Do you network above your boss? Just re-learned a valuable lesson.

[brett_stevens]

Every time I read "networking" in this context I think "asskissing and conniving," am I wrong?

More like "distinguishing yourself from the herd."

One of the worst aspects of being a boss is that everyone has great credentials, but great credentials do NOT guarantee that someone can apply any knowledge whatsoever.

You end up learning more about people when they tell you about themselves...

 

[rudeguy]

Thanks for your kind words and great input on just what I was thinking.

Yes, networking =! ass kissing without talent

We got some sharp ass mofos in my company. Ass kissing won't go ANYWHERE if you're shitty at your job.

Doing great at your job and silent = underselling yourself terribly
Doing great at your job and know how to make yourself available to everyone = good.

That's networking.

Social skills are very scarce nowadays. If you can be friendly and helpful while doing your job, you will go far. The people who sit around and complain constantly will still be sitting there years from now.

I am very happy for you. You seem like a good person who has his head on straight. But that does bring up a question. ...


Why the hell are you here?

Congrats and enjoy. Take the Mrs out to celebrate.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

I once threatened to quit and cause the company to lose my asset if I wasn't released by someone that hogged me. I got released and got another job in the company within two days. Of course, I then spent two weeks writing documents since I knew the network inside and out and no one else did, or cared to.

 

[Printer Bandit]

play dumb and ask questions. but don't go full retard.

 

[CPA]

Good, every single fall guy before you thought so too.

lol, there wasn't another guy before me.

 

[Perknose]

It's a weird thing. I know it happens and I understand why, but I have no "up" to go to, at least that I would want. Consequently I see all the strange games that people play in social hierarchies, and it strikes me much the same as dogs peeing on trees. Congrats on getting promoted though. It's just that humans are funny animals.

My reaction exactly. :thumbsup:

 

[crownjules]

I had the same thing happen to me. My ex-boss didn't want to lose me and so he prevented me from getting promoted to a different group. I didn't know the full story until a year or so later, at which point I went from thinking he was a decent person to a scumbag.

His connections that allowed that to happen are now all gone and I'm in good with the new department management. So he couldn't do a thing when I got promoted this time and moved to another team. I'm so glad I don't have to make that jackass look good anymore.

 

[Tweak155]

How about don't let other people have any control over you? Sure you can network with people which is great, but the only person that is going to get you promoted is you. Rely more on yourself than you do other people.

 

[marvdmartian]

Um, yeah. Never be considered irreplaceable. Sort of kills any chance of promotion! :hmm:

 

[rudeguy]

Um, yeah. Never be considered irreplaceable. Sort of kills any chance of promotion! :hmm:

Beyonce. ..is that you?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

It's a weird thing. I know it happens and I understand why, but I have no "up" to go to, at least that I would want. Consequently I see all the strange games that people play in social hierarchies, and it strikes me much the same as dogs peeing on trees. Congrats on getting promoted though. It's just that humans are funny animals.

Yep, I'm done with trying to play the games too. My new viewpoint is that I'm a mercenary for hire and the company that pays the most wins. If they can't meet my salary demands in a couple of years, I'll move on. To me, it is just a job and I have better things to devote my energy too than playing corporate politics.

 

[KlokWyze]

Thanks for your kind words and great input on just what I was thinking.

Yes, networking =! ass kissing without talent

We got some sharp ass mofos in my company. Ass kissing won't go ANYWHERE if you're shitty at your job.

Doing great at your job and silent = underselling yourself terribly
Doing great at your job and know how to make yourself available to everyone = good.

That's networking.

Nope. You're still wrong.

I'm telling you, it's 100% socializing and what they think about you. You can actually be a complete asshole, but if they respect you they will automatically consider you above passive, kiss-ass type people.

Do your job, keep your mouth shut. When you do something valuable take credit for it. Don't be shy. If you make yourself available all the time and willing to do bitch work... then you will be everyone's bitch. No promotion and stuck in the same position.

 

[Linux23]

fuck all bosses.

 

[OCGuy]

Absolutely.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

All the people above my boss are assholes who have a vested interest in gaming the system. If anyone in Washington cared and really looked at what was accomplished versus the cost, the entire top half of "non appropriated funds" would be gone.