One Cynical Thing...Lesson Two

Lesson #2: “Smart” is a relative term – the P/I/E Model of Success.??

Very early on in my career, I had a manager describe the P/I/E model of career success; performance only accounts for 10% (of success), image 30%, and exposure management 60%.?

I am no expert on the research.?Over the years, I have experienced management extol the virtue of performance, vaguely discuss exposure, and rarely talk about image.?Everyone can do “good” work, but performance alone never gets you across the finish line.?

Once an HR manager took me into her office to complement what a great job I had been doing on a particular project.?My performance hadn’t changed a single percent, but I had recently lost about 15 lbs.??

Exposure can change a reputation quite quickly.?I had one manager who, after a particularly bad performance review, allowed me to help support a conference.?The work served no other value other than being exposed to an entire group of people I otherwise would not have known.?My reputation turned around and I am still grateful for his smart, kind act.??

The further into your career, the higher the stakes. Women are judged differently than men. ?Being aware of the right mix allows you to take stock of where you are, what you are doing, and what you need to control your career journey.??