In the world of tech finance, especially for analysts it’s not uncommon to step into a role supporting a business you have no prior experience in. When the conversation comes up of ‘how to get ahead’. This is what I offer…
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Step 1
Get really, really good at something small and tangible. By tangible I mean, work on a specific aspect of actual business execution or a specific problem your business partners are trying to solve.
Don’t start by trying to ‘Think Big’ but do keep that tucked in the back of your mind. The idea here is that becoming an expert in something really small and tangible is the thing that will allow you to eventually roll out something big - because you will know how it actually works, not just in theory.
When you are brand new to a business, working on any tangible business problem is a good way to cut your teeth but try to hone in on an activities that get repeated so that you can maximize your eventual impact. If you manage the cafeteria don’t focus all your energy on perfecting the cookie order at Christmas time. Get really good at ordering the coffee. You see what I’m saying?
Step 2
Be extremely helpful to others. Don’t hoard your knowledge or be territorial about your projects. Your superpower comes from your process and your ability to solve anything, not the scope of work that somebody else assigns to you. Being territorial effectively means that you believe your power comes from what another gives you.
It doesn’t matter which team gets assigned which projects. The best problem solvers with the best attitudes always win. They don’t need someone’s permission to get involved, people seek them to help solve the big stuff.
Engaging in politics is a complete waste of energy at best. It is detrimental in the long term.
Over the next 10 (20, 30) years your manager will change many times. What will never go away is how people feel about you. Index your time on spreading the love outwards to make other people look good without any expectation in return. Don’t squander your energy on appearances.
Politics means that somebody else controls your fate.
Being the best and the most generous outperforms politics every day.
Have some thoughts? Feel free to drop a comment or hit me up: charlie@charleskunken.com