6 Biggest Lessons I Have Learned Working In The Corporate World

When growing up, most of our dreams revolve around being the best in school, getting into a recognized university, graduating at the top of the class, getting into the job market, and thriving at our careers.

This picture has been painted for decades. While it has been true, the job market is radically changing.

At a recent career development training, a young lady approached me after the training. Her name is Alice.

Alice is a fourth-year student at one of the public universities in the region. She is studying her bachelor’s degree in marketing. She’s a top student, and for the longest time, she’s been eagerly waiting to graduate and join the job market.

Three months ago, Alice’s father was fired from a job he had held for 12 years. This came as a surprise to everyone in the family. When Alice asked her father why he had been let go, he simply said: “That’s how corporate works.”

Alice did not understand this. She wanted to understand what she can do to succeed in the corporate world –which she is soon set to join.

The corporate world operates under its own set of rules. Over the years, I have seen professionals succeed while others fail. These successful professionals adhere to the rules of the corporate world.

What are these rules, and how can you use them to thrive in your career?

I have compiled a list of important yet unspoken rules, and how you can use them. Here they are;

1. Your value is tied to your performance

We once interviewed a professional who’d just been let go a couple of months earlier. While talking about his experience, it was evident he was a top performer at his job. When I asked him why he was relieved from his previous job, he told me he hadn’t met his quota for two months.

He was fired, despite the fact he was one of the best performing employees in three years. Two months of low performance, and he was fired.

This is the reality of the corporate world. You’re only as good as your performance.

To succeed in the job market, you constantly have to look for new avenues of growth. If you have targets that have been set for you, set others for yourself that are higher. This ever-growing technique will ensure you’re ahead of the curve at all times.

2. People are after what you can offer them

In any setting, friendship is important. We are social beings, and having someone to share with and walk together can help you in life.

However, not everyone is your friend in the corporate world. Most professionals will only befriend you because of what you can do for them.

When you’re in a position of influence, you’ll attract professionals to your circle. After the benefits you offer end, the professionals will quickly disappear.

When making friends in the corporate world, be cautious of people’s intentions.

3. Know when to disagree with your supervisor, and when you shouldn’t

Today, most companies advocate for everyone to have their voices heard. Speaking up shows you have an independent mind and are willing to voice your opinion.

However, there are times when you shouldn’t disagree with your supervisor or the management. For example, if you’re the type of person who’ll disagree with your supervisor every time, you might be perceived as though you’re undermining their authority.

Emotional intelligence will help you know when to speak up, and when you shouldn’t. Moreover, with emotional intelligence, you’ll know the best way to voice a concern.

For example, instead of disagreeing with your boss at a meeting, you can approach them later and explain your concerns to them.

4. You should never tie your self-worth to the company

This is perhaps one of the biggest lessons I learned. One day you’re working, the next, you’re given a pink slip.

I have seen professionals who go into depression when they are fired. This should never be the case; your self-worth should be tied to all aspects of your life.

It’s almost certain one point or another, you’re going to fail. If you view your life as more than just an employee, you’ll have an easier time getting back on your feet.

Remember, even if you’re fired today, the organization goes on, and so should your life.

5. Connections are key in the corporate world

In some cases, if you excel in your role, you can get promoted. However, this is rarely the case. There are colleagues who are performing the same –if not better, than you.

What will give you that edge over the other professionals? It all boils down to who you know.

Take opportunities to interact with, network, and build relationships at work. Build relations with both your peers and management.

A few years ago, we placed a young gentleman at a manufacturing company in an entry-level position. Eight months later, we met at a networking event, he was now the manager in his department.

There were colleagues who had worked there for years, but he ended up getting the promotion. When I asked him how he did it, he told me he interacted with his bosses any chance he got. He requested if he could tag along on meetings and operations.

Eventually, the management saw the skills he had, and when promotion time came, he was top of mind.

Create meaningful networks both within and outside the organization. When a position opens up, the people within your networks will notify you.

6. You’re either learning or you’re rusting

There’s a lot to learn in the corporate world. At first, you want to ensure you know everything about executing your role. Next, you should start eyeing leadership and management opportunities or looking outwards for a job where you can grow your career. After this, you should start eyeing senior management positions.

When Alice was talking about her father, she mentioned he had held the same job for 12 years. This is an indication of career stagnation.

If you want to grow, don’t be content with clocking in and out every day. Look for ways to advance in your career.

For example, one of the key skills a leader needs is effective communication skills. If you wish to hold a management position, you should learn how to speak with confidence.

To ensure you’re continuously learning, write down your short and long term career goals. Then, research on the skills –both technical and soft, that will help you achieve your goals. For instance, what skills does a manager need? Once you know these skills, then look for a way to learn them. I advise taking short courses as they are targeted to a particular skill, and have proven effective.

At the end of the day, recognize that every field has rules that can help you succeed or fail. Learn these rules and create a strategy to propel yourself.