HOW SHOULD NEWBIES BUILD THEIR CAREERS? - PULLING IT TOGETHER

I began the first phase of this newsletter for the newbies of the corporate world, I had only one thing on my mind, my younger self, constantly asking me to share as many experiences as I could. Now as this phase ends, and we move towards the next level of the professional journey, let’s wrap up! Careers, if navigated systematically, are easy to crack. While performing well is an essential component of your job, creating a positive perception amongst your colleagues and managers is equally important.   

(Read to know more: Preface: How to build a successful career!)

• In large organizations, incompetent managers often put their interests ahead of the organization’s, which leads to politics. This also results in the promotion of mediocre performers while the high performers are overlooked.  
• High performers often overlook the need for and importance of relationship building as they invest 100% of their time in excelling at work. They should focus on relationship and perception management also to create the career of their dreams.  
• Success in the workplace is not only based on individual performance but also on how well one's performance aligns with the objectives of their team and manager.   

(Level up your knowledge with: WILL YOU SUCCEED IF YOU PERFORM?)

• To succeed, it is crucial to understand the manager's point of view and priorities and align your performance with the goals and objectives of the team. Focus on aligning your objectives, style, culture, and approach to that of the managers.  
• To create a harmonious career, find the intersection of rhythm, the art of managing relationships with peers and managers, and algorithm, the science of managing performance.   

(Learn More: CAREER MANAGEMENT, IS IT SCIENCE OR ART?)

• High-performance fosters engagement. Staying engaged is the responsibility of an employee as much as that of the manager and the organization.  

Steps to leverage the science of performance are as follows:   

• Set Clear Goals   
• Understand Your Contribution to the organization  
•  Access Resources and Information   
• Execute with Excellence   

• Self-Evaluation  
•  Seek Feedback  
•  Assess Impact  
•  Continuous Improvement  

(Manage your performance with this article - Managing the Science - Performance)

Managing relationships with your manager can go a long way in improving the trajectory of your career. The key points to keep in mind are:   

•  Help your manager look good and support them in their success, this improves your prospects of success.  
•  Understand your manager’s aspirations for internal and external visibility.  
• Fill in information on your manager’s behalf through formal and informal channels of communication.  
• Create a personal and genuine relationship with your manager to build rapport and mutual respect.  
• Handle disagreements diplomatically and never talk back. Rather than keeping your view in group meetings, try putting your point in one-on-one meetings.  

Managing relationships with skip managers is crucial for career advancement, especially in large organizations where visibility is low. Make sure to keep this checklist handy!   

Visit MANAGING THE MANAGER to know more.

•  Find opportunities to showcase your capabilities  
•  Handle presentations and discussions smoothly to create reliability   
•  Create opportunities to socialize, such as water cooler discussions.  
• Seek one-on-one meetings such as mentoring meetings.  
• Participate in special projects to improve visibility at senior levels.  

Peers significantly impact professional lives and contribute to success in the organization, especially in large organizations where peer review is part of the promotion process. The co-operation of peers is also important for improving performance and avoiding being overburdened. 

• Challenges of Peer Management: Managing peer relationships can be challenging, especially amidst promotions or role changes.  

Effective Peer Management Strategies:  

• Don’t Judge: If you are intelligent and a high performer, most of your peers may seem under-performing. Please avoid judging them. That is the job of your manager. If you do judge, please keep that opinion to yourself. 
• Conflict Avoidance: Show respect, give credit, and avoid negative behavior like gossip. Anything you say will travel and reach the person you were talking about.  

• Relationship Building: Foster connections through socialization and emotional support.  
• Peer Support: Offer assistance and cover for peers in challenging situations, fostering a supportive work environment. Avoid doing it frequently to minimize burnout. 

Even after you manage your peers, managers, and skip managers well, you need a godfather, an experienced individual to guide and mentor you during tough times.  

• Find at least two godfathers to help you deal with organizational politics, find a new and safe role in the company during a recession, and to help you find new opportunities outside the company.   

During the recession, take help from your godfather to find stable job positions and opportunities, even if it comes at the cost of foregoing immediate promotions. Look for roles that are less susceptible to downsizing.  

Remember that success lies in taking calculated risks. Once the storm of recession fades away, grab and seize the opportunities that come your way.   

In your career, staying with one company throughout is ideal but rare. If you feel that your current job is not what you are seeking in the long run, switch. Before switching consider the growth opportunities, learning, and day-to-day survival in the new company. Don’t be afraid to quit, knowing when to leave is an act of self-love.   

Deciding to pursue higher education is a significant decision in one’s life. Here’s an analysis that you should do before leaving your job to study further:  

• Short-term and long-term benefits   
• Career objectives   
• Nature of industry   
• The reputation of the institution and the alumni network  
• Peer network  
• Cost-benefit analysis   

Ready for the next level of your career journey?   

As we move forward to the next phase, the managerial echelon, I request all of you to share this article with your network. Let’s amplify the path to success together!   

See you on the other side of management! Until then, keep learning and stay curious!