I’ll share a story of having someone in the top management as your “god father” can change the course of your career.
Flashback to 2012: I got a job in one of the biggest financial institutions, The place was massive, teeming with 12,000 souls, and honestly? I was scared shitless.
Thoughts of screwing up and getting the boot in week one haunted me. The corporate culture was like an intricate dance I hadn't learned the steps to. There were times I felt like a fish out of water, trying to understand the unspoken rules and the subtle nuances of office politics.
Enter my manager. The guy took a shine to me from our first chat. This wasn't some fairy godmother act; he saw what I brought to the table. He wasn't just a manager; he was a mentor. He'd drop nuggets of wisdom, like "Always listen more than you speak in meetings," or "Remember, everyone's replaceable, but make yourself unforgettable."
He paraded me around to the big shots - Finance, Audit, Legal, IT, the works. His message? "Need something? This is your guy."
That move? It was like being handed a corporate superpower I didn't even know existed.
I nurtured those connections, doing solid favors and being discreet. There was this one time when a juicy piece of gossip landed in my lap. It was the kind of info that could've made me the talk of the department. But I STFU.
My reputation was worth more than a few minutes of fame.
Being the HR guy who wasn't just another face in the crowd? Priceless. They treated me like I was part of their elite club. The perks were insane. I had access and privileges that left others scratching their heads, wondering if I was some undercover VP.
But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. With great power came great responsibility. I had to tread carefully, ensuring I didn't step on any toes or get embroiled in departmental feuds. My "godfather" once told me, "Stay neutral, stay valuable."
Being in this privileged circle wasn't just about the perks. It was a crash course in corporate strategy, leadership, and decision-making. I was privy to discussions and decisions that shaped the company's direction, giving me insights that most employees could only dream of.
But here's the most important thing: I never forgot my place. These big shots? I respected the hell out of them. No buddy-buddy act here.
So, if you're looking to make your career easier, find your godfather. Seek out those who see your potential and align yourself with them. Learn, grow, and most importantly, give back as much as you get.
Of course, being so close to the top had its challenges. There were whispers, side glances, colleagues who thought I had it easy. But I knew the truth: with great privilege came great responsibility.
So, if you're looking to make waves, here's what you should be doing for starters:
Forge those relationships.
Be the guy who does favors.
STFU. Loose lips sink ships.
Give the heads up when it counts.
And for the love of god, don't be a social retard.
'And for the love of god, don't be a social retard.'
But how though Mish
I live in an African country where I feel, the only way to be social is to learn to hold my liquor and go bar hopping.