Most people in business want to be a success, but how do you become one of the favoured high fliers who seem to have the world at their feet?

Here are five tips to help you join the select band who reach the very pinnacle of organisations.

Tip #1 – Become a Protégé

Pick someone at the top of the organisation who people respect, and approach them for advice. The vast majority will be flattered to be asked and this gives you some valuable one-on-one time and also a chance to present your ideas. When a position becomes available, guess who they will have in mind?

Tip #2 – Influence effectively

The best people know how to get people to work for them. The trick is to use the right medium. If you want to maximise the probability of succeeding in persuading someone to do something for you then speak to them face to face. If you can’t do this then ring them and speak to them. If you want to minimise your chances then send them an email.

Tip #3 – List your goals and do not share them with anyone

These goals are the ones that you desire to attain the most, so regularly review them until they become embedded in your brain. Do not share them – others will decry your efforts or work actively to discourage you. You don’t need this kind of help.

Tip #4- Have a sense of humour

Bad days are inevitable so develop the habit of not taking yourself too seriously. As long as this is not overdone it shows that you are actually human.

Tip #5 – Do your own filing

Being prepared and organised. This means creating your own filing system that works for your brain. It needs to work in such a way that you can lay your hands on information and documents easily and quickly. This means faster than anyone else. Time spent hunting for such information and documents is time wasted.

With all the pressures around us at the moment, it is easy to become tired and irritable.  Do yourself a favour and try out some of these tips for a more relaxed approach to life and work.

1. Share your worries with family or friends whenever possible.
2. Try to develop a social network or circle of friends and make time to see the people that matter to you.
3. Exercise regularly – even a brisk walk at lunchtime is better than nothing.  Plan in your exercise time otherwise it won’t happen.
4. Give yourself treats and rewards for positive actions, attitudes and thoughts.
5. Don’t be too hard on yourself – try to keep things in proportion.
6. Don’t bottle things up or sit all night brooding – think realistically about problems and decide to take some appropriate action;  if necessary, distract yourself in a pleasant way.
7. Plan for the future and do not dwell on past mistakes or disappointments.  Don’t beat yourself up.
8. Relax every day and make time for YOU.
9. Learn to delegate both at work and at home.
10. Take short rests during the day and have proper breaks for meals.  Take that lunch hour (or half hour).