Working for a company with a mission you believe in is a must, especially if you’re looking to advance your career. According to a study featured on ScienceDaily.com, those who are aligned with the goals of their employer are those who quickly climb the corporate ladder.

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis worked with employees from a for-profit and a nonprofit organization. They found that those who believed in the thrusts of their respective institutions were most likely to gain influence than their peers.

“The people who emerge as leaders are more than just the nice guys. They are the ones who embrace the mission and values of the organization,” study co-author Stuart Bunderson, PhD, notes.

However, the benefit only extends to those who are truly aligned with their employers. Those who fake it and those who are not invested in their company’s vision get left behind the race.

(Photo by Janne Moren via Flickr Creative Commons)