Here’s a good run down if you ever wondered how Big Wigs do it. Over the years, I have carefully studied the many CEOs and Editors-in-Chief I have worked for and took heed as to how they moved up and seized the reigns. I have been LUCKY to have worked for the best of the best in each and every position I have held. Here is an overview of the simplicity of it all.
1. They are talented. Big wigs are big wigs because they have talent. They are either great salespeople (not just actually selling a widget, but being able to talk the talk and walk the walk), very brilliant, and/or are just good at what they do. Talented people are recognized. They are rewarded (unless of course, they can’t speak, dress appropriately or do something against the law).
2. They are connected. Big wigs have connections. Their rolodexes are full of people that they can call immediately to either get advice, ask a favor, or strike a deal. All big wigs know how to work a room full of people. They know how to keep track of the people they meet, write notes about them, stay in touch with them, and use these people when they need to (not necessarily in a mean manner). Connections are KEY to all big wigs. All Big Wigs have a close relationship with someone in the press, a banker, an investment bank, and their own circle of friends. This goes back to chat and hum (my words for networking), but connections basically cut out 80% of the hard work if you have to start from scratch. I mean really, if it was as easy as just picking up the phone to call and get an instant connection and within weeks a deal…wouldn’t we all be on the road to success?
3. They are lucky. Many Big Wigs (if you ask them) will tell you that they were in the right place at the right time. They will tell you that luck was on their side. That Mr. BLAH BLAH got fired and they got his/her job and it was all luck and of course, ehem, hard work. I have always felt that I had to work super super hard for what I have, but it has been met with luck EVERY SINGLE TIME. The time I met Bettina on the train…that was luck. She scored me a great job at Philip Morris. I interviewed at Rolling Stone and my then-boss said that I reminded him of his college girlfriend…luck. That boss got fired and I got his job…great timing. Then I went off to Hachette Filipacchi where that very week, my predecessor left and took another job; his job was open…luck/timing. Whatever it was, I was definitely in the right place at the right time.
4. They do the right thing 99% of the time. Most big wigs have an assistant and they get their assistant to:
- Buy signature gifts (a quality gift from a solid brand store) for their employees or colleagues:
- Promotions
- Deaths
- Births/Adoptions
- Weddings
- They always send notes to:
- New Employees
- Engagements
- Promotions
- They always:
- Return All calls
- Are generally kind and nice to all people (think a national politician who can make you feel like a million dollars)
- Come off sincere
- Plan ahead (ehem, retirement plan)
5. Big Wigs have good self-esteem; they are vocal and not shy. All big wigs step up to the plate when they have to. They are not shy about voicing their opinions and DO grasp solid opportunities when presented.
Jocelyn@SiderRoad.com
International Brand Architect and Office Politics Strategist