Leadership and High Performance
It’s not what you know, but who you know... By Pieter le Roux*
In my career I have seen a number of high performing staff members fail to achieve their personal career goals because they do not promote their own brand. As a Manager you might know who I am talking about. Those silent types, diligently pounding away at their keyboard in their workstation, hoping they will be noticed. Unfortunately career advancement is not just about the quality of your work, but also about your network (the who you know). Perhaps you are one of those silent types and reading this. Here is what I have learned and what I told a young ambitious Millennial, not so long ago:
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Promote your brand
Think about it. Pepsi is not going to promote Coke as a soft drink. So it would be silly for you to hope someone else will bring your accomplishments to the attention of people who can provide you with career opportunities. Yes, I can hear a bunch of people saying: “A good leader should recognise high potential staff and develop them etc
Pieter le Roux
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etc”, but we all know management gets busy. Again, this strategy places your future in the hands of what other people may or may not do. If you hope to get recognised based on your work output alone, you may be in for a long wait. Pump your own tyres a bit. Don’t be afraid to show your manager what you have implemented, achieved or what you have in mind. Fly your flag and promote your worth and value to the business. Don’t worry about what people might think. Your real friends will encourage you and not feel threatened by your attempts to improve your position.
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Create a presence
Think of your manager. Now think of his or her manager. If you had to ask that Manager, “Do you know [enter your name here]” what do you think he or she would say? If your answer is: “Not a lot or he/she would probably not know who I am”, then you have some work to do. So where do you start? Start small if you want to. Summon the courage for a simple clear – good morning –
“Don’t be afraid to show your manager what you have implemented, achieved or what you have in mind. Fly your flag and promote your worth and value to the business.”
CREDIT MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA • July 2020
