Lecture 33

Exerting Control on Outside Environment

Important tips to control external environment Manager sees performance as a measure of potential, not potential as a measure of performance. Appearing physically fit is a part of success image. Make your gestures project self-assurance and purpose. Make positive assertions such as “This is a demanding assignment and I welcome the challenge”.

Important Communication Tips Avoid five self-defeating communication behaviors: Talking too fast which makes what you say seem unimportant Talking too much or giving more details than others want. Being too critical, or passing judgments about others. Being too self-critical or too revealing about your own inadequacies. Displaying weak body language or using a weak tone of voice.

Exerting Control Over Environment Develop a Flexible Career Path The Traditional Career Path The Horizontal Career Path Have an Action Plan to Reach Your Goals Achieve Broad Experience Be Visible Find a Mentor Manage Luck Balance Your Life

Develop your Network Skills Developing a network of contacts is the most favored approach to career advancement. People in your network can help you get promoted, solve problems and can serve as customers and suppliers. A recommended approach to networking is to keep a list of at least 25 people whom you contact at least once a month, even by e-mail. A substantial amount of social networking also takes place on the Internet. Cyber networking includes newsgroups, mailing lists, chat rooms and e-mail.

Dealing with Hidden Barriers to Advancement

Dealing with Hidden Barriers to Advancement Concern exists that many women as well as men are held back from high-level promotions by the glass ceiling, an invisible but difficult-to-penetrate barrier to promotion based on subtle attitudes and prejudices. To overcome these barriers, patience is recommended because barriers to advancement are eroding slowly. As women and minorities gain experience in line positions, the glass ceiling might be shattered. A subtle barrier to advancement many hard-working, talented people face is that they are considered too good to transfer or promote by their boss. The manager wants to keep that key player in his or her department. Networking with higher ups can facilitate being transferred. Another strategy for overcoming barriers to advancement is to enthusiastically apply all of the approaches learnt earlier.