Here’s some advice for employees who want to get ahead.

1. What could someone 2-3 levels below you do to earn your respect?

Ask the right questions in a meeting, and you’ll earn my respect. Lots of people want to show off how much they know, but few people listen, think and inquire. Those are the truly valuable people.

2. What could someone 2-3 levels below you do to get time on your calendar?

If you want time on my calendar, come with a solution to a real problem our business faces. Those are the employees who will make a difference, and they deserve my time.

3. What could someone 2-3 levels below you do to get budget approved for an initiative they are proposing?

If you want your budget approved, come prepared with actual proof that what your doing is important and the budget is necessary to get the job done. Real data backing up your words speaks volumes. Anyone can say anything, but data doesn’t lie.