A Parting Shot
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Dr J’s passing observations about the real world.
I have spent a lifetime as a practicing manager and student of the business environment. After much reflection I have found the following are pretty much universal truths in the management world.
1. At the middle management level and above, things get done, people get recommended and promoted based on networking.
It will be very difficult to move up or get things done if you can’t/won’t network. Being an introvert is easy, but you will pay a price throughout your career. The opposite of networking is not working.
2. Yes, your professional image matters a lot.
Here’s one very subtle reason. No manager wants to recommend someone for promotion that could be an embarrassment. They may be very bright and capable but that stringy hairdo, tattoos, various piercings, polyester outfit, flip-flops, and a million other examples of lack of attention to image detail are frequently deal killers.
3. Do not flash the Masters Degree badge.
You know you have it, they know you have it don’t shove it in anybody’s face.
4. You have to know how to market yourself.
Product: You have to know what you are bringing to the party in the way of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Price: You must know what you are worth in the market place.
Promotion: Network, network, network
Place: Many promising people miss great opportunities because they never think of relocating to another area, state, or country. Your dream job awaits you if you have the guts to find it.
5. God and Management will get you if they want you.
You cannot operate in the business world with impunity. Develop a reputation for arrogance, dishonesty, untrustworthiness, screwing your colleagues, and various other character flaws, and sooner or later a lightning bolt will come out of the sky. Trust me on this one.
6. Your
Dr J’s passing observations about the real world.
I have spent a lifetime as a practicing manager and student of the business environment. After much reflection I have found the following are pretty much universal truths in the management world.
1. At the middle management level and above, things get done, people get recommended and promoted based on networking.
It will be very difficult to move up or get things done if you can’t/won’t network. Being an introvert is easy, but you will pay a price throughout your career. The opposite of networking is not working.
2. Yes, your professional image matters a lot.
Here’s one very subtle reason. No manager wants to recommend someone for promotion that could be an embarrassment. They may be very bright and capable but that stringy hairdo, tattoos, various piercings, polyester outfit, flip-flops, and a million other examples of lack of attention to image detail are frequently deal killers.
3. Do not flash the Masters Degree badge.
You know you have it, they know you have it don’t shove it in anybody’s face.
4. You have to know how to market yourself.
Product: You have to know what you are bringing to the party in the way of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Price: You must know what you are worth in the market place.
Promotion: Network, network, network
Place: Many promising people miss great opportunities because they never think of relocating to another area, state, or country. Your dream job awaits you if you have the guts to find it.
5. God and Management will get you if they want you.
You cannot operate in the business world with impunity. Develop a reputation for arrogance, dishonesty, untrustworthiness, screwing your colleagues, and various other character flaws, and sooner or later a lightning bolt will come out of the sky. Trust me on this one.
6. Your