Fast Track Projects - MAC088

When it comes to career advancement, some projects have a bigger impact than others.  How can you make sure that you're associated with the projects that give you the best chance at success?

When you look at the types of projects that are undertaken within your organization, four key types will garner the most recognition and opportunities for advancement.  This week, I'll take a look at what these project types are.  Next week, I'll cover what you can do if your assignments don't fall into one of these four categories.

The type of project that is going to have the biggest impact on your career is going to be those that are most closely aligned with the organizational strategy and goals.  The bigger the goal, the bigger the impact; projects tied to team goals, won't have nearly as big of an impact as one tied to departmental or company goals.  But, regardless of the level, when the project is tied to a goal, your leaders will have a vested interest in the success of the project.

Another impactful project type is a cross-functional projects.  These projects give you an opportunity to expand your network (https://www.managingacareer.com/29) and expand your sphere of influence (https://www.managingacareer.com/70).  While the project may not be aligned with YOUR organization's goals, it very likely aligns with the goals of the other organization.  Your leadership will usually be made aware when you make significant contributions to these cross-functional projects.

Most companies are in business to make money.  It is never a bad thing when your projects directly drive revenue or on the flip side when your project reduces expenses.  People will take notice when you are responsible for the improving the bottom line.

If you're looking for a project type that is high-risk / high-reward, look for projects that are in trouble.  Joining a problem project and turning it into a success will allow you to gain a lot of trust and leeway.  Just be careful because it can be difficult and stressful to try to live up to expectations that you can swoop in like Superman for every project in the future.

The common thread in all four of these fast track project types is that they all provide an opportunity for you to be more visible to leadership.  You can enhance this visibility by documenting the project outcomes and how your involvement lead to those outcomes.  Review Episode 044 (https://www.managingacareer.com/44) for how to communicate the VALUE you provided and not just the activities you performed.

The other way to increase the impact that a fast-track project has on your career is to build your network of champions.  Use the success on these high-impact projects to bring the project sponsors into your personal cheering section as covered in Episode 052 (https://www.managingacareer.com/52).

Not every project will fall into one of these fast-track categories.  Next week, I'll cover what you can do when you find yourself in that situation.

Is there a career development question that you would like for me to answer on an upcoming episode?  If so, go to the ManagingACareer.com website and drop me a note via the Contact form (https://www.managingacareer.com/contact/).  If you would rather, you can leave me a voicemail through your computer by clicking the button on the right.

Are you looking for a career coach? If you reach out to me via the contact form, I will arrange an introductory session where we can talk about your career goals and how I can help. If we're a good fit, we can schedule regular coaching sessions.