The workplace is a hostile environment, a dog eat dog world.  Whilst you may get along well with your colleagues, there will undoubtedly be a political undertone, as everyone struggles for their share of the power and decision-making.  At the end of the day, you're just another competitor, and it's up to you to make your mark on the management to secure that chance of promotion.  In this article, we take a look at some of the best ways to perform within any organization which will allow you to progress to a management or more senior level at a faster pace.

Before beginning to progress within an organization you need to take a step back.  Figure out if there are management posts available, and how frequently they are promoted from the inside.  Recognize your individual strengths - what are you good at that makes you worthy of excelling into the upper echelons of management?  If you can't think of anything, or the opportunities simply aren't there you're probably better off leaving and finding another job.  Without the opportunities, there's no motivation, and motivation is an essential element of success.  Once you've found your perfect location, it's time to start rocketing through the ranks.

Look around your workplace to see who gets noticed by management currently.  The worst thing you can do is to fall into a rut of working hard at your job without variety - this'll burn you out, and leave you feeling utterly disheartened.  Get out there and become more proactive.  Propose systems of operating, make suggestions for how your job can be more efficiently carried out, and make a noise about it.  Don't let anything slip by - bring everything you do to the attention of a senior to help you on your way.  Those who appear to be constantly making improvements and those who appear to be very competent will be the first to get promoted.

Volunteer for extra work.  Anybody want some overtime? You do.  You have to be the first one in and the last one out every single day, all the while attracting attention to your hard work ethic.  Additionally you should take the time to establish yourself as an indispensable asset by finding a particular specialist area.  Whether it's forging personal relationships with clients, or doing all the work of a certain type you will cement yourself in place as a vital component in the workplace.