In front of Blackbeards in Corpus Christi.
For the longest time I have hemmed and hawed at promotion. Around 2007 I started playing the rat race game and that experience has yielded some interesting observations. Granted, not all situations are the same, and I am in no way discouraging anyone with ambitions of promotion. I just figured that I would impart some helpful advice for people wanting to promote or otherwise become a leader amongst the people they work with. In other words, use this information at your own risk, and use some common sense before giving up any aspirations for advancement.
Okay, here it goes…
Okay, here it goes…
1) Don’t become the obnoxious know-it-all.
As unbelievable as it may sound, this is often confused as being assertive. The one defining characteristic of this is the unmoving, unrelenting promoter of one’s own line of thinking. Do not become the person who makes others feel stupid and you should do just fine.
2) Don’t become a tyrant.
Yes, we all know you have wonderful ideas. Yes, we also know that you’re very specific about how you believe work should be handled, but do not under any circumstances feel that your ideas are the only ones that are important. Become the anti-narcissist. Take advice, and reciprocate in sharing ideas and be understanding and flexible with those around you. If you’re not careful, you will alienate yourself from your co-workers. Remember, hubris is your enemy, not change.
3) Stand firm to your principles.
In our world of action items, mission statements, and business plans, we often lose the innovation that comes with being an individual. Do not ever give up your ideals and principles for “the greater good” or for a promotion. If you have principles that are important to you that get in the way of advancement, then you really need to consider whether advancement is right for you. This particular character trait is crucial for lifelong happiness. Take careful observation of what you say versus what you do. If you sell yourself out for the sole purpose of promoting, your future will never be yours. It’ll belong to the people who you sold it out to.
4) You are a logical, forward-thinking person, not a pet.
I know that you’re willing to work hard to get that corner office, but you do not need to become the person who currently resides there to do so. Part of innovation is not repeating the doctrine and ideas of the people “in charge”. Never settle for the status quo, you’re smarter than that. Out-think your superiors. Unless of course, you have faith in their ideas, but that's a different story. The last thing they need is another kiss-ass, and again, if that’s what they’re looking for, you should REALLY consider dusting off that resumé.
5) Last but not least, once you’re in charge, remain human.
I know that as leaders, we have an image to maintain. An air of confidence, a nice suit, a large vocabulary, and quoting lines from the latest self-help book go a long way in convincing others that you’re in charge, but times have changed. If you really want to get your employees enthralled with you, as in, David Koresh kind of enthralled, all you have to do is one simple thing on top of the confidence air and intelligence.
Give the people you are leading not only a sense of security, but a sense of intimacy.
Talk to them, joke with them, be one with them. You aren’t just their boss, you’re their confidant. If your employees don’t feel like they can approach you, then you will have problems convincing them that you have good intentions and will have to bribe or cajole them into cooperation. This doesn’t mean you have to become a push-over, but it does mean that you have to show them that you’re confident enough to stand by your principles but humble enough to interact with them on a personal level. Just walking by in the morning and saying “good morning” isn’t enough anymore. To do better, we must expect better.
This is all I have so far guys. Be nice to one another out there. Take care.
As unbelievable as it may sound, this is often confused as being assertive. The one defining characteristic of this is the unmoving, unrelenting promoter of one’s own line of thinking. Do not become the person who makes others feel stupid and you should do just fine.
2) Don’t become a tyrant.
Yes, we all know you have wonderful ideas. Yes, we also know that you’re very specific about how you believe work should be handled, but do not under any circumstances feel that your ideas are the only ones that are important. Become the anti-narcissist. Take advice, and reciprocate in sharing ideas and be understanding and flexible with those around you. If you’re not careful, you will alienate yourself from your co-workers. Remember, hubris is your enemy, not change.
3) Stand firm to your principles.
In our world of action items, mission statements, and business plans, we often lose the innovation that comes with being an individual. Do not ever give up your ideals and principles for “the greater good” or for a promotion. If you have principles that are important to you that get in the way of advancement, then you really need to consider whether advancement is right for you. This particular character trait is crucial for lifelong happiness. Take careful observation of what you say versus what you do. If you sell yourself out for the sole purpose of promoting, your future will never be yours. It’ll belong to the people who you sold it out to.
4) You are a logical, forward-thinking person, not a pet.
I know that you’re willing to work hard to get that corner office, but you do not need to become the person who currently resides there to do so. Part of innovation is not repeating the doctrine and ideas of the people “in charge”. Never settle for the status quo, you’re smarter than that. Out-think your superiors. Unless of course, you have faith in their ideas, but that's a different story. The last thing they need is another kiss-ass, and again, if that’s what they’re looking for, you should REALLY consider dusting off that resumé.
5) Last but not least, once you’re in charge, remain human.
I know that as leaders, we have an image to maintain. An air of confidence, a nice suit, a large vocabulary, and quoting lines from the latest self-help book go a long way in convincing others that you’re in charge, but times have changed. If you really want to get your employees enthralled with you, as in, David Koresh kind of enthralled, all you have to do is one simple thing on top of the confidence air and intelligence.
Give the people you are leading not only a sense of security, but a sense of intimacy.
Talk to them, joke with them, be one with them. You aren’t just their boss, you’re their confidant. If your employees don’t feel like they can approach you, then you will have problems convincing them that you have good intentions and will have to bribe or cajole them into cooperation. This doesn’t mean you have to become a push-over, but it does mean that you have to show them that you’re confident enough to stand by your principles but humble enough to interact with them on a personal level. Just walking by in the morning and saying “good morning” isn’t enough anymore. To do better, we must expect better.
This is all I have so far guys. Be nice to one another out there. Take care.
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