What are they?
A “Gold Star Project” is a work related project which you have accomplished in such an outstanding manner that your management will give you a “Gold Star” for the project – recognizing your value to the organization and improving your chances for promotion.
How did they get that name?
I first learned about “Gold Start Projects” many years ago when I worked for Procter & Gamble. I went to my new boss, Dave, and asked how I was performing. I was shocked when, contrary to my previous boss had told me, Dave said I was doing OK, but nothing special. Then I explained that I was doing everything in my job description exceptionally well. How could I not be doing a great job? He replied that I had not done any “Gold Star Projects” and then proceeded to explain just what those were (see characteristics below). I then pleaded that my entire day was taken up with fulfilling all my job duties and that I didn’t have time for these types of projects- of which I was never informed. He then looked me straight in the eye and shrugged his shoulders saying, “I’m sorry that you feel you don’t have time. You asked what you needed to stand out in your performance.” Conclusion: You must be willing to put in your personal time to make your Gold Star project “shine”.
What are the Characteristics?
Your “Gold Star” project must either explore a totally new area or must look at a explored area in a new light not see by others.
Your project must contribute significant value to your organization and be viewed as important to all levels of management, not just your immediate supervisor.
If you are to make this a “Gold Star” project, it must be of significant importance to your supervisor before you start. This will get you recognition not only from your supervisor but also from your entire management chain of command as you proceed with the project, organize it, and present it to many layers of your management.
You will want to inform upper management about this project for many different reasons:
This means that you need to organize and present the project from their point of view – what is important to them. You should even consider a strategy meeting with your supervisor on the key selling points for the project so it will be looked upon favorably. If you want to eventually be in upper management, you must start thinking like they do.
