It happens often – ‘big, empty talkers’ receiving an assignment, a promotion or a raise, and others feeling frustrated because they consider they were the ones who deserved the ‘prize’. A reaction we typically hear is “If you want to succeed in this company, it doesn’t matter if you work well or not – what matters is that you show off and schmooze with senior leadership. Well – I’m not that way. I’m not a political beast – I’m a hard worker. So I will never do those things. And I am so disappointed in this company”.
Allow us to be blunt for a minute: When decision makers decide on a ‘winner’, they normally take the person who, in their eyes, most deserves it. If somebody doesn’t get an assignment, the deciders probably thinks the party is a better option. If somebody misses a promotion, hierarchy considers the other person a safer bet. If somebody doesn’t get a raise, management argues they shouldn’t be paid more at this point.
Does this mean the work done is not good enough? Not necessarily ! But the decision makers are not sufficiently reassured on how good the person is, and there is not yet sufficient trust.
There is good news. You can get that assignment, that promotion, or that raise in the future. By relentlessly showing how good you are. How to do so? Here are 5 tips.
- Talk about achievements. Not to ‘show off’. But to inform about what’s up, and reassure seniors.
- Speak up during meetings. Just doing your work is not enough. Help discussions forward with your valuable insights.
- Develop true expertise. Being seen as a thought leader will anchor your reputation.
- Go beyond the expected. Take initiative and surprise others by going beyond the beaten track.
- Come across as being ‘in charge’. For more on this tip, read our previous post.
You know somebody who is in the above situation? Don’t hesitate to share these 5 tips with them.
Contact us if you want more info on how to develop your own or your team’s perceived leadership skills.