I’ve been with a major news corporation for several years and know I’m doing a good job; however, one of my colleagues seems to get more responsibilities, better assignments and recently was promoted. Any tips for climbing the corporate ladder?
—Beginning to Feel Like Yesterday’s News
A: Although it’s difficult to assess your situation without a clearer understanding of your work dynamics and what your colleague may be doing to receive such plum assignments and responsibilities, we all know someone whose career seems charmed. Usually, it’s no accident. Successful people put themselves in the crosshairs of fortune and seek out new opportunities. They’re always pushing their comfort zones and finding ways to creatively solve problems and bring a fresh perspective and focus to a troubled situation. They know how to remain humble yet keep a high profile. They are collaborators who engage and inspire colleagues not only to achieve but also to exceed business goals and objectives. If you want to step up your corporate ladder, consider creating a plan for getting there that may include additional training to help guide you to take on more leadership. If your colleague is the kind of manager you admire, ask to meet for coffee and see if he/she might be willing to share some insight about how you might go about pursuing your career path. In the meantime, when there’s an opportunity you feel sure you can handle, grab it. If there’s a problem, fix it. Being brave in business is knowing where you want to go and having a plan to get you there. Taking that next step and then another to reach up to that next rung in the ‘ladder of success’ is the key.
I’m in the process of establishing a business partnership with someone I thought was a good fit. Recently, she’s scheduled a series of last-minute meetings to discuss client opportunities (none of which panned out). I was happy to rearrange my schedule the first time, but by the third time—which she unexpectedly cancelled—well, let’s say, I could use some advice.
— Having Second Thoughts
A: Although there are times when being spontaneous can bring unexpected business to one’s door, a steady diet of unexpected (and unproductive) ‘spontaneous meetings’ becomes less inviting and downright rude. I can’t imagine forming a business partnership with someone whom I didn’t consider reliable or respectful. That said, I’m not privy to her other outstanding skill sets.
You might want to put a hold on that partnership until you’re convinced that this person is a good fit. If she continues to display this thoughtless, disruptive behavior, consider how she will treat your current/future clients. Kenny Rogers said it best: You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em. Know when to fold ‘em. Know when to walk away. And know when to run.
[If you have a question for Joan, send it to business@townandstyle.com. Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant.]
