“Picky dresser” = little person who compulsively insists on picking their clothes at the expense of reasonable timing, style or reason.

If you’ve ever dealt with a “picky-dresser” under the age of 7, you know what positioning looks (and sounds) like. You know this apparently “little” person will emphasize the distinguishing features of the outfit of their choice for the day, and how said (strange) outfit may give them super-powers to actually behave well that day. You also know that they will not quit until they have promoted the merits of mixed color socks and shorts in the dead of winter…and actually gotten their way, at the expense of your sanity, and whatever ounce of patience you had left for the day week…

I happen to have one of those “picky dressers” at home. And after the initial aggravation and (failed) attempts at tipping the parenting scale to my advantage (did I mention it failed), what I quickly realized is that there’s more to learn than to lose here.

Standing out at work, or in the school yard, or against your parents’ will  is less a matter of being picky than making the choice to strategically position yourself. Not just to stand out from your competition or put your unique qualities on display, but also and most importantly to show that you’re ready for the next level in your career.

1. Ask: Any “picky dresser” will tell you that unless you ask for it, you won’t get to wear mismatched socks with unicorns on it. And that applies to getting the promotion too. It took me a few years to understand this concept. As many others in the corporate arena, I believed if you work hard, you will get what should rightfully be yours, the promotion, the perks, and the extra coffee to boot. And while this may have been and may still hold true in certain corporate environments, there are many more factors involved in one’s career advancement, one of them being asking for what you really want out of your career.
2. Build Your Case: Have you ever witnessed a first-grader defending their picky clothing choices? If you have, you know they will pull any imagined trick out of their young “brain bags” to come up with the most plausible explanation as to why it would be against any common sense to wear normal clothes. My first grader told me she should get to pick her clothes because when she does, she keeps them clean which creates less laundry which in turn allows Mommy to write on her computer. Didn’t I tell you these little people are too smart for their own good? And they always win…In the same way, learn to build a solid case for you and your career. Argue your position, and always show that at the end of the day, you are an asset to your team and company. Never fail to tell your manager why he/she should invest in you, and how your contributions can help her/him shine!
3. Do the best you can, right where you are: Whenever my first grader consciously starts picking up after herself or does her chores exceptionally well, I know she’s after something. Likewise, if you’re after a promotion or particular opportunity at work, start with doing your current job exceptionally well. Why would your manager consider you for advancement if you’re not hitting high marks with your current responsibilities? And why would Mommy allow you to show off your mismatched socks with unicorns on it if you haven’t picked up after yourself, done your homework, and vehemently argued to stop the parental discrimination against “all pink” wardrobes?

If you’ve been wondering how to position yourself for career success, look no further than the picky dresser next door. Ask for what you want, build a solid case, and hit all high marks as you perform your current responsibilities.

Have you or will you be applying these tests to your own career? Please chime in the comments below.

Love,

The Corporate Sis.