will be appreciated.

1/. Promotions at work are beyond qualifications & performance. Most times it gets down to small things like the quality of your relationships with others. Get people on your side especially those with a voice on tables where such decisions are made. Hint, identify such people &

seek them out. If you can, get a mentor in such circles, they provide an extra voice and they'll sell you beyond what qualifications and performance will.

2/. Most times, people think bosses are fully responsible for one's career progression. No. They just facilitate the process, you own the process and the outcome. When you do your annual performance targets, ask your supervisor what may look like a simple question but it'll make

them commit. Try this, you can say; boss, I have always been interested in the role of Head of Sales, what qualities and performance do you think can get me to that position? This will make your intentions known & your boss will feel obliged to tabulate what it'd take. Ensure

this is included in your targets. See, bosses are like parents, imagine a parent who gives a child a task and the child completes that task, each time you see the child, you get reminded of your commitment to reward their work. That's what that seemingly simple question does.

3/. People who succeed in the workplace are usually multi-talented. To get to this level, take interest in what happens outside your department. If you are in Corporate Banking for instance, why not take interest in what your Chief Risk Officer does to review the Credit

applications you submit to him/her for approval? This way, you'll add another skill to your CV, Credit Appraisal. This will position you for a role in that department if a vacancy comes up. Hint; always look for volunteer or short-term assignments outside your department.

4/. A workplace is a battle ground. Sadly, everyone wants to get ahead. Don't get too comfortable and think people love you. If you can, avoid being overly open with peers especially on matters outside work. Further, its good to pursue friendships with people at the same level

but that adds little to your career progression. If you can, create a portfolio of friendships. Have in there all sorts of people with different levels of experience & competencies. It adds value to your body of knowledge in the long run. Hint; participate in cross functional

activities.

5/. Know that, at work, everyone meets the minimum requirements for the job, that is why they got hired. To remain relevant, you have to create your own niche and command that space. If you are not around, your absence should be felt. Hint; identify what you are good

at and perfect that skill e.g you can be good at excel, sales, credit collections, relationship mgt etc. This will set you apart.

6/. Being loud is good, especially if you know your work. Whenever you think you've excelled at something, claim the credit. People have to know, it

speaks for you in the long run. Don't be humble about your achievements.

7/. Lastly, naturally, people are defensive. They love protecting their space. So, don't come out like you're competition even when you know you are. Possibly, make them feel superior. Humans love power, &

if they feel they're above you, they are most likely going to teach you stuff. This presents a learning opportunity for you. When you learn, you can then seek to stand on your own & aspire for something else.

Own the process! Be gently aggressive about your career.