One of the most asked questions I receive is "what does it take to climb up the ladder?"  While this is not an easy question, it can be addressed by looking at a few things you need just to get "in the game."  Compared to decades ago, the price of admission has gone up.  Organizations are now struggling to find talent.  They've quit developing it decades ago.  Now, a large portion of their talent is leaving.  US companies have gotten themselves in a big mess.  There's no better time than now to put yourself in a position to be the next leader of the pack.   

One of the items in the price of admission to the corporate game is Education.  The most highly educated generation in US history, the Baby Boomers, is getting ready to retire.  Generations following them have a lower average level of education.  Combining this with the fact the other developing countries are improving their education levels and the ease in which a company can outsource their work, you can see why high performers will find themselves in a pinch for the higher level positions if they don't have higher levels of education.  Personally, I think a Master's degree is the minimum for getting into the upper echelons.  In many companies, a Master's degree keeps people from challenging you and putting artificial limits on your abilities (or potential).

Social skills are another critical element.  You must be able to communicate up and down the ladder effectively.  If you're mostly technical, you need to be able to communicate with the business side as well.  Social skills help you break into a company's informal networks, strike deals outside the company walls and develop the higher level friendships that could prove to be the key to your success (both inside and outside).

Leadership abilities will help you establish yourself as one everyone wants to work with and follow.  You must also be able to invoke it when you need it, especially when you're around those higher level managers that think they are great leaders.  There is no room for followers at the top.  You have to be a decision-maker.  You need to be able to assess the situation, develop a plan and implement it to a satisfactory conclusion.  While there is always debate over whether great leaders are born or made, you can always improve your abilities.  However, this is YOUR task.  Noone will do this for you.

You'll also need Compassion on the way up.  If you help others become more successful, they'll follow and support you in your endeavors.  Oprah claims her success was putting herself in the service of others.  Do this up and down the ladder.  Be a great leader of people. Use your emotions to your advantage.  This energy can keep you,and others, motivated and driven.

Now, these are not all that is necessary.  It's really hard to know exactly what is required.  Much of it is due to timing or being in the right place at the right time.  However, you must be able to capitalize on the opportunity when it arises.  That's what I mean by having the "ticket to the game."  You aren't guaranteed any playing time, but you need to be ready when the coach calls you in. 

Finally, I would like to share one last thought on this with you.  This tip is probably the most important of all.  What is it you say?  You can't see it, nor can others.  But it exists.  Some will hold it against you.  Others may not know about it all. Only a few will know its truth.  The key to staying ahead of others is to actively manage perception.  There is a technique called the "Blitz" approach to getting ahead in business.  It's the easiest way to get others to help you build, modify and manage how others see you.  Most managers don't really know what their employees really do.  As you go up in the ladder, this becomes more prominent.  But....you can influence these managers through perception.  Managers will build their opinion of you from the thoughts of others.  If others are constantly singing your praises and supporting you, you'll manage to stay ahead of the curve.  Remember, if everyone always thinks your a great asset, you are.