Relationship is not a ticket to a promotion. Not anymore.

Hello all,

Today, I am going to take you to the world of how relationships are not a sign of promotions, and an easy life at work. I still remember the old saying: “If you need to get a good job in your company, you must have a connection”. This type of statement is not valid anymore. And if you don’t agree with me, you are living in a different world.

Those days are over. Companies are taking a more professional approach in terms of recruiting and developing talent. Also, Human Resources are playing an important role to identify opportunities for people to get promoted. And I am big fan of a structured and organized HR department, that are willing and committed to take care of their employees.

 I also agree that relationships are important, and I am sure you want to keep it, but, if you are thinking it will take you somewhere, please grab a chair and sit down, because you are going to get tired of waiting.

You have to change your mind from the “friendship” game to a different word: “PERFORMANCE”. If you perform and bring results to the company, don’t worry, your chances to be successful are quite high. Then, if you also have that “relationship”, it won’t do any harm. It can actually help.

Now, if you are not a strong performer, why would someone take a risk on you? Just because you have some kind of relationship? I don’t think so.  And, if, by miracle, it does happen to you or someone you know, watch out. Sooner or later, they will realize the performance is not there, and you are “over”. The consequences are not so good. And then you will look for your so called “friend”, but he/she is not there anymore. You become an easy target.

So, back to the politics. One thing is to be well connected and be aware of what is happening around you. There is nothing wrong about that. You always want to be on the right side, or at least, neutral. Let the “big boys” take care of themselves. Once you get to that level (if you are not there already), then you will learn how to dance the music. Again, and again. Strong performer. Low profile. That’s my style. Our actions and results will speak by ourselves.

The political game inside a company is the same as the government. It can be shifted at any time. My advice to you is very simple. Don’t get into unnecessary battles. Be smart when picking the battles. I’ve seen people losing power in a matter of days.

I never got involved in these political games. First, I am type of person who tries to get along with anyone (as long as you don’t try to stab me from behind). Second, I never got a position or a promotion because of “relationship”. It was always work, work, work. Maybe, because of my mindset, in the past, I’ve lost a couple of opportunities. Not anymore. If I am performing well, I am sure I have a fair chance to compete for any position I believe I am capable of performing.

At least, it is my way of thinking. Now, if you have experienced something completely different than what I’ve just wrote at your company, please share with me (or maybe you are too scare to do so), because I want to make sure, if one day, I leave my company (and I hope it is not anytime soon), I won’t apply for a job at your place. That’s for sure.

Take care

Disclaimer

This post is not related to author's employer and the information posted by the author does not necessarily reflect company opinions, being the author the solely responsible for them.