How to climb up the ranks?
December 19, 2008 2:21 AM Subscribe
How do I develop a professional relationship with a senior executive in the business in order to move up the ranks?
Asked on behalf of a friend...
---
I work at a media company, which used to be a small business until a few months ago, when we were acquired by an industry giant. My department is now adjusting itself to the post-acquisition set up and I have been there myself for about 4 years. I started that job as a foot on the door in an industry where you can only really start by making tea...
However, my sector is made up of a bunch of really sexist, prejudiced people who don't really make me feel at ease (all men environment, but I am a guy too) , plus a boss who almost never recognizes the hard work I put in or my potential. Fact is, my qualifications mean that I could be doing a much better paid and more interesting job within the larger group. Perhaps is worth mentioning that my dept has a huge turnover, mainly due to the fact that people are underpaid, the work (technical jobs) is not super challenging and my boss is an idiot.
Fast forward to last week. We had our staff Christmas party and just before that, I had to solve a work-related problem at the new company (I have just moved to the "new" building) and I ended up getting some help from a guy who seemed to have a lot of authority.
The funny thing was, while everyone scrambled around to do what he demanded, he was quite friendly to me and we even had a little chat at the party to follow up on the issue he helped me sort earlier that day and we chatted a bit. He told me to feel free to ask any questions or come to him if I needed help on anything.
When I asked my boss who the guy was, he said the aforementioned person is pretty high up in the business (board level) and that he is a real asshole, I didn't want to be on his bad side, that he could fire anyone he desires in a fraction of a second, etc etc. Almost as a recommendation along the lines of "you should avoid him"...
Thing is, the guy was quite nice to me. He didn't need to come up to me at the xmas party to chatter (he wasn't drunk) or even spend his time helping me with my issue. I suddenly realized that I could take this opportunity to start relating to more senior decision makers in the business and perhaps get a better position for myself.
Now, how do I go about this? How do I connect with this guy, who works in business development, to gauge ways to move up the corporate ladder? Any ideas appreciated. Thanks!
Asked on behalf of a friend...
---
I work at a media company, which used to be a small business until a few months ago, when we were acquired by an industry giant. My department is now adjusting itself to the post-acquisition set up and I have been there myself for about 4 years. I started that job as a foot on the door in an industry where you can only really start by making tea...
However, my sector is made up of a bunch of really sexist, prejudiced people who don't really make me feel at ease (all men environment, but I am a guy too) , plus a boss who almost never recognizes the hard work I put in or my potential. Fact is, my qualifications mean that I could be doing a much better paid and more interesting job within the larger group. Perhaps is worth mentioning that my dept has a huge turnover, mainly due to the fact that people are underpaid, the work (technical jobs) is not super challenging and my boss is an idiot.
Fast forward to last week. We had our staff Christmas party and just before that, I had to solve a work-related problem at the new company (I have just moved to the "new" building) and I ended up getting some help from a guy who seemed to have a lot of authority.
The funny thing was, while everyone scrambled around to do what he demanded, he was quite friendly to me and we even had a little chat at the party to follow up on the issue he helped me sort earlier that day and we chatted a bit. He told me to feel free to ask any questions or come to him if I needed help on anything.
When I asked my boss who the guy was, he said the aforementioned person is pretty high up in the business (board level) and that he is a real asshole, I didn't want to be on his bad side, that he could fire anyone he desires in a fraction of a second, etc etc. Almost as a recommendation along the lines of "you should avoid him"...
Thing is, the guy was quite nice to me. He didn't need to come up to me at the xmas party to chatter (he wasn't drunk) or even spend his time helping me with my issue. I suddenly realized that I could take this opportunity to start relating to more senior decision makers in the business and perhaps get a better position for myself.
Now, how do I go about this? How do I connect with this guy, who works in business development, to gauge ways to move up the corporate ladder? Any ideas appreciated. Thanks!
Perhaps consider shooting the guy who helped you a very brief thank-you note, telling him you appreciated his help and hope he has a happy holidays (full stop). Then leave the ball in his court. Try to refrain from pushy and most of all pandering. Some SE's might appreciate that behavior, but trust me - you don't want to be that guy, with this SE or anyone else. Work hard, be courteous, and look out for others around you. The rest will work out on its own.
posted by allkindsoftime at 6:18 AM on December 19, 2008
posted by allkindsoftime at 6:18 AM on December 19, 2008
Find out who works for him and see if you can find excuses to collaborate with them on projects. This will result in either
A) an opportunity to be noticed by the big cheese
B) eventually working for someone who works for the big cheese.
Also, assume he is an asshole until you know better. Your boss may be speaking from experience. that doesn't mean that you shouldn't work to develop the relationship, though
posted by Pants! at 7:21 AM on December 19, 2008
A) an opportunity to be noticed by the big cheese
B) eventually working for someone who works for the big cheese.
Also, assume he is an asshole until you know better. Your boss may be speaking from experience. that doesn't mean that you shouldn't work to develop the relationship, though
posted by Pants! at 7:21 AM on December 19, 2008
« Older How to add unwashable letters to a coffee mug? | How do I get my two and a half year old daughter... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
People always tend to respect those that are honest with facts and figures to back up why they have the ability to complete a task or even move up the ladder so to speak. If I were you, be sincere in your desire about the company and when the opportunity presents itself to speak more with the senior, come from a position about understanding where the company stands and the direction it wants to go.
Much like going on date for the first time, the key is to listen, respond and make good and/or interesting points. It helps a lot to be honest about where you are coming, i.e. the desire to move up. Demonstrate the basics and the reward will be ever more trust, resulting in what you what.
posted by Funmonkey1 at 4:02 AM on December 19, 2008