Power Up, Level Up
Alright, listen up folks! If you want to take your career to the next level, you gotta be intentional about investing in your relationships with leaders above, alongside, and beyond your immediate team. It’s not just about kissing up to your boss, it’s about building a network of people who can vouch for you, throw some high-profile projects your way, and help you achieve your career goals.
Let’s break it down, shall we? First up, managing higher. You need to make it a priority to connect with your skip-level manager. Get to know them, understand their priorities, and make sure they know who you are and what you bring to the table. And don’t be afraid to share your insights and ideas — your fresh perspective could be just what they need to move the needle. Plus, building a good relationship with your skip-level manager could mean the difference between a run-of-the-mill career and a meteoric rise up the ranks.
Next, manage diagonally. This means building relationships with your manager’s peers, who are often the ones making decisions about promotions, bonuses, and other career-related matters. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket by focusing solely on your boss — broaden your horizons and make connections with people who have influence across the organization.
And finally, manage outside. Don’t limit yourself to your current company or industry. Make connections with leaders and influencers outside of your immediate circle — you never know when a new opportunity might arise, and having a strong network can give you a leg up when it comes to landing your dream job.
So there you have it, folks. If you want to get ahead, you gotta be strategic about building relationships with leaders up, down, and beyond your chain. It’s not rocket science — it’s just good old-fashioned networking. Get out there and make some connections!
