Jobs Coach Gives Advice On How To Save Your Career Without Leaving Your Job

Most people think the holiday season is about downtime. But contrary to popular belief, if you really want to get ahead in your career, it’s actually one of the best times to make it happen. How do you do that?

Darcy Eikenberg knows, and she is happy to share her secrets with your viewers. She is author of the new book ‘,’ and one of the top career coaches to high performing professionals all over the world.  for more information.

• Take advantage of the quiet time: The holiday season is notorious for employees taking time off and things running slower. Use this downtime to have deeper conversations with your colleagues or talk to senior managers who you may not normally see. Not all of the C-suite takes off this time of year, and they are generally more accessible. It’s the perfect time to build you relationships with them.
• Show up at all company holiday related events: If your company is looking for volunteers to staff the local soup kitchen and feed the homeless, offer to help. If the company is throwing its annual holiday party, show up. Being good at what you do is one thing. To get ahead in your career, you must show that you care, participate in outside activities & represent the company well, and be a spirited team member. There’s no better way to get noticed than rubbing elbows with the CEO outside the office.
• Express your gratitude: It is the season of giving thanks. Whether you work directly for the executive team or hardly know them, let them know how thankful you are for your job. You don’t have to shower them with expensive gifts, either. A handwritten note that expresses your sincere gratitude is the simplest and most effective way to do it. Not only will it help you standout, it’s also the right thing to do.
• Be focused on next year: While your colleagues are out sitting on a beach someplace warm taking it easy, start planning for the coming year. I recommend you hit three key areas: 1. Your own professional goals for next year. 2. Your department’s goals for next year. 3. What you would like to see the organization accomplish in the coming year. Share your outline with your own supervisor and if possible, get in front key decision makers with your insights.
• Reconnect where you’ve lost touch: The holidays give you a perfect reason to send an email, make a phone call or even send a snail-mail greeting card to people in your network who you haven’t talked to lately. Often, we feel awkward “warming” these contacts back up during the year, so a reach-out during the holiday season can hit the reset button and help you get back in conversation with them again.
• Make a little time for yourself: Even though putting in some extra effort during the holidays can be beneficial for your career, it’s only fair that you take some time for yourself. The best employees, whether entry level or executives, know the importance of resting, relaxing and recharging in order to be at their best. You deserve this time to unwind, and it will make you that much better when you return.