怎样才能成为老板

While working as a spa coordinator at a luxury resort in Stowe, Vt., Laura Crandall got a sense that her boss was unhappy and thinking of moving on. So Ms. Crandall trained for her boss's job by volunteering for more work, pursuing mentorships and attending management seminars.

The effort paid off. Her boss resigned a year later, and Ms. Crandall was promoted to director. 'You have to show up and deliver,' says Ms. Crandall, who is now a workplace communication consultant. 'You can't just talk about what you want and expect to get it.'

Being the next in line doesn't guarantee that you'll be promoted, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances, such as bolstering your qualifications.

Many would-be successors are actually underqualified, says Paul Glen, a management consultant in Los Angeles. 'They just don't realize it because executives tend to have a narrow, circumscribed view of their boss's job.' Also, many No. 2s are hired to serve in specialized roles that don't necessarily require leadership skills. That's why it's important to develop the hard skills early so you can prepare for when your boss does leave.

A recommendation from your boss is the best way to land a promotion, so start earning that support by letting him or her know that you are interested in advancing -- just don't sound like you're planning a coup.

Inquire about your strengths and weaknesses so you can fill knowledge gaps with some professional development. Also request additional work that helps you build experience and allows you to manage projects from beginning to end.

Learn what your boss does by following his or her daily routine. Observe the interactions between your boss and other employees and ask to collaborate on tasks so you can gain an inside view of the job.

Go outside of your work group and talk to peers of your boss, who can offer you a companywide perspective on the management chain. Seek cooperative managers who would be willing to mentor you or at least offer advice. This can include talking to your boss's boss. Immerse yourself in industry trends so you can casually converse fluently about company issues and make thoughtful contributions during meetings.

Over all, pursue activities that increase your visibility within the company, such as volunteering for a charity the company supports. You may get noticed by board members or at least remembered by senior managers who may be tapped to make employment recommendations.

'Don't try to compete with your boss or show him or her up. You don't want to appear ruthlessly single-minded,' says Gaby Cor[aacute], a Miami executive coach.

Distinguish yourself by doing your job well and being supportive of your boss, even if you don't agree with his or her processes. Being able to toe the line can also be a valued trait.劳拉•克兰德尔（Laura Crandall）在佛蒙特州斯托镇（Stowe）的一家豪华度假村做水疗中心协调员时，觉察到她的老板不太开心并正在考虑换工作。于是，克兰德尔自愿承担下更多工作、虚心向人求教、参加管理研讨班，借此学习处理老板分内的工作。

她的努力获得了回报。一年后她的老板辞职，克兰德尔晋升为总监。如今已是一名职场沟通顾问的克兰德尔说，你必须勇于表现并做出实绩。你不能只谈你想要什么，然后就期望能得到它。

成为二把手并不能保证你将得到晋升，但你可以通过一些努力来增加晋升的机会，比如充实自己的资历。

洛杉矶（Los Angeles）管理顾问保罗•葛 （Paul Glen）说，许多未来的继任者实际上资历并不够，他们只是没有意识到这点，因为很多管理者对老板工作的理解往往狭隘而有局限性。而且，许多二把手受雇从事的是专业性职务，这种职务并不需要掌握领导能力。这就是为什么提早苦练内功很重要，因为这样你才能在老板离职时做好准备。

老板的推荐是得到晋升的最佳途径，所以现在就开始获取他的支持吧，让他知道你对事业发展感兴趣——不过也别让他觉得你在谋划抢他的位子。

向别人询问你的长处与不足，这样才能弥补知识差距，获得职业发展。你还应该要求多做一些有助于累积经验、让你能从始至终管理项目的工作。

关注老板的日常工作，了解他的工作内容。观察老板和其他员工的互动，并主动要求帮忙，这样你就能从局内人的视角来看问题。

跳出你的工作团队，和老板的同僚交谈，他们能从全公司的角度向你提供关于管理链条的看法。寻找与你合作的管理者，他们应该会愿意指导你，至少愿意向你提供建议。这包括与老板的老板交谈。花心思去了解行业趋势，这样你就能自如地交流公司事务，并在会议中提出有深度的意见。

总之，要争取参与能提高你在公司内知名度的活动，比如在公司支持的慈善组织中当志愿者。公司董事可能会注意到你，至少负责推荐工作的高级经理会记得你。

迈阿密的管理教练加比•柯拉（Gaby Cora）说，不要试图与你的老板竞争或让他难堪。别表现得像一个一门心思向上钻的冷酷之人。

要将做好本职工作和帮老板的忙区分开，即使你不同意他的做事方法。能够听命行事也是一个宝贵优点。