Tony (name changed for confidentiality reasons) was a high performing senior executive. He came to me for coaching because in spite of great performance he was somehow not able to get promoted and rewarded as per what he deserved. I saw that while Tony was great at his job, he was poor in managing his relationships vertically.
Do you believe that simply being a top performer guarantees career success? It’s time to rethink that notion! While excelling in your role is pivotal, genuine success in your career hinges on more than just performance. It’s about creating resonance with the leadership and being recognised in the right circles. That’s where the influence of relationships comes into play, both horizontally and vertically within the organisational structure.
Many individuals thrive in cultivating horizontal connections but falter when it comes to fostering vertical relationships. Building these vertical relationships is an art, and there are three strategic steps to master this craft:
1.Collaborate with Your Boss:
Form a mastermind with your boss. Aligning your goals with theirs is a powerful strategy for personal and professional growth. Building a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with your superior can significantly impact your career trajectory. Helping your boss with his/her responsibilities by going the extra mile and making your boss look good in front of his/her seniors makes a difference. Be empathetic towards your boss, understand his/her challenges and keep an eye on opportunities to share his/her responsibility and assist your boss. Winning over your boss is essential.
2. Address Leadership Pain Points:
Pay close attention to the needs and challenges faced by the leadership team. Position yourself as the solution they are seeking. Becoming the go-to problem solver will not only elevate your value within the organisation but also establish you as an indispensable asset. If the top management leadership team are working on a major project, offer your assistance. Keep your immediate boss informed and after his/her approval, share your contribution. The project can be related directly to your work area or it can be an area where the leadership team needs additional help.
3. Visibility is the Key:
Your exceptional work needs to shine brightly. It’s imperative that the leadership team is aware of and acknowledges your contributions. Your visibility within the organisation is crucial for career advancement. Make sure your efforts and achievements do not go unnoticed. When clients and stakeholders talk good about your work, it creates a positive impression about you. There needs to be genuine efforts towards winning this kind of appreciation. Recommendations on LinkedIn are also helpful.
Mastering these strategic moves will take you beyond the realm of mere performance. It’s the key to ascending the career ladder toward resounding success!
Are you ready to step into the limelight of career stardom?
In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, the essence of career success goes beyond being outstanding in your role. It’s about building alliances, providing solutions, and ensuring that your efforts are not just effective but also seen and appreciated by the right individuals within the organization.
Let’s move beyond being just performers and pave the way for our careers to take center stage in the game of professional success.
Did you find these inputs helpful ? What are your thoughts? Would love to hear your comments below.
Best wishes for a successful career !!
Sarabjeet Sachar
Seasoned Career Coach, Founder & CEO, Aspiration
P.S : Let’s chat for 1:1 Career Coaching