Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
Starting with my experience as an executive recruiter and now to guide people in successful roles and careers, one thing I have learned from the people I work with is that managers usually do a great job of touching the employees’ self, thus giving them false sense of security and expectations.
“I saw you on the fast track.”
“I think you are the best person I have.”
“I will take care of you.”
Managers and leaders give people a false fantasy that they are important to the organization and that they are important in their careers. Therefore, they may be surprised to find that their job security is a little more complicated than the manager’s idea.
I’ve been working with a guy a few years ago and he’s been told that his work is excellent, his future is guaranteed, and that everyone thinks of his world. Arguably, when the deck was knocked down and appointed to a new role, he was shocked to find himself sent to Siberia to enter the organization’s career and died upon arrival. All these friendly words, all the highest is meaningless.
Here are five mistakes I see many people make:
No one above your direct manager knows your job and your performance. We can joke, “If a tree falls into the woods and no one hears it there, will it make a sound?” Of course, it makes a sound, but no one knows it. The same is true for your job. No matter how good it is and how meaningful it is, you can’t see the real decision makers.
You make internal and external networks convenient. A farm needs raising, and so does your network of relationships. The Internet not only exists with former colleagues and friends. They are with the people you positively influence within the company, your mentor, your former manager, and the people you have lunch with.
You behave like you owe. In all sports, players with large contracts can be eliminated or cut if their performance does not meet the contract received. Many people live on past successes and expect to pay and advance for them. Unfortunately, many successes and impacts happened many years ago. No one cares about what you did when President Obama took office. Your company has no debt to you. They pay fairly for your service. There is no simple commitment to make: “We hire you to do the job and will pay you a salary.”
You left the driveway. Being an “assistant” may feel good, and everyone goes for advice on how to do something or how to accomplish something. But every interrupt you allow, every time you give them an answer without figuring it out on your own, they distract your work, thus distracting your work. I know I made this mistake, allowing both experienced and experienced people to ask for advice on handling the situation, which has helped me get rid of what I actually hired. Agreeing to agree occasionally is one thing. It was another matter to put a note on the sticker, which said, “Ask me anything.” I became that person!
You’re also very happy. You never speak when you feel for granted. Encourage you to “leave it all” or “become a team player” rather than “swing boat.” I will never recommend you lose your temper at work, but it is important to practice one word regularly: “No.” Because everyone else is docile and compliant, there is more power behind the word “No”. Choose to fight, but don’t be afraid to speak out loud.
Instead, wherever you live in an organization, it’s like the sun rising and emitting your opinions is the secret to professional suicide. Eventually, a new sheriff enters town by car and someone will hear their ears and your enemies cooperate to take you out. While working with others, there is an art while keeping your professional integrity separate.
You are the chairman of the board of directors for your life. You have a board of directors, you are (your husband, wife, partner, child) and they are twice as many shareholders. Sometimes you need an external consultant or consultant to help you drive different obstacles in paths you don’t see because like everyone, you have blind spots.
Usually, it is too late to get this consultant/mentor/coach involved when the problem is encountered. After all, you missed the signal along the way, causing the problem to fade and explode. With someone who can play a role or someone who can be important throughout your career. Take time to make regular signatures. Whether you are an entry-level employee or a senior leader, the best time to build a relationship with this person is five years ago. The second best time is today.
You don’t have to figure it out yourself. After all, every great athlete has a coach who can help them succeed. Every great artist has a team of people around to help them develop their careers. Luck and talent may play a role in it. But there are many talented people who will never get to where they want to go. Don’t hesitate. Develop the team around you to help you support you for the long term.
ⓒMajor Game Hunter Company, Asheville, North Carolina, 2018, 2025
