If You're So Good - Why Aren't You in Charge?
I have a very talented friend, who is probably the best sales person anywhere. So why aren’t they being recognized for their work and efforts? It seems that they have chosen to work in an environment that values something other than hard work and great results. Below we list some cynical suggestions for our friend, who may not be getting the recognition they deserve! If you are in similar situation – have a read!
- Don’t be the one to share bad news. Yes, while you know this is the right thing to do – many companies still suffer from “don’t deliver bad news to the Executive team” syndrome. Unless your company is run by a guy like Ray Davis from Umpqua, who says “you won’t know what is going on behind your back if you don’t make it safe for your people to tell you things, especially things they think you don’t want to hear” – we would suggest you put on those rose colored glasses and get on the “everything is great bandwagon”.
- Don’t break process. Yes, we know you are good. But, continuing to go outside of company policy or the “way they do things around here” because you want to make a sale will not win you friends!
- Suck up. That’s right, while we know you don’t want to do it – those that that get to the top are still the ones that stroke their Managers/Bosses ego every morning.
- Produce paper. Yup, while you hate decks and think they are useless – you need to start killing more trees. Send out lots of PowerPoint decks, updates and relevant articles that you have found. Look like you are sharing with the team and working hard – it is imperative.
- Copy everyone. I mean the world. We know you think this is a waste of people’s valuable time, but you need to make sure everyone knows what you are doing – blow your own horn. Copy as many people as you can – just to show traction and, of course, look busy!
- Name drop. Huh? Yes, we know you know this is “déclassé”, but if you want people to listen, show that you know the “big cheese” and other valuable contacts and drop their names a lot. This will increase your credibility and network within any organization.
- Ask for advice. What you think you know it all – think again! You had better find someone influential in the organization and look like you need and want their advice – or value their experience/expertise!
The list above is meant to make you think! If you a Leader in an organization that promotes or encourages any of the above behaviors – you should think about building a new employee experience! As well, if you are part of a company that encourages any of these behaviors – put your resume on the street! And finally, if you are guilty of any of the above….how can you live with yourself?
Let us know what you would add to the list!
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