Section 4: Seek Out People Who Appreciate What You Do

Overview

Over the course of several years, Angela had the opportunity to work with a number of people in different groups. A few of these individuals became supportive friends who thought well of Angela’s skills, attitude, and teamwork.

She experienced the normal ups and downs in her career, but eventually she received chance to work for Frederic. Angela had mentored Frederic when he was new to the company many years ago, and he later was promoted to a position of considerable influence. He liked Angela as a person and knew firsthand from her mentoring that she had some solid experience and worked well in teams although she was quiet and under-valued by other managers.

Frederic became Angela’s best coach and adviser, and they worked well together for eight years until a reorganization took them in different directions. They continue their professional relationship informally, and they’ve acted as references for each other.

Angela was smart in nurturing the support of Frederic. She understood the value of this as an asset, not only in her happiness when working for him but in strengthening her long-term career.

One step beyond having supportive work relationships is to have people who actively support you. To do this, seek out those who are strong supporters of you. These can be bosses, co-workers, employees, or even partners outside the company.

Having identified these people, try to keep contact with them over the course of your career. In the long run, this can present you with some surprising opportunities and some degree of protection and support during times of turmoil.

When you have a chance to work closely with these people, they will tend to give you a great degree of freedom in how you approach your job. You will be given more latitude to make contributions well outside your immediate area of ownership.

Every interaction is an opportunity to create a future supporter. Chance associations can result in positive experiences. They can be built into recognition for your contributions and value. That recognition can grow into identifying new opportunities for success that can blossom into active support for you to learn and advance. Just think: every wonderful relationship began as just the smallest interaction.

And conversely, relationships wither and die if you do not nurture them. Keep in contact with your supporters. Ask how you can help them. It is well worth the investment. And, use your supporters to further expand your circle of influence.

Don't wait for someone to take you under their wing. Find a good wing and climb up underneath it.

—Frank C. Bucaro