1. Created by Gayle Howard Top Margin (c) 2003 Lateral Moves: Is this place really so bad? Do you really want to leave your job? Perhaps you just need to look within.

2. Created by Gayle Howard Top Margin (c) 2003 “Intrapreneurship” No need to leave the security of your present organization! “Intraprenuership” works by being observant, seeing what is wrong, working out what you can do to fix it, and then “selling” your ideas to people of influence— altering your own job description little by little to something that gives you satisfaction, and adds value to your employer. Ask yourself these questions: What is everyone complaining most about? What can I do to fix the problem, or ease the issue? Who is an open-minded mentor in this organization who will listen to my ideas? What can I do to make sure I can take ownership of my idea and see it through? What talents do I have to contribute to implementing “change”?

3. Created by Gayle Howard Top Margin (c) 2003 Going up the ladder  Make an appointment to speak to the personnel department about your career.  Become occupationally mobile: Influence your manager on the importance of multi-skilling to learn other people’s jobs, become more productive and give yourself a “big picture” vision.  Study gazettes and noticeboards. Observe the wording the vacancies use for higher positions. Find out about them. Understand what other people do.  Keep your ear to the ground. Be political, and know what’s happening. Don’t be the last to know.  Find a mentor

4. Created by Gayle Howard Top Margin (c) 2003 Same Job, Different Place  Like the job but the people leave a bit to be desired?  Like the job, but the manager is less than adequate? If you work for a state, national or international company, think about a transfer to another branch, department or division.

5. Created by Gayle Howard Top Margin (c) 2003 Take on a short term assignment They help by:  Offering opportunities to be seen in a new light.  Enhancing your profile in the organization, exposing you to new people  Developing new skills for upward mobility  Short term roles can be a secondment, a study grant, job sharing, or research.  You could become a union rep, a health and safety officer

6. Created by Gayle Howard Top Margin (c) 2003 Whatever you do….  Don’t stand still! There comes a time when you need to stop complaining and start taking action!  Think about what you want, lay the foundation for getting it, and think positive.