#BossLady: Amanda Rose reveals the five co-workers you need in our corner to get ahead

Every employee needs a Gang of Five around them at work to get ahead. See who should be in your “colleague toolkit” and why.

Every worker needs a Gang of Five in their inner circle. I call it my colleague toolkit. These are the people who can assist, guide and open doors for you in your career.

Many people mistakenly think they can start a work placement and do it all on their own. You can’t.

Everyone needs co-workers with different skill sets to them to be the best they can be. We are all just one component of a machine and we need all the parts to make it work efficiently. That’s teamwork.

Here’s who you need in your colleague toolkit:

1. THE POWERBROKERS: These are the decision makers and the gatekeepers. Some people avoid them because they can be quite intimidating, gruff or hard to access. It could be a finance guy who approves things, your boss’s boss or an executive assistant — they all have the power to open — and close — doors for you.

An executive assistant can help you access the boss’s time or block you. Picture: iStock

2. THE UP AND COMER: They are up to date with the latest tech, know what’s trending in the industry and society. Older workers can look down on up-and-comers but having them in your corner will expose you to skills you didn’t know existed.

3. THE MENTOR: You need someone you can trust to go to for guidance and to speak on your behalf when you are not in the room. This is someone you have a coffee with to check in and you know they have your back.

4. THE DOER: This person gets stuff done and is happy to help you get your work done, too. They are extremely organised and efficient. They are a godsend when you’re swamped. By the time someone else tells you they are too busy, this person will have finished it.

A long-term employee can help you learn the ropes and provide you with valuable background.

5. THE VETERAN: The epitome of all knowledge. This person knows who’s who, has wisdom, knows the ropes and can save you so much time by explaining anything you need to know in five minutes or less. They know all the different personalities and have seen people come and go. They usually have a good reputation with the board or CEO because they’ve been around so long. Definitely one to befriend.

Do you have a work query for Amanda? Email [e-mail]

* Amanda Rose is the founder of Small Business Women Australia, a key mentor and career adviser.
Visit amandarose.com.au

Originally published as #BossLady: Amanda Rose reveals the five co-workers you need in our corner to get ahead