4 ms·

This analysis resonates with my experience. It also (somewhat) correlates with the Peter principal [0], people get promoted to their level of incompetence. Tha

This analysis resonates with my experience. It also (somewhat) correlates with the Peter principal [0], people get promoted to their level of incompetence. That said, I still remember “the rules” my High School math teacher told me about “Corporate Life”: 1. Be able to do your Boss’s job 2. Make sure you have someone that can do your job 3. Dress/act the part of your boss 1. Is important because the best way to prove you can do the role is to actually do it. If you can “step in” while your boss is elsewhere, it proves your ability. 2. Conversely, if you don’t have anyone that can take over your role, you are “stuck” especially if your role is critical 3. As mentioned in the article, your boss/their management needs to feel like you will be able to represent them appropriately. If they have any doubts, there is no way you will get the opportunity to prove you can. [0] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/peter-principle.asp https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/peter-principle.asp

taneq 7y ago
I can see 3) coming across negatively if your boss feels like you’re treading on their toes, which could be career limiting.
- gondo 7y ago
  also 2) can be dangerous as there will be someone to replace you and make you redundant
  - taneq 7y ago
    True, but if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
    - grawprog 7y ago
      Or take a day off sick.
    - mandeepj 7y ago
      > True, but if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted. Not exactly true. If you can't find a replacement internally (or when there is a conversation about your promotion) then do an external hire
      - aerophilic 7y ago
        While nice in principal... that adds friction to your ability to be promoted. Usually someone promoted someone into a role to fill a specific need. If you need x months before you can cut over, that decreases your ability to fill any but the longest term needs. If however you can leave almost at a “drop of a hat” because you have someone that can fill your spot, then the moment the org has a need you can fill, BAM you fill the need. Much lower friction.
- aerophilic 7y ago
  To clarify: it is really about “dressing/representing the part”. His original advice was simply to wear what your boss’ wears, but I modified it slightly to get to his intent. You need to show that you can “represent” your manager as well as he/she would. So it isn’t about pretending to have authority you don’t, it is about handling yourself in a way at least as good as them. Examples: don’t wear a t-shirt and jeans to work if they alway wear a coat. Also, watch how they respond to questions. How do they communicate to those around them?
jbverschoor 7y ago
That's some really good advice. Your highschool is worth more than an mba
DEADBEEFC0FFEE 7y ago
I can relate to a lot of this. I was made redundant yesterday, and in the year that I had I was not effective at managing up or sideways, and many of my resources were allocated to other managers. In fairness, I was not impressed with my manager. My role was new and he did fuck all to promote it, set objectives, give guidence or make sure there was something meaningful I could deliver. Other manager didn't know what my role was, and circumvented me often using their old relationships. When the restructure came I was easy pickings.

taneq 7y ago

I can see 3) coming across negatively if your boss feels like you’re treading on their toes, which could be career limiting.

gondo 7y ago
also 2) can be dangerous as there will be someone to replace you and make you redundant
- taneq 7y ago
  True, but if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
  - grawprog 7y ago
    Or take a day off sick.
  - mandeepj 7y ago
    > True, but if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted. Not exactly true. If you can't find a replacement internally (or when there is a conversation about your promotion) then do an external hire
    - aerophilic 7y ago
      While nice in principal... that adds friction to your ability to be promoted. Usually someone promoted someone into a role to fill a specific need. If you need x months before you can cut over, that decreases your ability to fill any but the longest term needs. If however you can leave almost at a “drop of a hat” because you have someone that can fill your spot, then the moment the org has a need you can fill, BAM you fill the need. Much lower friction.
aerophilic 7y ago
To clarify: it is really about “dressing/representing the part”. His original advice was simply to wear what your boss’ wears, but I modified it slightly to get to his intent. You need to show that you can “represent” your manager as well as he/she would. So it isn’t about pretending to have authority you don’t, it is about handling yourself in a way at least as good as them. Examples: don’t wear a t-shirt and jeans to work if they alway wear a coat. Also, watch how they respond to questions. How do they communicate to those around them?

jbverschoor 7y ago

That's some really good advice. Your highschool is worth more than an mba

DEADBEEFC0FFEE 7y ago

I can relate to a lot of this. I was made redundant yesterday, and in the year that I had I was not effective at managing up or sideways, and many of my resources were allocated to other managers. In fairness, I was not impressed with my manager. My role was new and he did fuck all to promote it, set objectives, give guidence or make sure there was something meaningful I could deliver. Other manager didn't know what my role was, and circumvented me often using their old relationships. When the restructure came I was easy pickings.