I asked seasoned co-workers for advice and best practices when I began my last corporate job, and most of them told me something like: "Try to get in front of important people."
That's the corporate suck-up code.
This wasn't my first time working for a big business. I'd seen a lot of suck-ups get promotions in the past, and I wanted to listen to those fools in a moment of weakness.
By arranging unnecessary meetings with unknown people, always saying something during meetings, pretending that you are working when you are watching YouTube videos and remaining at the office until late when you are not effective at all, you "get in front of important people."
But it didn't feel right to suck up; I just couldn't do it. They're not my style. But when people get paid for it, it's so tempting to do it.
And who would not like to be promoted? So you're being drawn in. That's why I understand why you think it's natural that people who start at businesses decide to play politics.
But it's horrible advice to "get in front of important people". Anything that is similar to that is also evil, such as "fake it until you make it," or "just network your way up." All is focused on appearances.
Thank God there's a different way to be compensated.
I've been fortunate enough to finally meet a stand-up man. In another department, he was the new VP. We met on the elevator, spoke a little, hit it off, and agreed to arrange some time to meet properly.
I thought he was very honest and optimistic, so I told him something about "standing in front of people" and asked him for his opinion.
"He said:" Stay away from the chit-chat. Get your job done. Let your findings speak for you.'
He said he had never played politics and he had never applied for a job as manager. He worked hard, his results were noticed by people, and they came to him with possibilities.
This is the best piece of career advice that I've ever received. It's nice because it's simple. And for every single sector, it works.
"Usually, large ideas are easy ideas."
But it's also hard advice for individuals to take. It's unpredictable: do your job and hope for the best. When you work hard, you get praised.
It's like when people say, "In due time, good things will come."
