EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Executives’ roles are akin to those of generals in the army; executives must position themselves in such a way as to gain both the bird’s-eye view, and the worm’s-eye view, enabling them to see what’s unfolding in the trenches.
Why you might not have the high visibility that you presumed:
If you’ve been promoted into a management position within an organization that you’re very familiar with, it would seem as though your level of visibility into corporate thinking and politics would be very clear. But in reality, what’s really happening on the frontlines may be more distant to you than ever before. When insiders join the ranks of management, insider challenges can arise for a variety of reasons. Here are a handful of highlights that can help you get a handle on them.
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You have a shadow. Others within the organization may know you as ‘the HR guy who blew off problems’ or may have other fixed ideas about your persona. To remedy this issue, as you assume a new role in your organization, reintroduce yourself. Promote your new vision. Show that you’re thinking in new ways.- The vote of confidence. You might have had a huge vote of confidence from everyone around you, but in making an unpopular decision, suddenly employees start chattering behind closed doors (or on private Slack channels). One CEO explains that he avoids disappointing allies by striving to make at least 80% of employees happy with decisions.
- Colleagues, competition, and commitment. Did other internal candidates interview for your new role? Colleagues who weren’t selected for the position may attempt to undermine you for their own gain. Seeking out these individuals and getting them onto your side is key to your success and that of your organization.
Discover additional insights into obtaining greater visibility into your organization right here.
